A blue coloured firework going off in sky above castle and street.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Nothing is quite like New Year – or Hogmanay as it’s known in Scotland – and Edinburgh does Hogmanay better than most with a multi-day festival to celebrate the changing of the year.

Generally regarded as the most important Scottish holiday, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay dates back to 1993 and has evolved to become one of the greatest outdoor celebrations of New Year’s Eve in the world.

The four-day festival will run from 29 December 2025 to 01 January 2026

From the much-loved Torchlight Procession – a spectacular sight of street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers weaving their way through the city’s historic Old Town – to the world-famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party, with live bands, DJ’s and street theatre and fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, it’s an occasion not to be missed.

Crowd of people holding flaming torches.
© Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Crowd watching a bright red firework go off in sky.
© Hogmanay Tartan Zone

The Hogmanay Concert series features two concerts this year – Concert in the Gardens, featuring Wet Leg, who are set to rock Edinburgh into 2026, with a night of infectious anthems, brash guitars, heavy beats and unbridled live muscle, to 10,000 revellers beneath Edinburgh Castle. Night Afore Concert will feature a DJ, special guests, family funfair and a warming zone. Scottish folk rock stars Peat & Diesel are headlining this year’s concert joined by Scottish accordion sensation RuMac, kick-starting Hogmanay 2025 celebrations in style with an unmatched night of Scottish music. Previous headliners and artists have included Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys, Calvin Harris, Biffy Clylro, The 1975, and many more.

For a more tranquil, traditional experience, head along to St Giles’ Cathedral for the Candlelit Concert and hear St Giles’ Cathedral choir. Or for something more upbeat, try their Family Ceilidh and Sprogmanay event which offers an exciting programme of music, arts, and crafts for children of all ages.

©Roberto Ricciuti – Concert in the Gardens
Young girl wearing angel wings and holding a wand sitting on the shoulders on an adult. She is in a room with other people.
© Robin Mair – Sprogmanay

Sign up to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay newsletter to be the first to hear announcements of this year’s programme.

Discover more about Edinburgh’s festivals

Edinburgh has a jam-packed festival schedule all year around. Whether you love the arts or are mad about science, there’s a festival for you.

Explore our guide to Edinburgh’s festivals
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