Hogmanay

Hogmanay is the celebration of New Year’s Eve in Scotland and is marked on the 31st December every year. Edinburgh celebrates Hogmanay in style with three days of events peaking with an outdoor street party on the 31st, which is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. The events begin on 30th December with a Torchlight Procession that lights up the historic streets from the Royal Mile up to Caton Hill ending with a spectacular Son et Lumiere and firework finale. 

On Hogmanay itself, the city centre streets of Edinburgh are closed to traffic and the street party starts. There are fairground rides, stalls, giant screens and even a concert in the gardens where live acts perform. Around 80,000 people from all over the world party their way into the New Year with the climax being the world famous midnight fireworks which take place over Edinburgh’s stunning Castle.

On the 1st January if you need something to clear your head how about a refreshing splash in the River Forth?! Possibly not to everyone’s taste but the aptly named ‘Loony Dook’ sees participants parade through the high street of Queensfrerry before taking the plunge in the freezing forth! Most will be in fancy dress and however crazy it seems this fundraising event has raised thousands for charities over the years. If you’re not quite up to the challenge spectators are welcome to cheer on the Loony Dookers.

Edinburgh does get busy over the festive season so it is worth booking early and check out Edinburgh Hogmanay as many of the events do require tickets.