Edinburgh Hogmanay, City Centre - Image 1
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Edinburgh Hogmanay

4.2
·264 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dec 30th - Jan 1st

Full Hogmanay experience

CrowdHigh
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Edinburgh Hogmanay, City Centre - Image 1

Edinburgh Hogmanay

Best Time

Dec 30th - Jan 1st

Full Hogmanay experience

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.2
(264 reviews)

"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!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Party Extravaganza

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

Torchlight Procession

The Meadows to City Centre

Witness thousands carrying torches, creating a mesmerizing river of light through historic streets.

Concert in the Gardens

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 Fireworks

Princes Street Gardens

The iconic midnight fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle is a breathtaking spectacle.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Early for Hogmanay

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a world-renowned New Year's Eve celebration. Tickets for major events like the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens sell out months in advance. Plan and book your desired experiences well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Weather Preparedness is Key

New Year's Eve in Edinburgh can be cold and wet. Pack warm, waterproof layers, comfortable walking shoes, and consider bringing a portable phone charger. Check the weather forecast closer to the date and adjust your attire accordingly.

Best Times

When
Dec 30th - Jan 1st
Why
Full Hogmanay experience
Crowd
High
When
Dec 29th (Torchlight Procession)
Why
Spectacular opening event
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

40,000 people along Princes Street, Edinburgh, singing Alud Lang Syne for Hogmanay 🥂#edinburgh #Scotland #2024 #hogmanay
@beccamc2d
341.5K likes • 1.8M views

Book Tickets Early! :ticket:

Hogmanay events sell out fast. Secure your tickets for the Street Party, Concert, or other events months in advance. Reddit

Dress for the Weather :cloud:

Edinburgh in winter is cold and potentially wet. Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes. Instagram

Yesterday marked the beginning of Hogmanay in Edinburgh. 20,000 people are due to partake in this Torchlight Procession. The 2023 Torchlight Procession will be the first since 2019, two years were cancelled due to covid and one because of lack of funding. It was quite a sight to behold as it felt like the whole of Edinburgh came out to see the Procession. … Somehow I managed to time my trip just r...
charlotteswonderland
4.2K likes • 84.6K views
This 2023–>2024 New Years Eve in Edinburgh was one for the books! This was our second Hogmanay celebration and it continues to live up to the hype! Between the glorious chaos of the fireworks and the city-wide dancing, 10/10 would recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #AdventuresByGiselle(andScott) #EdinburghNYE #hogmanay
adventuresbygiselle
107 likes • 4.9K views

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. Reddit

Arrive Early :stopwatch:

For the best spots at the Street Party or Concert, arrive well before the start time to navigate crowds and security. TikTok

Have you ever seen @EdHogmanay Torchlight Procession in Edinburgh? 🔥🙋‍♂️ Edinburgh’s torchlight procession is a spectacular event held during the Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations. Participants carry torches through the city, creating a mesmerizing display of light. It’s a traditional and festive way to welcome the new year in Scotland’s capital. The opening event of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023 is ...
pandeyrr
37.9K likes • 865.4K views

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. Reddit

Dress for the Weather :cloud:

Edinburgh in winter is cold and potentially wet. Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes. Instagram

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. Reddit

Arrive Early :stopwatch:

For the best spots at the Street Party or Concert, arrive well before the start time to navigate crowds and security. TikTok

Stay Hydrated & Fueled :water_wave:

Bring your own water bottle and snacks, as options can be limited and expensive within event areas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(264 reviews)

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

Spectacular fireworks
Electric atmosphere
Torchlight Procession

What People Dislike

Overwhelming crowds
High ticket prices

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 ✨ 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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require accreditation. Always be respectful of others' space when taking photos. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the main Hogmanay Street Party and Concert can be overwhelming for young children due to crowds and late hours, there are often family-friendly elements. The Torchlight Procession can be a captivating experience for older children, offering a magical display of light. Instagram+1 Look for specific family-focused events that may be scheduled earlier in the day or on the preceding days of the festival. It's advisable to check the official Hogmanay program for dedicated family activities and to consider viewing the fireworks from less crowded vantage points if attending with children. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a premium event, and tickets for the main attractions can be costly. To experience the atmosphere on a budget, consider finding a good vantage point to watch the fireworks from outside the ticketed zones. TikTok Many pubs and bars across the city will have their own New Year's Eve celebrations, which might be more affordable than the official events. Research local pubs and book in advance if possible. Instagram Additionally, exploring the city during the day and soaking in the festive decorations can be a free way to enjoy the Hogmanay spirit. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Traditions of Hogmanay

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is more than just a New Year's Eve party; it's a deeply rooted Scottish tradition with origins stretching back to Viking celebrations of the winter solstice. The name 'Hogmanay' itself is thought to have Norse or French roots, reflecting Scotland's rich cultural history. Historically, it was a time for feasting, gift-giving, and ensuring good fortune for the year ahead. The tradition of 'first-footing' – being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend's home after midnight, often with symbolic gifts like coal or whisky – is a key element of Hogmanay, believed to bring luck. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Navigating the Edinburgh Hogmanay Events

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a multi-day festival with various ticketed and non-ticketed events. The Torchlight Procession on December 29th is a visually stunning event where thousands march with torches from The Meadows to the Royal Mile, often led by Viking-themed groups. Instagram+3 This is a fantastic way to experience a unique Scottish tradition and see the city illuminated. Tickets are usually required for participation.

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. Instagram+2 The culmination of the night is the breathtaking fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle at midnight, visible from many parts of the city. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram