Edinburgh's Hogmanay

In Edinburgh the New Year is greeted in the street, in the middle of a medieval city. Hogmanay is the Scots word for New Year's Eve, and in Edinburgh it has become a festival that runs for several days.

It began as an informal street party around the Tron Kirk on the High Street. By 1996-97 the party had about 400,000 people, which Guinness recognised as the world's largest New Year party, and after that the numbers were capped and tickets were introduced. The festival has been cancelled several times, for weather and, in 2020 and 2021, for Covid, so check before you book.

The 2026-27 programme starts on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession at 18:30. On 30 December comes the Night Afore Party, with The Fratellis. On 31 December the Street Party starts at 20:00 in the city centre, and Hogmanay in the Gardens, with Underworld, plays beneath Edinburgh Castle at the same hour. On New Year's Day, First Footin' is a free music trail with no ticket. First-footing itself is an old custom: the first person to cross your threshold in the new year should bring a gift, traditionally whisky and sometimes a lump of coal.

How to go: Edinburgh has an airport and a direct train from London, and our five-day Edinburgh guide covers the city. Winter days are short and cold, so pack for the street, and book your room and your tickets as early as possible, since the big events are ticketed.