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 2026 to 01 January 2027.

The celebrations kick-off on 29 December with the much-loved Torchlight Procession. The procession of street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers will start at the Meadows, before weaving its way through the city’s historic Old Town.

For music to get the party started, on 30 December, there’s the Night Afore Concert which takes place in Princes Street Garden’s Ross Bandstand. Against the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, it offers an unmatched night of Scottish music.

The party really get underway on 31 December. For young party-goers, dance the afternoon away at the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club, and when evening kicks in, the tempo ramps up with the Hogmanay Ceilidh Club. Experience live ceilidh action with two dancefloors and an impressive feast of music.

For a more tranquil, traditional experience, head along to St Giles’ Cathedral for the Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Then, get ready to dance into the New Year with Concert in the Gardens. Past performers include Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys, Pulp and Wet Leg. And, of course, the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party will welcome 45,000 revellers into Princes Street, to party their way into 2027 with friends old and new from around the world, all counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment. It’s an occasion not to be missed.

01 January, New Year’s Day, will see a packed programme of free events for young and old. The return of the First Footin’ culture trail will welcome artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre. For young revellers, Sprogmanay offers a bumper afternoon of music, arts, and crafts for all ages, plus the traditional Family Ceilidh event.

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Discover other things to do in Edinburgh this Hogmanay

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Traditional Hogmanay customs best enjoyed in Edinburgh

In Scotland, we have lots of time-honoured traditions relating to Hogmanay, the term used for New Year’s Eve.