Hogmanay 2026/2027: when to buy tickets and where to watch the fireworks

New Year in Edinburgh is celebrated for four days straight. For those days the city centre is closed to traffic, and the streets fill with tens of thousands of people carrying torches, whisky and warm scarves.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2026/2027 runs from 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 (according to the official website). There is one main night: 31 December. That is when the Street Party takes over Princes Street, a concert plays in the gardens, and fireworks go off above the castle at midnight.

The problem is that tickets for the main events sell out in advance. The weather can cancel the entire outdoor programme with a day's notice, and city centre hotels push their prices for New Year week well above a normal winter rate. If this is your first time, it is easy to buy a ticket for a single event and spend half the evening queuing to get in.

Below we cover what you need to decide ahead of time: the programme day by day, prices, age restrictions, places to watch the fireworks for free, clothing and accommodation. You will see which events to book straight away and which you can leave until you arrive.

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What Hogmanay is

💡 In short:

• In Scotland, Hogmanay is the name for the last day of the year and New Year's Eve night.
• The 2026/2027 programme runs from 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, and the main night is 31 December.
• The key events: the Torchlight Procession, the Street Party, the concert in the gardens, the ceilidh and the fireworks above the castle.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, checked on the official festival website.

Hogmanay is considered Scotland's biggest celebration. In meaning it is New Year's Eve, but in scale it outgrew gatherings at home long ago. In Edinburgh the square in front of the castle is closed for four days, stages go up in the gardens, and entry is ticketed, just like a big concert.

Nobody knows for certain where the word itself comes from. There is a French theory, as well as Gaelic, Norse and Anglo-Saxon ones. The traditions are also drawn from different eras: some customs are pagan, others came from Christmas.

The history of the celebration was shaped by the church. After the Reformation, the Scottish church suppressed public Christmas festivities in the 17th century, and Christmas only became an official public holiday in Scotland in the mid-20th century. That is why the Scots' winter celebration shifted to the end of the year.

Of the old customs, gift giving, the "blessing of the house" and first-footing have survived to this day. The idea is simple: the first person to cross the threshold after midnight brings the household good or bad luck for the whole year. The most welcome guest in Scotland is a tall, dark man bearing gifts. People bring whisky, coal or peat, bread and silver coins.

These parties end with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. It is a poem by Robert Burns set to a folk tune, and the whole group sings it holding hands. In Edinburgh people used to gather for this at the Tron Kirk, a 17th-century church, but once the official festival appeared, the heart of the celebration moved to Princes Street Gardens.

Different regions of Scotland have their own customs, and they often involve fire. In Stonehaven people swing flaming balls, and in Biggar they light a huge bonfire. The Edinburgh festival has been running since 1993 (according to the organisers) and has grown into one of the largest outdoor New Year events in the world. In 1996 it entered the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest New Year party on the planet, drawing around 400,000 people. Today the title belongs to Rio, and visitor numbers in Edinburgh are capped through ticket sales.

Hogmanay used to be celebrated in a small circle at home, and the city festival made it a public event. In 2018, by the organisers' estimates, around 75,000 people welcomed in 2019 in the centre of Edinburgh.

When Hogmanay falls

Hogmanay is tied to the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. If you want to catch the main events, plan your trip so that you are in Edinburgh on 31 December: the Street Party, the big ceilidh, the concert and the fireworks all take place that night.

But coming for just one day is not worth it. The 2026/2027 festival programme kicks off on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession, 30 December brings an evening concert and shows around the city, and on 1 January there are free events and a dip in the firth. You will find a detailed day-by-day breakdown further down.

How many days Hogmanay lasts in Edinburgh

Technically, Hogmanay is a single day. In practice, the celebration in Edinburgh stretches over three to four days.

It usually breaks down like this: before 31 December there is the Torchlight Procession and an entertainment programme, on 31 December you get the huge Street Party, concerts and fireworks, and on 1 January come the cold-water dip, family events and free music around the city.

Some events may spill over to 2 January as well. In Scotland this is an official public holiday, unlike in the rest of the UK, so you will have one more free day for museums and walks.

If you are travelling from another city, one evening is not enough: the journey and check-in eat up a day, so arrive on 29 or 30 December and leave your trip home for 1 January.

Each of these events is covered later in the article, with start times, prices and age restrictions.

Whether you need tickets for Hogmanay events

Yes, most events require tickets. The main venues are enclosed: the Street Party, the concert in the gardens, the ceilidh, the silent disco and the candlelit concert each sell entry separately, and you need to buy it online in advance.

Free events are worth checking too. Sometimes they still require registration or a free ticket, which can run out a couple of weeks ahead. You can see the midnight fireworks without a ticket if you find a spot with a view of the castle.

How to plan a Hogmanay trip in advance

Book months ahead, not weeks. The organisers publish the full programme several months before the festival, and that is also when tickets for the first events go on sale.

Tickets for every event are limited in number. The concert in the gardens sells out fastest, so it is best to decide on your evening as soon as it is announced. City centre hotels also get snapped up early: New Year week in Edinburgh is peak season.

A practical order of steps for you: choose one main evening ticket, then find accommodation within walking distance of the centre, and only then add daytime events to taste.

How much Hogmanay in Edinburgh costs

Your trip budget depends on two things: how many events you book and where you stay. Tickets for the outdoor events are moderately priced, but the hotel takes up most of the total.

The organisers confirm prices for the 2026/2027 season closer to the date. Check the official website before you buy, because ticket tiers and premium areas change every year.

Besides the standard ticket for the concert in the gardens, there are sometimes premium tiers with a separate area, a separate entrance and service. They cost noticeably more and are sold in limited numbers, so they go before the regular ones.

Accommodation is the biggest expense. Hotels in central Edinburgh raise their prices for New Year week well above a normal winter weekend, and available rooms run out months ahead. Budget more than you would for an ordinary trip to Edinburgh, and book earlier than your tickets.

Next, add food, drinks and transport. The city centre is compact and you will spend most of the evening on foot, so you can get by with almost no taxi spending. If you book two paid evenings and a central hotel, the cost of the trip easily doubles compared with a regular city break.

Where the Hogmanay events take place

The main venue is Princes Street Gardens in the centre of Edinburgh. Most of the programme happens around them: the gardens, Princes Street, Waverley station, The Mound, McEwan Hall, the Royal Mile and Calton Hill.

The exact address and the procession route change every year. But nearly everything stays within one small patch, and you can walk between venues. That is convenient: there is no need to hunt for taxis between events, you just have to set off early.

