Did you know that Scotland effectively banned public Christmas celebrations from 1640 for nearly 400 years? As a result, New Year (or Hogmanay as we know it) became the key event of the yearly calendar, and it now remains one of the most significant annual celebrations for the country.
Edinburgh hosts one of the best-known New Year events in Europe, an enormous street party bringing music, fireworks, culture and crowds from around the world into the heart of the city.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025-2026, this guide will help you understand the key events, when to book, how to plan your evening and what to expect across the city.
What is Hogmanay and why Edinburgh is so famous for it
Hogmanay marks the final day of the year in Scotland. It’s believed/speculated that its roots reach back to the arrival of the Vikings in the early 8th and 9th centuries. These new arrivals paid a lot of attention to the arrival of the Winter Solstice (or the shortest day), and this was thought to have been incorporated into customs from the Gaelic celebration of Samhain.
The name itself is also up for debate. It’s popularly linked to the Old French word “hoginane”, meaning “gala day” or a gift given on New Year’s Eve – many believe it came via Mary Queen of Scots on her return from France in 1561.
What a lot of people (even the locals) don’t know, is that today’s celebrations started as an informal street party at the Tron Kirk Church in the High Street of the Old Town. In 1993, it became a more official affair, and the events were moved to Princes Street.
By 1996, the popularity of the party had grown significantly – in just 3 years, over 300,000 people were attending, and this is when ticketing was introduced to manage crowds.
Scotland’s capital now hosts one of the most globally recognised Hogmanay events, a 4-day celebration that climaxes around the busy street party, an open-air concert and a spectacular midnight firework display above Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Hogmanay 2026, key events across the city
Fun Fact: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was the only festival to appear in the ‘25 must-do life experiences in the world today’, following a study commissioned to celebrate the 25th birthday of the Discovery Channel.
While, for most locations, the New Year is just one evening of celebrations, Edinburgh’s party is a multi-day festival filled with various ticketed and free events, including the Torchlight Procession, the Street Party, concerts, fireworks, family fun (Sprogmanay), and the traditional First-Footing on New Year’s Day. Here’s what to look out for:
29th Dec Edinburgh Hogmanay Torchlight Procession
With its Samhain roots, fire is a massive part of Hogmanay, symbolising the burning away of the old year’s evil spirits and welcoming the light of the new one. This world-famous Torchlight Procession sees tens of thousands of people carry flaming torches through the heart of the city, creating a river of fire.
This year’s procession promises to deliver the usual carnival atmosphere, with Street Theatre, Fire Performers and Drummers, followed by the Massed Pipes & Drums and Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad (SMUHA) lead the procession through the city’s historic Old Town.
30th Dec Glasvegas – Hogmanay Acoustic Show
Visitors (and locals) looking for a dose of Scottish sounds should pick up tickets for the Assembly Rooms, who will be hosting a special acoustic show by indie-rock legends Glasvegas as part of the official Edinburgh Hogmanay programme.
31st Dec Street Party Mega Silent Disco on Market Street
No matter what time of year, it’s not uncommon to see silent disco trains walking the street of Edinburgh, but did you know that they now offer a ‘Mega’ disco at Hogmanay?
This year’s event will offer three DJs and genres of music to choose from, alongside access to the official fireworks soundtrack as the midnight countdown begins to drop.
31st Dec The Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party
Princes Street transforms into a large-scale celebration with live music stages, food stalls and countdown moments shared with visitors from all over the world. Tickets usually sell quickly once released, so early booking is recommended.
As the bells strike midnight, join hands with friends from across the globe in the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne!
31st Dec Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens
This paid concert takes place in West Princes Street Gardens with the Castle as a backdrop. The 2025/2026 headliner is Isle of Wight five-piece Wet Leg, set to bring us into the New Year on the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens. They’ll be accompanied by joined by Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys, all hosted by award-winning comedian Susie McCabe.
31st Dec Ceilidh celebrations with The Hogmanay Ceilidh Club
Ceilidh dancing remains at the heart of many local Hogmanay traditions – if it’s your first time in Scotland, we really recommend you give it a try! Several venues host their own events where you can enjoy live music and guided dances suitable for both beginners and more experienced guests. However, Assembly Rooms have partnered with the official Hogmanay team to bring guests a two-dancefloor event.
Premium Ticket Holders will also get exclusive access to the Grand Drawing Rooms for a welcome glass of fizz and a Midnight Moment Dram to toast the bells.
31st Dec Edinburgh Castle firework display
The Castle becomes the centrepiece of the city’s countdown. Fireworks are launched above the skyline at midnight, creating one of the most recognisable Hogmanay images. This year sees the return of the return of pyrotechnic experts, Titanium, designing the end-of-year display.
1st Jan 2026 Loony Dook
Spend the first day of the new year in Scotland leaping into the freeing waters! It might sound a little crazy, but The Loony Dook in Edinburgh is a wild New Year’s Day tradition where brave groups of people spill into the icy Firth of Forth at South Queensferry or Portabello Beach – sometimes in hilarious fancy dress, to cure hangovers (or simply just for a bit of community fun.)
This tradition started informally in 1987, moved into an official part of the festival, but then returned to a free, community-run event after becoming too commercialised, though safety (RNLI) is still a priority.
