Edinburgh Hogmanay
Edinburgh's Hogmanay: A world-renowned New Year's Eve festival featuring street parties, concerts, and spectacular fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full Hogmanay experience
Edinburgh Hogmanay
Best Time
Full Hogmanay experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edinburgh's Hogmanay: A world-renowned New Year's Eve festival featuring street parties, concerts, and spectacular fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
"This 2023–>2024 New Year's Eve in Edinburgh was one for the books! This was our second Hogmanay celebration and it continues to live up to the hype!"
Book Tickets Early! :ticket:
Hogmanay events sell out fast. Secure your tickets for the Street Party, Concert, or other events months in advance.
Dress for the Weather :cloud:
Edinburgh in winter is cold and potentially wet. Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Party Extravaganza
City Centre
Dance the night away with live music and entertainment culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the castle.

Torchlight Procession
The Meadows to City Centre
Witness thousands carrying torches, creating a mesmerizing river of light through historic streets.

Concert in the Gardens
Princes Street Gardens
Enjoy performances by top artists in a stunning setting, leading up to the midnight countdown.
Princes Street Fireworks
Princes Street Gardens
The iconic midnight fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle is a breathtaking spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Early for Hogmanay
Weather Preparedness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets Early! :ticket:
Hogmanay events sell out fast. Secure your tickets for the Street Party, Concert, or other events months in advance.
Dress for the Weather :cloud:
Edinburgh in winter is cold and potentially wet. Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Public Transport is Best :bus:
Driving and parking in the city centre during Hogmanay is challenging. Utilize public transport or taxis to navigate the city.
Arrive Early :stopwatch:
For the best spots at the Street Party or Concert, arrive well before the start time to navigate crowds and security.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets Early! :ticket:
Hogmanay events sell out fast. Secure your tickets for the Street Party, Concert, or other events months in advance.
Dress for the Weather :cloud:
Edinburgh in winter is cold and potentially wet. Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
Public Transport is Best :bus:
Driving and parking in the city centre during Hogmanay is challenging. Utilize public transport or taxis to navigate the city.
Arrive Early :stopwatch:
For the best spots at the Street Party or Concert, arrive well before the start time to navigate crowds and security.
Stay Hydrated & Fueled :water_wave:
Bring your own water bottle and snacks, as options can be limited and expensive within event areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a world-class New Year's Eve celebration, lauded for its spectacular fireworks, vibrant street party, and unique traditions like the Torchlight Procession. Attendees praise the electric atmosphere and the unforgettable experience of welcoming the New Year in Scotland's capital. However, some visitors find the crowds overwhelming and note that the cost of tickets can be high.
"We had our wedding here in August. Kimberley, Euan and the rest of the team were absolutely incredible. So friendly, kind and professional from start to finish. Any ideas we had it was no bother and they went above and beyond for us. Any questions we had Kimberley would always answer and nothing was too much hassle. We always left any meetings or emails at ease and excited. We decided to go for the BBQ Buffet for our meal and it did not disappoint, it was so good and guests still compliment it to this day! We used some of the SKYbar a decor and some of our own decor and the team made the room look unreal each phase of the day. The day itself ran so smoothly and the best day of our lives, we can’t thank you all enough for helping create the most magic day! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
photos by @photoswithpaige"
robyn adams
"I attended an event here on Friday night. The space was lovely, food was great and the staff were superb. Special shout out to Jordan and Natalia who had fantastic customer service - thank you!"
Elinor Bell
"Lucia and Donnie, Erin, Lily
The best customer service I've experienced! The most lovely bartenders and the cocktials were 10/10 100% recommend!! Cant express how much these guys made out experience a million times better!"
Erin Page
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edinburgh is well-connected by train and has an international airport (EDI). For travel within the city during Hogmanay, public transport like buses and trams are recommended, though services may be affected by road closures.
Road closures are extensive during Hogmanay. The city centre becomes very busy. Walking is often the easiest way to get between nearby events, but be prepared for crowds.
Driving into the city centre is not recommended due to significant road closures and limited parking. Consider parking at a park-and-ride facility outside the city and using public transport.
Lothian Buses operate extensive services, but routes and times will be adjusted due to road closures. Check their website for specific Hogmanay service information. Trams also run but may have limited access to certain areas.
Yes, park and ride facilities are often available on the outskirts of Edinburgh. This is a good option if you are driving into the city and want to avoid central traffic and parking issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for official Edinburgh Hogmanay events, such as the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens, are typically available through the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay website. Bookings open well in advance.
Tickets usually go on sale in the autumn, often around September or October. It's advisable to sign up for email alerts from Edinburgh's Hogmanay to be notified as soon as they are released.
While major events like the Street Party and Concert require tickets, there might be some smaller, free public viewing areas for fireworks or local pub events. Check the official Hogmanay schedule closer to the date.
A Street Party ticket typically grants access to the main party area on Princes Street, featuring live music stages, street performers, and food vendors, culminating in the midnight fireworks.
It is highly unlikely that tickets for major events will be available on the day, as they usually sell out months in advance. It's essential to purchase them beforehand.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Hogmanay is a vibrant, energetic, and celebratory atmosphere. Expect large crowds, live music, street performers, and a palpable sense of excitement as the city welcomes the New Year.
Princes Street offers prime views of the fireworks over the castle. Other elevated spots around the city can also provide good vantage points, but be aware of crowds.
While the Street Party and Concert can be very crowded and late-night, there are often family-friendly events earlier in the day or on preceding days, like the Torchlight Procession. Check the official schedule for family-oriented activities.
Various food and drink vendors are usually present at the Street Party and Concert. Expect typical festival fare, with options for Scottish specialties. Bars and restaurants across the city will also be open.
Due to the large crowds, there are significant security measures in place, including bag checks and visible security personnel. Be patient and cooperate with staff.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Torchlight Procession at dusk offers dramatic lighting. The fireworks at midnight are a must-capture. Also, consider capturing the festive street scenes and the illuminated castle.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the crowds and fireworks. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots, but be mindful of space in crowded areas. A fast aperture lens is beneficial for low light.
Use a tripod if possible, set your camera to manual mode, and experiment with shutter speeds. A longer exposure will capture light trails. Aim for a clear view away from obstructions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require accreditation. Always be respectful of others' space when taking photos.
Views from Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, or even some elevated points in the Old Town can offer stunning perspectives of the castle, especially when illuminated.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Traditions of Hogmanay
Modern Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh have evolved significantly, particularly since the mid-20th century. The city now hosts one of the world's largest New Year festivals, blending ancient traditions with contemporary entertainment. The Torchlight Procession, a relatively recent addition, has become a spectacular visual representation of this blend, with participants carrying torches through the historic streets, echoing ancient fire festivals. The scale and organization of Edinburgh's Hogmanay have cemented its reputation as a premier global destination for ringing in the New Year.
Navigating the Edinburgh Hogmanay Events
The main event on December 31st is the Street Party, a massive outdoor celebration on Princes Street with multiple stages featuring live music and entertainment. This is followed by the iconic Concert in the Gardens in Princes Street Gardens, showcasing major musical acts. Both require separate tickets and are known for their high energy and large crowds. The culmination of the night is the breathtaking fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle at midnight, visible from many parts of the city.
Beyond these headline events, there are often other activities like the Loony Dook (a New Year's Day dip in the freezing Firth of Forth, though not in Edinburgh itself, it's a popular nearby tradition), and various indoor parties and ceilidhs. It's crucial to check the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay schedule for the most up-to-date information on events, timings, and ticketing requirements, as well as any potential cancellations due to weather, as noted in some past instances.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit