Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
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Start date
December 29, 2026 6:30 pm
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End date
January 1, 2027
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Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns from 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, bringing four days of New Year events to the city centre.
The programme usually includes the Torchlight Procession, the famous Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, ceilidh events, fireworks and New Year’s Day culture events.
Key Event Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Edinburgh’s Hogmanay |
| Dates | 29 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 |
| Main night | Thursday 31 December 2026 |
| Location | Edinburgh city centre |
| Main areas | Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens, Old Town and nearby venues |
| Tickets | Required for major events such as the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens |
| Free events | Some New Year’s Day events are usually free |
| Official site | https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay |
What To Expect
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the city’s biggest New Year event and one of Scotland’s best-known winter celebrations.
The festival usually starts with the Torchlight Procession on 29 December, followed by concerts, ceilidhs and family events across the next few days. The main night is 31 December, when Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens become the centre of the city’s countdown to midnight.
Expect live music, DJ sets, street entertainment, food and drink stalls, fireworks and a large crowd. It’s a ticketed event for the main areas, so don’t just turn up expecting to walk into the Street Party.
Main Events
The full programme changes each year, but Edinburgh’s Hogmanay usually includes:
- Torchlight Procession: a large evening procession through the city, with fire performers, pipe bands and drummers.
- Night Afore Concert: a live music event held before New Year’s Eve.
- Hogmanay Street Party: the main outdoor New Year’s Eve party in the city centre.
- Concert in the Gardens: a ticketed live music show in Princes Street Gardens.
- Ceilidh events: traditional Scottish dancing, usually with live bands.
- Midnight fireworks: fireworks from Edinburgh Castle at the Bells.
- First Footin’: New Year’s Day culture events across city centre venues.
Tickets & Entry
Tickets are needed for the biggest Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events, including the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens.
Some events sell out, especially the main 31 December events. If you’re planning to be in Edinburgh for New Year, book tickets and accommodation early.
Buy tickets and check the latest programme on the official Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website:
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay
Location
Most of Edinburgh’s main Hogmanay events take place around Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town.
Exact routes, gates and entry points can change each year, so check the official event information before travelling into the city centre.
Getting There
Public transport is usually the best way to reach Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
Waverley Station is close to Princes Street and the Old Town, while Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses normally run festive services. Some roads close for the event, and taxis can be harder to find after midnight.
Check travel updates before heading in, especially if you’re coming from outside Edinburgh.
5 Tips for Hogmany in Edinburgh
- Book accommodation early, as Hogmanay is one of Edinburgh’s busiest times of year.
- Check your ticket gate and entry time before leaving.
- Dress for cold, wet weather. It’s Edinburgh in December, so assume layers.
- Use public transport where possible, as road closures can make city centre travel slow.
- Keep an eye on the official site for final event details and weather updates.
Sources
Official Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website:
https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay
Forever Edinburgh Hogmanay guide:
https://edinburgh.org/festivals/edinburghs-hogmanay/