Some events are hosted by museums and venues such as the National Museum of Scotland. Tickets for them are sold separately, and entry is usually free.

The only big event outside the centre is the Loony Dook. The dip takes place in the town of South Queensferry on the Firth of Forth, and since 2022 it has been a free event run by local residents, not by the festival organisers. You can get there by car, bus, taxi or by train to Dalmeny station.

The Hogmanay 2026/2027 programme

The festival runs for four days, and each one works differently. The full line-up with artists' names and exact times is published closer to the date, but the overall framework is already clear.

• 29 December: the Torchlight Procession opens the festival. The column sets off from The Meadows park and passes through the Old Town.
• 30 December: the Night Afore evening concert in West Princes Street Gardens, plus concerts and comedy shows around the city.
• 31 December: a family ceilidh in the daytime, the candlelit concert in St Giles' Cathedral, the Street Party, the concert in the gardens with Underworld, an evening ceilidh, the silent disco and the fireworks above the castle.
• 1 January: the free First Footin' music trail, the Sprogmanay family events and the Loony Dook dip in South Queensferry.

See the listings for each day on the programme page. Changes to times and entry are posted there too.

Whether you can attend several events in one day

Yes, you can. On 29 and 30 December the programme barely overlaps, and on 1 January the events take place at different times. The tightest day is 31 December: the evening concerts run in parallel, and you will have to choose.

For example, on 31 December you can make the daytime family ceilidh, then the candlelit concert, and for the night pick either the Street Party or the concert in the gardens. You cannot do both without a second ticket.

Since 2023, a ticket for the concert in the gardens has not included entry to the Street Party. These are two separate tickets, and in earlier years the two were combined, so do not confuse older articles with the current set-up.

There is another catch: you cannot leave the concert area in the gardens and come back. If you want to see both venues, go to the Street Party first and then use your concert ticket. Plan your route ahead, otherwise you will lose an hour moving between gates.

The easiest pairing is the Street Party and the silent disco. The disco operates inside the ticketed part of the Street Party, so you need one wristband to enter the area plus a separate ticket for the disco.

Almost every event has a no re-entry rule and a cut-off time after which you will not be let in. Most evening programmes run until half past midnight or 1 am, so realistically you can fit in two or three events a day. Many visitors book one main evening ticket and do not spread themselves thin. That way you are sure to get in without rushing.

Where to have dinner on New Year's Eve

Inside the ticketed areas there are food and drink stalls. On the way to the events you will pass the stalls of the Christmas market, where you can grab a bite before going in. If street food is enough for you, that is the question settled.

The second option: have dinner before the festival. Almost none of the venues allow re-entry, so it is best to plan dinner for the early evening. Check the entry time on your ticket so you are not late.

If you want a proper restaurant, book a table in advance. New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year in Edinburgh, and by December there are hardly any tables left. Many places offer a special Hogmanay menu, and some close early on 31 December and stay shut on 1 and 2 January.

Special New Year menus are usually offered by Number One at The Balmoral hotel, Ghillie Dhu, Browns and Howies. Confirm your table several weeks ahead, or better still a month.

Drinks are a separate matter. Alcohol is sold inside the venues, but you cannot bring your own. The only exception is the Street Party area: you may bring alcohol in plastic or metal containers of up to 500 ml, for guests aged 18 and over. Glass is banned everywhere: no bottles, no glasses.

How to avoid the crowds at Hogmanay

Hogmanay in Edinburgh is a celebration for many thousands of people. Back in 1996 it was recognised as the world's biggest New Year party, and since then the city has learned to manage the flow: visitor numbers at the venues are capped through ticket sales and safety requirements.

The numbers show exactly how the flow is limited. The Street Party is now set up for around 45,000 guests, while before the pandemic the area took about 80,000 people, so the quota has been cut almost in half. In earlier years more than 100,000 people came to the celebration, which makes today's Hogmanay noticeably calmer than what older reports show.

After 22:00 the centre becomes especially packed, because of both the crowd and the barriers. The same walk between areas takes noticeably longer at that time than during the day, so add a buffer of at least half an hour to any move. Inside the ticketed areas there are toilets and food and drink stalls, so you will not have to go far for them.

If you do not like crowds, choose your events wisely. The Street Party and the concert in the gardens draw the most people. The least crowded are the daytime and family events, the candlelit concert and the 1 January programme.

Timing matters a lot. Before 22:00 the Street Party area usually has room to breathe, and you can walk easily between the stages. Come when it opens, listen to the music at the first stage and head to a quieter spot towards midnight if seeing the fireworks without a crush matters to you.

The concert in the gardens has separate premium areas. They give you a spot with a good view of the stage and the castle, and they are noticeably less crowded than the standard section. This ticket costs more, but if you dislike standing in a tight pack, it is the one for you.

There is a third way too: choose an indoor event over an outdoor one. Restaurants, pubs, theatres, hotels and museums hold their own New Year evenings with dinner, music and dancing. Some packages also include a pass to the Street Party.

The best-known indoor option is the ceilidh at the Assembly Rooms. It is an official part of the festival with live music and traditional dancing, and it takes place in a warm hall. There is usually a nightclub nearby for those who want to carry on.

The big hotels also host balls and dinners: Intercontinental George, The Caledonian, The Balmoral, Prestonfield House and others. The format is calmer: your own table, a waiter, music. You need to book ahead, because these evenings are the first to sell out.

Another informal option is the Hogmanay Hoolie at Ghillie Dhu. It offers lunch, dinner, a ceilidh, live bands and a late-night party after midnight. Book in advance and check the programme by phone, because the format changes from year to year.

For those who want the festive atmosphere without a huge stage, there is the Hogmanay Hootenanny at The Pitt. This is a former street food market that moved from Leith to a large indoor space on Granton Promenade. It is an adults' format: live music, local food, drinks and dancing late into the night.

A practical tip for all of these options: look for an event with a reserved table if you do not want to stand all evening. In a seated venue you keep your table, which also gives your group a meeting point.

© Theoden sA · CC BY-SAPhoto: Theoden sA, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Whether the weather affects the Hogmanay programme

Yes, and it is the main risk of December in Scotland. Outdoor events are cancelled if the wind becomes dangerous for the stages and structures. It has happened three times in recent decades, and the cause was always wind, not rain or frost (according to the festival organisers).

The most recent case was in December 2024. The entire outdoor programme from 29 to 31 December was called off: the procession, the Street Party, the concert and the midnight fireworks. The indoor events still went ahead, and the city carried on as normal.

Ordinary Scottish weather does not get in the way of anything. Rain, cold and moderate wind do not cancel concerts, so cancellations remain the exception, not the rule.

A separate word on money. Check the refund terms for weather cancellations on the official website before you buy a ticket. Think through a backup plan for the evening in advance.

There is always an alternative. On a night like that you head to a pub or a restaurant: most places have a special menu and live music for Hogmanay. Keep that plan in mind ahead of time so you are not looking for somewhere at the last minute.

Where to watch the midnight fireworks

The best view is from Princes Street Gardens. That is where the organisers designed the display to be seen from, so nothing blocks the view in this area. But you can only get in with a ticket for one of the events, because the gardens are closed off for the Street Party and the concert.

© Andrew Girdwood from Edinburgh, Scotland · CC BYPhoto: Andrew Girdwood from Edinburgh, Scotland, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

There is also a good view from Princes Street itself, that is, from the Street Party area. Pick a spot in advance where you can see the castle and the sky above it, and do not move somewhere else at the last minute.

There are plenty of free spots too. Popular places are North Bridge, the corner of Castle Street and George Street, and Calton Hill. There is one key condition: you need a clear, unobstructed view of Edinburgh Castle. Scout out your spot during the day while the centre is still clear.

Remember that some streets are closed and fenced off. Check the closure map on the organisers' website before you head out: otherwise you will run into a fence on the way to your chosen spot with only minutes left until midnight.

Several hotels have terraces, balconies and rooftops with a view of the castle. Ask at reception whether you have access to a viewing area: on New Year's Eve it is a free bonus with your room.

Whether you can sit down at Hogmanay events

It depends on the event. The Street Party, the silent disco and the concert in the gardens are standing events. In the Street Party area there are kerbs and ledges where you can perch for a moment, but there are no benches or dedicated seats.

There are seated programmes too, and plenty of them. The candlelit concert in the cathedral is seated, as are the concerts in McEwan Hall, though there you should go for seats in the raised tiers. Children's and family events are almost always seated.

If sitting all evening matters to you, look at the indoor formats: ceilidhs, dinners and balls at Ghillie Dhu and in the hotels. There a table is reserved for you, and you are not on your feet for five hours.

Guests with limited mobility should read the accessibility section on the festival website in advance. Most venues are adapted for wheelchair users, but it is best to check entrances and times before buying a ticket.

What to wear for Hogmanay

Almost the whole programme takes place outdoors, so your clothing matters more than your ticket. Bring warm layers, a hat, gloves and a water-repellent hooded jacket, with a rain poncho to go over it.

Choose comfortable, practical footwear, because you will be on your feet all evening. It helps to have a waterproof layer on your feet and spare socks in your bag.

Check the forecast before you travel. It is colder by the firth in the evening than during the day, and the wind makes the weather feel harsher. Plan your outfit so you can take layers off indoors and put them back on outside.

Pack your kit from a list: a warm base layer, a fleece or jumper, a hooded membrane jacket, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Bring waterproof, well-worn-in shoes, and put spare socks in your bag. Take a foldable rain poncho as well: opening an umbrella in a dense crowd is awkward and unsafe.

Hogmanay for parents with children

The celebration does not suit everyone everywhere, so choose your events in advance. Children under 12 are not admitted to the Street Party, the silent disco or the concert in the gardens, and under-16s need an accompanying adult.

There are plenty of family events, though. In the daytime there are music programmes for parents with children, and some events are designed for those who want to be home before midnight.

For families who are not up for standing until midnight, the schedule usually leaves some slack: the daytime concerts and ceilidhs finish long before the fireworks. That way you can see in midnight at your hotel, and your child will not get overtired. Each event has its own age rules: some venues only admit children from 12, and under-16s must have an adult with them.

From the main programme, the Torchlight Procession, the daytime concerts, the candlelit concert in the cathedral, the ceilidh and the Loony Dook dip are suitable for children. The whole family can walk in the Torchlight Procession, but pushchairs are not allowed on the route.

Edinburgh's Christmas market stays open until the first week of January, and it has rides and a dedicated children's area. For families it is the calmest evening option: entry is free, the crowds are moderate, and you can leave whenever you like.

Outside the official programme, the National Museum of Scotland and The Queen's Hall concert venue put on their own events for children. These are usually ceilidhs, dinners and short concerts, but the format changes every year.

If you are booking dinner with children, check the venue's age restrictions. Many pubs only admit children until a certain hour, and restaurants run their own menu on New Year's Eve.

Excursions and tours for Hogmanay

Some companies run Hogmanay coach tours around Scotland. The itineraries are usually aimed at young travellers and last four to seven days, including a guide, transport and hostels.

Group tours depart from London or from Edinburgh, so this option suits those travelling to Scotland from another city. Tour operators usually arrange transfers to the New Year events themselves, so you will not have to sort out late-night transport on your own.

This is handy if you are coming from London: a tour takes care of the journey and the overnight stays for you. Browse group tour options in this selection of excursions on GetYourGuide.

If you want to add a city tour to your trip, pick an option on a date that suits you.

How to get around Edinburgh

Central Edinburgh is compact, and most of the places you need are within walking distance. You can reach Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the gardens in 10-20 minutes from most central neighbourhoods.

You will need public transport in two cases: for the trip from the airport and for getting back to your hotel if you are staying far out. City buses, taxis and Uber run all night, but on New Year's Eve there can be delays with bookings.

The tram in Edinburgh runs along a short route, and it is only useful to you on the way to the airport or the station.

On New Year's Eve, transport runs to a special timetable. Lothian night buses operate from around midnight until 4:00, and trams over the holiday have been free from midnight until 2:00. Ticketed festive CityLink services take people to other Scottish cities, and trains are best booked ahead in this selection of tickets to Edinburgh. The exact hours change every year, so get the timetable from the operator before the holiday.

For sightseeing rides around the city there is the hop-on hop-off tour bus. It stops at the Royal Yacht Britannia, at Ocean Terminal and at the Royal Botanic Garden.

We do not recommend bringing a car. Many streets in the centre will be closed for the events, and there is practically no free parking around the centre. A car only makes sense if you are leaving the city for a few days.

Where to stay in Edinburgh for Hogmanay

New Year week in Edinburgh is peak season. Hotels, apartments and hostels sell out early, and prices in the centre are noticeably higher than in a normal winter. Book as soon as you have chosen your dates.

The city offers a wide choice: hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments and hostels. Below is a selection of options in the centre, from budget to luxury, all within walking distance of the main venues.

It is easiest to compare options on booking platforms: you can see straight away the price for your specific New Year dates and how many rooms are left. If everything in the centre is taken, look at rooms, apartments and cottages outside the city: in peak season these are often cheaper than a central hotel.

Hostels and budget hotels

Castle Rock Hostel and Royal Mile Backpackers have good ratings and are in the centre. Both are within a 10-minute walk of the Street Party, the concert and the Christmas market, and the prices suit a budget trip.

There are plenty of budget hotels in the city too, but prices rise for Hogmanay. Look at Travelodge City Centre, Ibis Edinburgh South Bridge, Premier Inn City Centre, Motel One, Point A Hotel in Haymarket and Hampton by Hilton. All of them are a 10-20 minute walk from Princes Street Gardens.

You can compare availability at these addresses in this selection of Edinburgh hotels and hostels on Trip.com.

© alljengi · CC BY-SAPhoto: alljengi, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Mid-range hotels in the centre

In the mid-range category, look at Hotel du Vin, Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket, Hotel Indigo, Grassmarket Hotel and The Scotsman. All five are a 10-20 minute walk from Princes Street Gardens and the main festival venues.

The Scotsman hotel is right on the Royal Mile, next to Waverley station. The advantage for you is that both the Street Party and the candlelit concert are just a few minutes' walk away.

Prices at these hotels in New Year week are higher than normal winter rates, so book early and compare dates. You can check current prices for The Scotsman on Trip.com.

Luxury hotels and apartments

Among the luxury options in the centre, consider The Balmoral, The Caledonian, The Kimpton, Intercontinental The George and The Witchery. All of them are within a 10-minute walk of the official festival venues.

The Balmoral stands next to Princes Street Gardens, and you will not find anywhere closer to the events. Many large hotels host their own New Year dinners and balls, so you will have a choice between the city programme and an evening at the hotel.

Prices in this category are the highest of the year. Prices at The Balmoral on Trip.com will give you an idea of the amounts involved before you book.

For self-catering stays there are apartment platforms such as VRBO, Airbnb and Plum Guide, as well as the EdLets agency. Campervan travellers can use Edinburgh Caravan Club Site and Mortonhall Campsite.

If there is nothing left in the centre, look at suburbs 30-60 minutes away or at neighbouring cities. Glasgow and Stirling are an hour away on the Citylink bus, and it is easy to come in for the celebrations from there.

What else to do in Edinburgh besides Hogmanay

If you arrive a few days before or after New Year, part of the Christmas programme is still running. Many festive events continue until the first week of January, and alongside them the city hosts extra concerts and shows.

For a first visit, start with the classics: the castle, the Royal Mile, the city's museums and parks. One unhurried day is enough to cover the main sights and leave the evening for the festival programme.

If you have been to Edinburgh before, look at the less obvious places. Book lovers will enjoy the Harry Potter locations, photographers should seek out the city's photo spots, and fans of all things royal will get good value from the Royal Edinburgh Ticket, which bundles several attractions into one ticket.

For a spare day, take a day trip: castles, whisky distilleries, Outlander filming locations, Glasgow, Rosslyn Chapel, Loch Ness and the Highlands. These routes are easiest to do with local tour operators, who pick up groups in the city centre.

Plan your trip around daylight. It gets dark early in December, so a route with more than two hours of travel each way turns into a drive in the dark.

From the classics, go for castles and whisky distilleries. Organised groups go there, and a tasting is usually included in the ticket price.

Fans of TV series will like the Outlander locations, and those who want mountains and water can do Loch Ness and the Highlands in a day. Bear in mind that the round trip eats up almost all the daylight hours.

A trip to Glasgow also takes a full day. The city has a different character: museums, music and another rhythm, so do not try to squeeze it into half a day.

If you are short on time, consider the Rosslyn Chapel option. It is closer to Edinburgh, and four to five hours including travel is enough for the trip.

If you are staying in the city, add a walk along the Leith waterfront and Holyrood Park. Both are free, and they make a calm break between New Year parties.

Where to celebrate Hogmanay outside Edinburgh

The Edinburgh festival is the biggest in the country, but all of Scotland celebrates. Among the larger cities, look at Glasgow, which has the second-biggest programme, as well as Inverness and Aberdeen.

In smaller towns the format is simpler: ceilidhs, live music, festive dinners. Fire remains part of many customs, so check local listings in advance.

The two best-known fire events take place in small towns. In Stonehaven, on the last day of the year, participants swing flaming balls on long poles and carry them through the streets to the harbour. In Biggar they light a large community bonfire. Both events are free for spectators, but they require a separate trip and a check of the schedule in the local listings.

A separate event is Up Helly Aa in the Shetland Islands. It marks the end of the winter season and is not directly tied to Hogmanay, but the format is similar: torches, fire and Vikings. Some of these "Vikings" usually lead Edinburgh's Torchlight Procession.

Where to find information about the programme

The main source is the official festival website. It publishes exact event times, venue changes and ticket sales: Edinburgh's Hogmanay.

The second useful source is the Edinburgh tourist office and the Festivals Edinburgh listings. They bring together a general calendar of the city's festivals, including Hogmanay.

The programme changes every year, so do not rely on last year's listings and articles. Always check the official event page before buying a ticket.

Hogmanay events day by day

The festival is famous for its huge Street Party, but there is more to it than that. Events run for four days, and from here on we go through them in order: what happens, how much entry costs, who is admitted and how to get there.

Read the section for your day. If you are coming for one evening, you only need the part about 31 December. If you are planning three to four days, add the Torchlight Procession, the city concerts and the 1 January programme.

Christmas in Edinburgh

All through December Edinburgh runs a Christmas programme, and it grows every year. The city is decorated, carousels and stalls go up in the squares, and almost as many tourists arrive as for Hogmanay itself.

The festive events start in late November. By the first week of December everything is up and running: Christmas markets, an open-air ice rink, rides, illuminations, Santa's grotto, concerts and festive menus in restaurants.

Part of the programme closes for Christmas, but much of it carries on into January. So if you have come for Hogmanay, you can still visit the market, go skating and stroll through the fair.

© Alasdair · CC BYPhoto: Alasdair, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Mornings and afternoons in Edinburgh are short in December, so the illuminations are best seen after 16:00. That is also when the carousel lights come on and most of the food stalls open.