When to book tickets for Hogmanay 2026
Tickets for this year’s main events started landing at the end of summer/early autumn. As of publishing, all the events listed above still had ticket availability, however, it is wise to register for your tickets as soon as possible, especially if you want access to Concert in the Gardens or early entry zones at the street party.
If you prefer a quieter experience, you can still enjoy the atmosphere around the West End, the New Town, or viewpoints that sit outside the ticketed areas. We often meet people who believe they might be able to sneak their way into the main street party – please note, this is heavily manned and managed for safety reasons.
Where to watch the Edinburgh Hogmanay fireworks
You can see the midnight display from several parts of the city, both inside and outside the official Hogmanay zones. It should come as no surprise that the official Edinburgh Hogmanay party areas provide the best firework views. Here’s a rundown of the top spots …
Princes Street
The closest public vantage point, ideal for those attending the street party.
Calton Hill
A popular hilltop location (and favourite fireworks viewpoint for the locals) with views across the city. Arrive early as it fills quickly,
and be prepared for windy conditions. We recommend taking a hot flask to keep warm.
Inverleith Park
A more relaxed, family friendly option with open views towards the Castle.
The Meadows
A broad open space offering a distant but clear view of the sky above the Old Town.
What to expect on Hogmanay night in Edinburgh
Hogmanay is lively, busy and full of energy, especially around the main streets and bridges. Here is what most first-time guests appreciate knowing in advance.
Weather
The biggest thing to be aware of when it comes to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. Last year (2024 going into 2025) unprecedent high winds saw Edinburgh’s full Hogmanay celebrations cancelled, with organisers citing concerns over “extreme weather”.
Our advice? Always have a back-up plan – so many tourists to Edinburgh were left wandering the street looking for a last-minute space. The Bonham’s remaining Bar and Lounge reservations were claimed quickly, and our visitors enjoyed warm drams, ringing in the New Year with other guests.
Late December in Edinburgh is almost always cold, wet or windy, often a mix of all three. Warm layers, waterproofs and comfortable boots are essential.
Security checks
Ticketed areas usually include bag checks. Keep bags small and avoid items that may slow your entry. This year, the organisers have confirmed that mandatory searches all at entry points will be in force, and they will not allow bags larger than A3 (297mm x 420mm.)
Food and drink
Vendors operate around the street party zones. It’s important to note that most restaurants book out well ahead of time, so secure dinner plans early if you prefer a seated meal.
It has been noted that visitors are permitted to take alcohol into the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party, but with strict rules. It must be in plastic or metal containers (no glass), under 500ml each, with a maximum of four per person. You will be refused entry to the parties if you are too intoxicated.
Transport
Public transport runs extended services. Lothian Buses have announced that they will provide Hogmanay Night Buses – running from midnight to 04:00am to each area of the city as well as various Mid-Lothian, West Lothian, East Lothian and Queensferry Routes.
After last years’ success, Edinburgh Trams will also provide FREE night trams from midnight to 2am every 10 minutes, then every 20 minutes until the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Walking is often the easiest way to move around the city centre after midnight. If you are staying with us at The Bonham, our team are able to reserve your taxi for a set time, if you allow us a week’s notice – please note: at this time of year, Edinburgh’s taxi services are extremely busy and request advanced bookings.
New Year’s Day in Edinburgh
The celebrations continue into the first day of the year with a more relaxed pace, but it’s important to note how important Hogmanay is to Scotland. The 1st of the year is a significant public holiday (Bank Holiday in Scotland), so most shops shut, but many pubs, restaurants, and some major attractions (like Edinburgh Castle) stay open, often with limited hours.
All major public transport runs a reduced service, so be sure to plan your day ahead of schedule.
Walks and fresh air
Popular choices include Dean Village, the Water of Leith walkway, Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat (for those who want a short climb.)
Museums and galleries
Some cultural attractions open from mid-morning onwards, giving visitors a calm way to spend the first day of 2026.
Where to stay for Hogmanay 2026
Accommodation across the city fills quickly, especially near key event areas. Edinburgh’s West End is a desirable base for those who want to enjoy the celebrations while also having a quiet neighbourhood to return to.
The Bonham Hotel, located in a peaceful West End street, sits within walking distance of Princes Street and close to public transport connections. It offers a calm and elegant environment away from the busiest parts of the city, making it a comfortable base for couples, solo travellers and guests seeking a more refined Hogmanay experience.
Explore The Bonham rooms and suites
Suggested Hogmanay itineraries
One night visit
- Arrive in the afternoon
- Early dinner in the West End – please note: The Bonham is now full for Hogmanay dining, and we anticipate that many surrounding locations will also be close to capacity. We recommend you make reservations as soon as possible.
- Walk to the street party or a chosen viewing spot
- Return on foot after midnight
Two-night stay
- Explore the city on the 30th
- Enjoy Hogmanay celebrations
- Relax with a New Year’s Day brunch and gentle walk
Long weekend
- Include gallery visits – The National Galleries of Scotland will be open on January 1st, 2026, generally from 12 noon to 5 pm.
- Explore neighbourhoods such as Dean Village, Stockbridge and the West End
- Take a day trip to the coast or countryside
Helpful tips for first-time visitors
- Dress for cold and changeable weather
- Keep footwear practical
- Book tickets and accommodation early
- Allow extra time for walking due to large crowds
- Check official event updates as the programme is confirmed