Hogmanay

When: 31 December each year, with multi-day events around New Year.

Where: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - citywide events centered on Princes Street and the Old Town.

Cost: Most headline events are ticketed; there are free public vantage points for the fireworks but official street-party tickets often sell out.

Don’t miss: The midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, the torchlight procession and the New Year “Loony Dook” dip at South Queensferry.

Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year that has grown into a major organised festival in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It blends old customs such as first-footing and ceilidh dancing with large-scale concerts, street parties and community events across the city.

The atmosphere is loud, friendly and party-focused: the organised street party on Princes Street features live bands and DJs, a torchlight procession lights the way into the city before midnight, and a dramatic fireworks display is let off from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. Smaller ceilidhs, family events and the famously eccentric Loony Dook in South Queensferry round out the three-day programme.

Hogmanay takes place in December with the main celebration on 31 December; the festival typically runs across the last days of December and into 1 January. The torchlight procession usually happens the evening before New Year’s Eve, the street party and concerts peak on 31 December, and the Loony Dook swim is held on New Year’s Day morning.

Expect the busiest moments around 22:00 - 00:30 on 31 December when crowds gather for Auld Lang Syne and the castle fireworks; many ticketed events run across the two preceding or following days.

The nearest international airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in Edinburgh, about 8 km west of the city centre with regular trams, buses and taxis into town; Edinburgh Waverley station links the city by rail to the UK. Most Hogmanay events are in the city centre around Princes Street and the Old Town, so arrive at least a day early and book accommodation and event tickets well in advance.

• Edinburgh is very cold in December: layer up with a warm, windproof coat, hat and waterproof shoes because you will be outside for long periods.
• Tickets for the main street party, torchlight procession and official concerts sell out months ahead; buy official tickets early and bring e-tickets/ID.
• Expect security searches and stewarding at entry points; travel light and leave precious items at your hotel.
• Use public transport - roads in the centre close and taxis are scarce on the night - and allow extra time for journeys and bag checks.
• If you want to join the Loony Dook, check the official event page and register or book if required, and bring a change of clothes and a towel.
• Learn the basics of Auld Lang Syne and follow local directions from stewards and police to stay safe in dense crowds.