If you are combining the Christmas programme and Hogmanay in one trip, plan the days separately. The market and the ice rink work well on 29-30 December, when the festival is only warming up, leaving 31 December for the main night with no extra plans.

The Hogmanay Torchlight Procession

The Torchlight Procession opens the festival. It takes place on 29 December, a date it has held since 2023, having previously been on the 30th.

This is the official start of Hogmanay. There is usually a stand-up show in the city that same evening, but in recent years there have been no fireworks after the procession.

The main thing about this event is its scale. Around 15,000 people walk in the column with torches, and from the side it looks like a river of fire (according to the organisers). The column is accompanied by drummers and pipers from all over Scotland, so the music never lets up for a minute.

The procession is traditionally led by a squad of "Vikings" carrying fire. The Jarl Squad from the South Mainland travels down from the Shetland Islands and will lead the column together with the massed pipes and drums. In 2018 and 2019 the group PyroCeltica filled this role, so the format at the front of the column does change.

The route is confirmed each year, but the procession always passes through the Old Town. It starts in The Meadows and ends in the centre, below Edinburgh Castle. See the event page for the map for a given year.

You can walk in the column and not just watch. To do so, you need to register and buy a ticket in advance: every participant pays for a wristband, and at least one person in a group of four must carry a torch. Wristbands and torches are paid for separately and only before the event.

On the day of the procession, first collect your wristband and torch at the collection point. Collection starts at 14:00 in The Meadows park, and we advise arriving early: a queue builds up at the point later on. Bring your booking confirmation with you, as you will not be let through to collection without it.

After that you join the column at the assigned place and time. Torches are lit and put out by event staff, and you are not allowed to light the candle yourself. Dress so that you are comfortable and safe next to an open flame.

The torches are made from long, thick wax candles with a protective collar that catches the drips. The protection does not always work: in the wind, wax can get onto your clothes. Do not wear your best coat, and expect rain.

Children can walk in the column, but only with an adult. Pushchairs and carrycots are not allowed on the route, so for a small child bring a sling or wait at the barrier as a spectator.

You can watch the procession for free and without a ticket. The route is fenced off, with space left along it for spectators. The start is the most spectacular part: the Vikings with torches walk at the front.

Choose a spot that works twice over, where you can see both the column and the evening sky above the castle. Then you will not have to run through the crowd when the procession ends. Arrive at least an hour early if you want to stand in the front rows at the barrier.

© photojenni · CC BYPhoto: photojenni, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

There is music in The Meadows park before the start, and that is also where participants gather. You can listen to the performances for free, even if you have come to watch and not to carry a torch.

Make the procession evening the first item on your plan if you arrive on the twenty-ninth of December. It is hard to combine with a long dinner, so eat earlier or later.

With children, bring a sling in place of a pushchair. Pushchairs are not allowed on the route, and you will not manage to carry a child in your arms for two hours, especially on the climb towards the castle.

Rain does not cancel the procession. Bring a hooded rain poncho and leave your umbrella at home: in a dense column it is awkward and unsafe to open one.

Walk back from the Old Town or wait for transport on a neighbouring street. The closures are still in force after the finish, and a taxi will not be able to pull up at the site itself.

The party after the procession

In some years a ticketed party runs at the Assembly Rooms after the procession. There are live bands and a DJ, and the programme goes on well past midnight.

© dun_deagh · CC BY-SAPhoto: dun_deagh, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

In past years the Up Helly Aa "Vikings" joined the party. Check the current listings: in some years the event is not in the programme.

Admission to the party is from age 16. Guests under 18 are only admitted with an adult who is already 18.

The Night Afore evening concert

On 30 December the programme consists of concerts and shows all over the city. The main outdoor event is the Night Afore Concert in West Princes Street Gardens.

The format is simple: live music and singalongs in the early evening, at an open-air venue. The headliner is announced closer to the date, and in past years Sophie Ellis-Bextor has performed on this stage.

It is a family event, but with an age limit: 12 and over, and under-16s need an accompanying adult. There is nowhere to sit at this concert, as it is a standing event.

At the same time, indoor venues host concerts, comedy shows and candlelit performances at the Assembly Rooms and St Giles' Cathedral. The exact line-up is announced before the festival, so check the listings for the date you need.

The concert takes place in the open air, so dress for the weather. It is cold in the gardens in the evening even in a mild winter, and the wind off the firth is felt more strongly than in the closes of the Old Town.

© Karen Howie · CC BY-SAPhoto: Karen Howie, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

If you are not staying in the centre, decide in advance how you will get back after the concert. The event ends in the evening, but the streets near the venue are closed, and you will have to wait for a taxi.

The Hogmanay ceilidh club

A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish evening of music and dancing. The word is pronounced "kay-lee", and the format itself resembles a big village dance: live bands play, and a caller announces the dances.

The great convenience is that not everyone knows how to dance. Each dance is demonstrated first, and then the steps are called out as you go. You will pick it up quickly, even if you have never heard of Scottish dancing.

Most dances are designed for couples. There are also set dances, where two or four couples come together in one formation. If you come alone, you will usually be placed in a circle with other guests.

The family Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club takes place during the day, and in the evening the same format is repeated for guests over 16. Both events are hosted by the Assembly Rooms, and tickets for them sell out in advance.

The festival organisers are not the only ones putting on ceilidhs. The Hogmanay Hoolie at Ghillie Dhu includes dinner, dancing and a band, and the city's hotels and restaurants add their own dance evenings. Compare the options if you want dinner and dancing in one place.

Wear comfortable shoes for a ceilidh: in two hours of dancing you will cover several kilometres on the dance floor. You do not need a partner, and many guests come in groups.

© dun_deagh · CC BY-SAPhoto: dun_deagh, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The evening ceilidh usually finishes later than most city events. Check the end time on your ticket and agree in advance where you will meet if your group gets split up.

If you want a format with seating and a meal, choose a ceilidh at a hotel or at Ghillie Dhu. At a table you can rest between dances and will not have to look for somewhere to sit.

The candlelit concert in St Giles' Cathedral

Every year on 31 December, St Giles' Cathedral hosts a New Year concert. This is the principal church of the Church of Scotland, and the 14th-century building is part of the experience in its own right.

© 瑞丽江的河水 · CC BY-SAPhoto: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The programme is classical: music by Mozart, Bach and Handel, plus local choirs. The candles and stone vaults create a light of their own, so the evening feels quiet and solemn.

