The Edinburgh’s Street Party is now considered a ‘bucket list’ New Year celebration, with dark groups huddling on seven hills overlooking the soft yellow lights of the city as midnight approaches. Phones read one minute to midnight, and countdowns begin sporadically over the hillside until the first explosion of light streaks up from the black silhouette of the castle, marking the end of the year. Scotland’s capital city is renowned as one of the best places to celebrate New Year, with its own term for the celebration – Hogmanay. With a spectacular programme of events and a city centre sparkling with festive decorations, Edinburgh is the place to ring in the new year.
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the old year and in Edinburgh, it has also become synonymous with a festive bash of epic proportions. In Edinburgh, Christmas festivities transition seamlessly into New Year celebrations extending until 2 January with an extra public holiday. Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the first official Hogmanay street party in Princes Street, making the event a ‘bucket list’ celebration. The event has become a tradition in Edinburgh, attracting visitors from all over the world to join in the celebrations.
The Edinburgh’s Torchlight Procession kicks off the four-day Hogmanay programme on 29 December, where 20,000 participants carry flaming tapers through the city’s old town creating a mesmerizing river of fire. Fire performers, pipe bands, and drummers ignite the crowd, with Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad leading the procession. The event supports various charities, with a portion of ticket and torch sales donated to One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, Social Bite, and Simon Community Scotland.
The Hogmanay celebrations culminate with Edinburgh’s world-renowned street party, which has attracted so many revelers that ticket numbers had to be capped in the past. Partygoers cram into Princes Street for a night of live music, pipes and drums, street performers, and street food. The Concert in the Gardens allows attendees to enjoy live music performances under the majestic castle. This year, Scottish music icons Texas headline the event, bringing a blend of tradition and modernity to the celebration.
At the stroke of midnight, Edinburgh erupts in pyrotechnics as fireworks are launched from the castle, lighting up the sky. The dazzling display is a sight to behold, with rockets and fountains soaring above the dark battlements. After the fireworks, people across the city join hands to sing Auld Lang Syne, bidding farewell to the old year. The tradition of first-footing follows, where the first person to cross a house’s threshold on New Year’s Day brings luck or bad luck. Visitors can join in the First Footin’ events in Edinburgh, with live music and performances in various pubs and venues.
While some events during Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are ticketed, including the Torchlight Procession, Street Party, and Concert in the Gardens, others like First Footin’ are unticketed. Visitors can watch the castle fireworks for free from various spots around Edinburgh, including Inverleith Park, Calton Hill, or Bruntsfield Links. The New Year celebrations in Edinburgh offer a unique blend of tradition, music, and community spirit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to ring in the new year in style.
