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 Festival 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 2023 to 01 January 2024.

The four-day festival will run from 29 December 2023 to 01 January 2024. The celebrations kick-off on 29 December with the 30^th anniversary of the much-loved Torchlight Procession. In partnership with homeless charity, Social Bite, 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 Disco Party which takes place beneath Edinburgh Castle, and will headline Internationally acclaimed ABBA sensations, Björn Again. While the Assembly Rooms will host the Night Afore Hoolie. Backed by his big Caley Soul Band and joined by special guests, Blue Rose Code will be treating party-goers to an unforgettable hometown show.

The party really get underway on 31 December. Get ready to dance into the New Year with the Concert in the Gardens, which this year will headline cultural icons, PULP. The world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party will welcome 40,000 revellers into Princes Street, to party their way into 2024 with friends old and new from around the world, all counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment.

Also on Hogmanay, the Tartan Zone on Waverly Bridge will present a night of foot stomping music from across Scotland. For lovers of classic disco music, there’s the Disco Zone. Hosted by Silent Adventures, enjoy a giant outdoor Silent Disco with tunes from across 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, alongside the biggest floor fillers from a host of DJs throughout the night.

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, the Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town will offer a feast of fun family activities. Keep up to date on all upcoming events and book tickets on Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.