The concert lasts about an hour and a half to two hours. The pieces are often performed in the original language, meaning Latin or German, so decide in advance whether you are comfortable with that.

This is a fully seated event, which is rare for Hogmanay. Tickets are sold in advance and usually sell out, because the venue is small. You can bring children, but the programme is not suitable for babies and toddlers.

The concert starts in the early evening of 31 December. If you book it, you will only have time for one late-night event afterwards: the Street Party or the concert in the gardens.

The Hogmanay Street Party

The Street Party is a huge fenced-off area in the city centre. You can walk around it between stages, listen to different bands and watch street performers and acrobats.

© smudie · CC BY-SAPhoto: smudie, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The format is designed for those who want a big outdoor party. Screens are set up on site so guests can see the midnight moments, and the fireworks above the castle are visible right from the area.

Entry is by ticket only, and it is a separate ticket. Children under 12 are not admitted to the Street Party, and this is a strict rule, not a recommendation.

There are more tickets for the Street Party than for other events, so they sell more slowly. But they do not stay freely available: by December almost everything is usually sold.

Inside there are food and drink stalls and toilets. According to the festival programme, the area opens at around 20:00 and runs until about 00:30.

The line-up changes every year. Live bands play on the stages, and the screens show the concert from the gardens and the countdown to midnight.

A Street Party ticket does not give you entry to the concert area in the gardens. These are two different events with separate tickets, and you cannot combine them.

If you want to get into both, go to the Street Party first. You cannot leave the concert area and come back, so the order of the venues matters.

The silent disco at Hogmanay

In recent years a silent disco has been added to the Street Party. It is a separate fenced-off space inside the area, where you are given headphones and choose the music yourself.

© noii's · CC BY-SAPhoto: noii's, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/), Flickr

It is a standing event. The age limit is 12 and over, and under-16s need an accompanying adult, as at the festival's other evening events.

You need two tickets for the disco: entry to the Street Party and a separate ticket for the disco itself. They are usually sold as a bundle, so it only makes sense if you are going to the Street Party anyway.

Entry to the disco is through specific gates, which are stated on your ticket. Check this detail at home, otherwise you will have to walk around the whole area and lose time.

The concert in Princes Street Gardens

The concert in the gardens is a big outdoor concert in Princes Street Gardens. It is the choice of those who want live music but not the scale of the Street Party.

© Mike McBey · CC BYPhoto: Mike McBey, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The format is simple: a main headliner and a couple of guest acts. In past years Franz Ferdinand, Rag'N'Bone Man, Pet Shop Boys, Paolo Nutini, Lily Allen and Wet Leg have played on this stage.

For the 2026/2027 season the headliner is Underworld. This is the band's first Edinburgh Hogmanay and its only Scottish show of the year, and the set is billed to include "Born Slippy (Nuxx)", known from the film Trainspotting. For the first time, the midnight fireworks will be soundtracked live from the main stage.

At midnight the concert pauses: there is a countdown, then the fireworks and a mass singing of Auld Lang Syne. The concert area has the best view of the display, because the fireworks are launched from Edinburgh Castle directly opposite.

Entry is by ticket, and children under 12 are not admitted. Inside there are food and drink stalls and toilets.

As a guide to timings: gates open at around 20:00, the music starts at about 21:00 and runs until 01:00. The exact times are confirmed in the event listings closer to the festival.

The concert ticket does not include the Street Party. Since 2023 these have been two separate tickets, so do not look for a combined option: it no longer exists.

The guest artists are announced later than the headliner. If the full line-up matters to you, check the listings a couple of weeks before your trip.

You will have to stand for the whole programme: there are no seats in the concert area. Wear comfortable shoes and do not count on perching on a kerb, because it may be taken before you even arrive.

The midnight fireworks and Auld Lang Syne

The countdown begins about a minute before midnight. Then the final fireworks display starts, launched from Edinburgh Castle, and it runs for several minutes set to music.

© Karen Howie · CC BY-SAPhoto: Karen Howie, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

This is the high point of the whole night. Guests at the concert, the Street Party and the silent disco see the display with no effort at all: they only have to look up.

If you do not have a ticket, the fireworks are still within reach. Find a spot with a clear view of the castle and the sky above it, such as Calton Hill or North Bridge. Arrive early: by midnight the popular places are already taken.

Check the closures before you leave your hotel. Some streets are closed to traffic and fenced off, so a shortcut may turn out to be blocked in exactly the direction you need.

The fireworks go ahead in any weather except dangerous wind. If the organisers cancel the outdoor programme, the fireworks will not take place either, and the decision is published on the official website.

After the fireworks, the city sings Auld Lang Syne. The song is based on a poem by Robert Burns, which he partly wrote himself and partly took from older Scottish texts, and it is sung in many English-speaking countries.

Scotland has its own custom for performing it. Guests join hands and form a circle, and at the start of the last verse they cross their arms over their chests so that the right hand reaches to the neighbour on the left. At the end everyone moves in towards the centre of the circle without letting go.

In a big crowd this is impossible, so at the Street Party and the concert everyone simply sings. At a small house party or in a ceilidh hall, though, the custom is observed in full, and it is worth trying.

The fireworks can be seen from different parts of the city, so you do not have to buy a ticket just for the spectacle. If you do buy a ticket, it is for the view and the atmosphere together with the music.

Bring something warm for this moment. Several hours pass between the start of the party and midnight, and by the time of the fireworks you will be very cold if you dressed lightly.

If you are standing on a hill or a bridge, think through your route back in advance. After midnight transport is overloaded, and walking through the emptied streets of the centre takes longer than during the day.

The official after-party

An official Hogmanay after-party does not take place every year. Such an event was held in 2019, but it has not been in the festival programme since 2023.

All the main events, meanwhile, finish at around 00:30 or 01:00. If that is not enough for you, from then on the city carries on by itself, with no official part.

The most reliable way to keep the night going is Ghillie Dhu. From morning until night it runs New Year dinners and an entertainment programme, including a ceilidh and live bands.

One part of it is called Past Bells and starts at around 00:30. A live band plays in the main bar, dancing in the hall goes on until 02:00, and a DJ keeps the crowd going until 05:00.

Tickets are sold in advance, and only a limited number of places are left on the door. If you want to be sure of getting in, buy your ticket before your trip, not on New Year's Eve.

