Event Details
Welcome to Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2026/2027
From 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Scotland's capital transforms into the world's greatest New Year celebration. Edinburgh's Hogmanay is widely regarded as one of the largest outdoor New Year's Eve festivals on the planet, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. The four-day festival has been held since 1993 and takes place across the historic Princes Street and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
"Hogmanay" is the Scottish word for New Year's Eve and is generally regarded as the most important Scottish holiday. Rooted in ancient Celtic and Viking traditions, Hogmanay was historically more significant than Christmas in Scotland; until the 1950s many Scots worked on Christmas Day and celebrated their winter holiday at New Year instead.
Highlights
- Torchlight Procession on 29 December: Spectacular fire procession with over 15,000 torchbearers through the historic Old Town
- Night Afore Concert on 30 December: Live Scottish music at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens beneath Edinburgh Castle
- Concert in the Gardens on 31 December: International headline concert set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle
- Hogmanay Street Party on 31 December: 45,000 revellers on Princes Street for the legendary Midnight Moment countdown
- Midnight Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle: World-renowned pyrotechnic display to welcome the New Year
- Hogmanay Ceilidh Club: Traditional Scottish dancing on two dancefloors
- Candlelit Concert at St. Giles' Cathedral: A tranquil New Year celebration in a stunning historic setting
- First Footin' Culture Trail on 1 January: Free cultural trail with Scottish artists performing across the city centre
- Sprogmanay and Family Ceilidh: Family-friendly program for children and families on New Year's Day
Program Overview
29 December 2026 – Torchlight Procession: The festival opens with the beloved procession. Over 15,000 torchbearers, joined by street theatre performers, fire artists, pipe bands and Vikings from Shetland's South Mainland Up Helly Aa' Jarl Squad, march from the Meadows through the historic Old Town, creating a stunning river of fire through Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed city centre.
30 December 2026 – Night Afore Concert: Scottish music acts take to the Ross Bandstand stage in Princes Street Gardens, offering an unforgettable night of live music against the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
31 December 2026 – Hogmanay: The day begins with the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club for families. As evening falls, the Hogmanay Ceilidh Club and Concert in the Gardens get underway, with past headliners including Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys, Pulp, Biffy Clyro and Wet Leg. The world-famous Hogmanay Street Party brings 45,000 revellers onto Princes Street for the countdown to the Midnight Moment, followed by spectacular fireworks launched from the Castle ramparts. The night culminates in the world's biggest rendition of "Auld Lang Syne".
1 January 2027 – New Year's Day: A packed free program including the First Footin' Culture Trail, where artists from across Scotland perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, plus Sprogmanay and the Family Ceilidh for all ages.
Tickets
Tickets for all events are available through the official Hogmanay ticketing portal. The Hogmanay Street Party starts from approximately £32, including the full street party program. The Concert in the Gardens ranges from £70 to £85 and includes street party access. The Hogmanay Ceilidh Club starts from around £70 (18+ only). The Candlelit Concert at St. Giles' Cathedral starts from approximately £24. Premium tickets often sell out months in advance; early booking is essential. New Year's Day events are free.
Safety & Rules
- Glass bottles and personal fireworks are strictly prohibited on all event grounds.
- The Street Party is open to visitors aged 12 and over; the Ceilidh Club requires guests to be 18 or older.
- Strict security checks at all entrances; valid tickets required for entry.
- Extensive road closures around Princes Street from the afternoon of 31 December.
Visitor Tips
- Book tickets early: Premium Concert in the Gardens tickets typically sell out by autumn.
- Use public transport; trams and buses serve the city well. Haymarket Station is a convenient alternative to the crowded central stops.
- Dress warmly: Edinburgh December nights are cold and often windy; layering and waterproofs are essential.
- Book accommodation several months in advance as hotels across Edinburgh fill up quickly for Hogmanay.
- Embrace Scottish traditions: try a whisky and look out for local First Footing customs as the New Year begins.