In past years, individual hotels and bars have also thrown parties. Almost all of them are ticketed, so check the details in advance and keep a backup option.

Loony Dook: the cold-water dip on 1 January

The Loony Dook is a dip in the firth on 1 January. Participants wade into the icy water of the Firth of Forth, often in fancy dress, and they do it voluntarily and completely sober.

The start time changes every year, because the event is tied to the tide. The dip may take place in the morning or in the afternoon, so check the local listings the day before.

If you are travelling in a group, the tour operator usually handles transport there and back, so confirm this point in advance. A morning start fits well with breakfast at the hotel, while an afternoon one leaves time for the First Footin' music trail in the city.

A costume is not compulsory, but most people dress up. The format turned into a carnival long ago: the funnier your outfit, the more attention you will get.

Bring shoes you do not mind getting wet, a towel and a dry set of warm clothes. You can change on site, but you will still get cold in the queue for the tents, so keep your things close at hand.

You can watch for free from the shore. Spectators stand behind a barrier and are not allowed into the water with the dippers, which is worth remembering if you are coming as a family.

The best-known dip takes place not in Edinburgh but in the town of South Queensferry, beneath the Forth Bridge. Formally it is no longer part of the official programme: since January 2022 the event has been run by local residents, and entry has become free (as of 09/2026, Loony Dook guide).

There are four ways to get there. You can come by car, by regular bus, by taxi or by train to Dalmeny station, from where it is a short walk to the dip site.

On the morning of 1 January, special buses to South Queensferry are usually laid on from Edinburgh as well. Seats on them are booked in advance, and the timetable is published several weeks ahead.

Similar dips take place in other Scottish towns too, including around Edinburgh. If you do not want to travel far, look for a local event near your hotel.

Logistics matter more than courage. Plan your route there and back in advance, set an alarm and do not leave your clothes in a car on the other side of town.

© Kristian Dela Cour · CC BY-SAPhoto: Kristian Dela Cour, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

If you are coming to watch and not to take the plunge, arrive at least half an hour early. Then you will get a place at the barrier and see the costumed participants going into the water, and not just their backs in the crowd.

Other events on 1 January

The first day of the year is rarely empty in Edinburgh. The city's venues and museums almost always prepare a programme, usually free and family-friendly, but the line-up changes every year.

The main morning event is the Loony Dook in South Queensferry. In the afternoon First Footin' begins: a free music trail through halls and stages in the centre, in Leith and in Portobello.

First Footin' requires neither a ticket nor registration. You simply follow the listings from venue to venue and listen to different bands.

On 1 January the National Museum of Scotland usually hosts Sprogmanay for children and parents. In past years the programme ran from noon until early evening: music, workshops, dancing. Entry is free, and the exact times are announced closer to the date.

The city also has local concerts and ceilidhs, including at the Ault Hundred Pub and the Ross Theatre. Their listings are published later than the main programme, so watch for updates in the first days of January.

If you are staying for 2 January, you have one more day off. In Scotland this day is an official holiday, and museums and markets are usually open.

The Loony Dook dip and the First Footin' music trail rarely clash. The first event is tied to the tide, while the music runs in the afternoon, so check the schedule the day before and choose your order.

Split the day into two parts. Give the morning to the water and South Queensferry, and once you are back in the city, follow the First Footin' venues. That way you will see both programmes without rushing.

On the evening of the first of January the city returns to a calm rhythm. Part of the Christmas programme is still running, and restaurants reopen after the festive night.

If you are leaving on the second of January, allow plenty of extra time for the journey. Trains and buses are busy that day, so it is worth getting tickets in advance and not on the day of departure.

Events outside the official Hogmanay programme

Not all New Year evenings in Edinburgh are part of the festival programme. Dinners, concerts, ceilidhs and family events are put on by individual venues, which sell their tickets independently.

The list of such places is long: Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms, Queen's Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Ghillie Dhu and the city's major hotels. Each has its own listings and its own entry rules.

These evenings have a different format. There are no queues or barriers at the entrance, and at a table you have somewhere to sit, eat a hot meal in the warmth and avoid jostling by the stage.

Many venues sell an all-in package: dinner, drinks, live music and dancing in a single ticket. Some packages also include a pass to the Street Party, so read the description carefully: the price of such an evening is almost always higher than a standard ticket.

The catch is clear too: the venues have limited capacity. Tickets for dinners and balls are the first to go, so you need to book them earlier than the official festival events.

Look for listings on the venues' websites and in local media. City radio stations and hotels publish their programmes closer to December, and that is also where extra places appear.

Our editors' tips for Hogmanay

We have gathered what really affects the experience: arrival time, tickets, entry and the journey back. These points will save you hours on New Year's Eve.

Start with your main ticket, then sort out accommodation and transport, and leave clothes and your bag for the last day before the trip. That way you will not be changing plans on the go.

The order of the evening on 31 December. First an early dinner, because you cannot leave the ticketed areas and come back in. Then make your way to the venue and go through the bag check at the entrance (festival schedule).

After that the gates open and the music begins. By midnight, find a place by a screen or at a barrier with a view of the castle. After the fireworks the main events wrap up within the hour, and the city switches to night transport.

• Bring a printed ticket or your wristband. At the entrance they check the actual document, not a screenshot on your phone.

• Gather your group in one place beforehand. The signal drops out in the crowd, and it is hard to arrange things later.

• Put a power bank in your bag. By midnight the network is overloaded, and your phone drains faster than usual.

• Do not bring suitcases or large backpacks. You will be turned away with them at the gate check.

• Check the rules on water and drinks. Small plastic containers are usually allowed, glass is not.

• Do not plan two paid events back to back. Moving between areas takes longer than it seems.

• Check whether your favourite pub is open that evening. Some places close over the holiday.

• Write your hotel address down on paper. That way the address will save you if your phone dies in the night.

• Set an alarm for the morning if you are going to the dip. Without it, the first day of the year will start without you.

• Always check the programme and ticket sales on the official listings. Previous years' listings are no use: the events change annually.

• Buy tickets in advance. Many events sell out months before the date, and that applies to more than just the concert in the gardens.

• If you live in Edinburgh (EH postcode), look for local discounts. The organisers usually set aside several thousand Street Party tickets for local residents, and there are also giveaways from radio stations.

• Collect your tickets or wristbands as soon as you arrive. The box office queue is especially long on 30 and 31 December.

• Keep your ticket or wristband on you at all times. You will not be let into the ticketed areas without it, and a photo on your phone is usually not accepted.

• Arrive early. Gates open about an hour before the start, and places by the stages are first come, first served, with no reservations.

• Check the last entry time on your ticket. After the cut-off you will not be let in, even if the event is still going on.

A separate word on belongings and rules. Check the restrictions for your event: most areas ban large bags, suitcases, pushchairs, cool bags and glassware.

Bags are searched at the entrance. If you have come with a backpack, be ready for a check, and do not bring anything unnecessary so you do not have to throw things into the bin at the gates.

You can take photos almost everywhere. There is one strict exception: drones. Flights over the events are prohibited, and getting around this rule will land you not with a telling-off but with formal proceedings.

Guests with limited mobility should look at the accessibility section in advance. Most venues are equipped for wheelchairs, but it is best to check entrances and times before buying a ticket.

Entry rules and what you cannot bring in

You cannot bring your own alcohol into the venues. Bringing your own is only allowed in the Street Party area, and only for people over 18.

Containers are restricted too: plastic or metal, up to 500 ml (entry conditions). Glass is not allowed anywhere in any form, not even a sealed bottle of something non-alcoholic.

If you appear very drunk or behave aggressively, security has the right to refuse you entry or remove you from the area. Arguing with security is pointless and not worth your time.

Buy your midnight drink ahead of time. Queues at the stalls stretch out in the last minutes of the year, and you risk seeing in the New Year in a queue and not with a glass in your hand.

Agree on a meeting point with your group. Reception drops out in the crowd, and your phone may be slow at midnight because the network is overloaded.

Think through how you will get back to your hotel. Night transport runs until the early morning, but there are a lot of people, so decide in advance whether you are walking or waiting for a bus.

Do not forget to build in extra time for getting around. The centre is closed off and divided by barriers, so the walk between venues takes longer than during the day.

And one last thing: leave one day for ordinary Edinburgh. The castle, a museum and a walk along the Royal Mile give you a break between parties and do not require festival tickets.

Further reading on Scotland

If you plan to travel around Scotland before or after Hogmanay, take a printed guidebook with you. The Rick Steves guide to Scotland does a good job of covering practical routes and logistics across the country.

For ideas near Edinburgh, articles on day trips will come in handy: castles, distilleries, Loch Ness and the Highlands. Some roads are closed in winter, so check your routes before setting off.

Winter Scotland is a subject of its own: short daylight hours, coastal winds and mountain routes closed for the season. A dedicated guide to Scotland in winter helps you work out what you can realistically fit into one trip and what is better left until spring.

In the city itself, leave time for the castle, a museum and a walk along the Royal Mile. These are the places you will come back to without the New Year crowds and queues.

Plan your trip around the weather and the daylight. It gets dark early in December, so sightseeing is best scheduled for the morning, with the evening given over to the festival.

If you are travelling from another city, add a day for the journey each way. A Scottish winter can delay your train, and holiday timetables differ from the usual ones.

How to save money on a trip to Edinburgh

New Year week hits your budget hardest through accommodation. Hostels and guest houses in the centre are cheaper than hotels, and if you are willing to take the bus, look at suburbs 30-60 minutes from the city.

A second city also works as an option. Glasgow and Stirling are an hour away, and a night there will cost less than in central Edinburgh.

There is hardly anything to save on tickets: prices for the main events are fixed. But part of the programme is free, including the Torchlight Procession for spectators, the First Footin' music trail, Sprogmanay and the Loony Dook dip.

Food is easier to cut back on than it seems. The Christmas market stalls and the stands inside the venues feed you for a moderate price, and you can keep a big dinner for one evening out of three.

Walking replaces transport in the centre. Distances between venues are short, so you will only need a taxi at night, if it is raining or your hotel is far from the centre.

You can bring your own drinks into the Street Party area: plastic or metal, up to 500 ml (conditions of entry). At the bar you will pay noticeably more for the same drink.

Night buses and trams are cheaper than taxis and run until the early morning. Check the timetable with the operator so you are not trying to flag down a cab at one in the morning.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does Hogmanay take place in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2026/2027 runs from 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027. There is one main night: 31 December, with the Street Party, the concert in the gardens and the midnight fireworks above the castle. The programme and exact times for each day are published on the official festival website, and they change from year to year.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, most events charge for entry and tickets sell out in advance. The Street Party starts from around £39, the concert in the gardens costs more, and the venues for the ceilidh and the candlelit concert are small (as of 09/2026, official festival website). A concert ticket does not include the Street Party: since 2023 these have been two separate tickets, and there is no longer a combined option.

Where can I watch the New Year fireworks for free?

The fireworks are launched from Edinburgh Castle, so you need any spot with a clear view of the castle and the sky above it. Popular places are North Bridge, the corner of Castle Street and George Street, and Calton Hill. Arrive at least an hour early: by midnight these spots are already taken.

What should I do if the outdoor programme is cancelled because of the weather?

Outdoor events are cancelled in dangerous wind, and it has happened, including in December 2024, when the whole programme from 29 to 31 December was called off. Check the ticket refund terms on the official festival website. Indoor events still run to schedule, and pubs and restaurants are open with festive menus.

Can I bring children to Hogmanay?

Yes, but not everywhere. Children under 12 are not admitted to the Street Party, the silent disco or the concert in the gardens, and under-16s need an adult. The Torchlight Procession, the daytime Bairns ceilidh, the candlelit concert, Sprogmanay and the Loony Dook dip are suitable for families. Pushchairs are not allowed in the procession.

How do I get to the Loony Dook dip?

The dip takes place in South Queensferry beneath the Forth Bridge, and entry is free for participants and spectators. You can get there by car, bus, taxi or by train to Dalmeny station. On the morning of 1 January special buses usually run from Edinburgh, and seats on them are booked in advance.

In short: what to book

The choice comes down to one question: how many evenings you want to spend on your feet. If you only have one evening, go for the Street Party or the concert in the gardens. If you are travelling with children, plan the daytime ceilidh, the procession and the 1 January programme. If you want to dance indoors, look at the ceilidh at the Assembly Rooms. For a calm evening, the candlelit concert in St Giles' Cathedral is the one.

Book accommodation first, even before tickets: city centre hotels sell out sooner than the events. Transport is best booked in advance: train tickets to Edinburgh and back are cheaper before the holidays than in the last days of December.

If you are short on time, put your trip together from two bookings.

• Selection of hotels in Edinburgh on Trip.com
• Excursions and tours around Scotland