blog > Hogmanay 2024: A guide to Celebrating New Year in Scotland

Hogmanay 2024: A guide to Celebrating New Year in Scotland

By Hello Student

City guide

What is Hogmanay, and how is Hogmanay celebrated in Scotland?

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are world-famous, making Scotland’s capital one of the top destinations to bring in the New Year. Hogmanay is the Scottish term for New Year’s Eve, and the festivities in Edinburgh have gained a global reputation for their exciting mix of torchlight processions, concerts, fireworks displays, ceilidh dancing, and unique cultural events. For students living in or visiting Edinburgh, Hogmanay 2024 offers the chance to experience Scottish traditions and be part of one of the world’s greatest New Year’s parties.

The Torchlight Procession

What is the Torchlight Procession?

The Torchlight Procession on 29th December marks the official start of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay events. This iconic procession sees thousands of torch carriers wind their way through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing famous landmarks before reaching a dramatic finish at Edinburgh Castle. Performers like the Beltane Society entertain crowds along the route, making it a magical, family-friendly way to kick off the New Year celebrations.

When and Where to Watch the Torchlight Procession

The 2024 Torchlight Procession takes place on Saturday 29th December, stepping off at 7:30pm from the Meadows. Key viewing spots include Middle Meadow Walk, George IV Bridge, Johnston Terrace and the final section approaching Edinburgh Castle. Arrive early to soak up the carnival atmosphere with live entertainment on the Meadows from 6pm before the parade begins its route at 7:30pm.

The Street Party: Edinburgh’s legendary New Year’s Eve party

What to expect at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party

On 31st December, 45,000 revellers fill the city centre for Edinburgh’s world-famous Street Party. With live music, DJs, food stalls, and fireworks against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, it’s one of the world’s greatest New Year’s Eve Edinburgh parties. The Hogmanay fireworks and street party in Edinburgh 2024 includes giant screens, international street theatre and funfair rides create a carnival vibe leading up to the midnight fireworks.

Access to the Street Party – Tickets and Entry Information

The Street Party takes place on 31st December with gates opening at 8pm and last entry at 11pm. Tickets cost £30 plus fees and local discounted tickets are also available. Tickets are paperless so have your e-ticket confirmation ready. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Bring ID and don’t bring glass, drones or large bags.

The Concert in the Gardens

What is the Concert in the Gardens?

The Concert in the Gardens offers a brilliant lineup of live music from major acts, housed in a temporary arena in West Princes Street Gardens with Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop. Taking place on New Year’s Eve, it’s a ticketed event that’s part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay but separate from the Street Party. Audiences can enjoy chart-topping bands before joining the Street Party at midnight to watch the fireworks.

Headliners for Hogmanay 2024

Texas and Callum Beattie have been announced as headliners for the Concert in the Gardens for Hogmanay 2024/25, promising an electric atmosphere amidst the spectacle of Edinburgh Castle.

How to get tickets for the Concert in the Gardens

Tickets for the Concert in the Gardens are in high demand, given the limited capacity of 2500 in the temporary Ross Bandstand venue. Tickets are priced from £72.50 to £150 plus fees. The concert runs on New Year’s Eve from 8pm to 12.30am with the Street Party accessible after midnight. Tickets sell out fast so book early via the Edinburgh Hogmanay website to secure a spot.

Timing, access, and what to bring

The Concert in the Gardens takes place on New Year’s Eve from 8pm to 12.30am in West Princes Street Gardens. Access with a valid ticket only via entrances on Princes Street and Rose Street. Arrive in good time as queues can form at entry points. Bring your e-ticket or paper ticket along with ID. Bags may be subject to searches. No glass or alcohol can be brought into the arena.

The midnight fireworks

At the stroke of midnight, all eyes turn to the dazzling New Year’s fireworks display launched from Edinburgh Castle. This world-famous pyrotechnic showcase is the pinnacle of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. Designed by award-winning Titanium Fireworks, the display features over 3 tons of fireworks synchronised to music. Rockets burst and fizzle across the night sky in mesmerising patterns and cascades of colour over the historic city landscape. The party reaches fever pitch amid flashing lights and thunderous booms in this iconic start to the New Year.

Best locations to view the fireworks

For a panoramic view, head to Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat to watch fireworks burst above the castle and over the cityscape. North Bridge, Princes Street and Regent Road offer unforgettable front-row views. Climb to elevated points around Grassmarket and the Royal Mile for a stunning perspective over historic Old Town. Or you can even view them from our very own King’s Stables Road student accommodation rooftop! Just find a spot with a clear sightline facing Edinburgh Castle and brace for magic at midnight.

When do the fireworks start?

The midnight fireworks begin precisely as the year changes at 12am on January 1st, 2025. Arrive in position by around 11:45pm to ensure an unrestricted view and soak up the electric atmosphere in the waiting crowds. The display lasts around 15 exhilarating minutes so keep gazing skyward!

The Ceilidh

What is a Ceilidh?

A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering featuring folk music and group dances. Ceilidhs celebrate Scottish culture through energetic, fun group dances like reels and jigs. A ceilidh caller leads the dances and instructs participants. Minimal experience is necessary as anyone can join in the simple, repetitive steps. Swirling and leaping with linked arms, ceilidhs create a joyful celebration of Scottish heritage and community.

Where to Find Ceilidh Dances in Edinburgh During Hogmanay

Ceilidh Under the Castle offers a massive ceilidh party in West Princes Street Gardens on New Year’s Eve. The famous Assembly Rooms hosts the New Year’s Revels ceilidh evening with multiple dancefloors and live bands. Other venues like Usher Hall hold Hogmanay ceilidh nights. Don’t miss the chance to whirl into 2025 with a traditional Scottish ceilidh dance celebrating Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in style.

The Edinburgh Hogmanay 5K Fun Run

What is the Edinburgh Hogmanay 5K?

The Edinburgh Hogmanay 5K Fun Run offers a healthy, energising start to the New Year. This usually takes place on New Year’s Day, and follows a loop of Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat. Runners work up an appetite and burn the excesses of Hogmanay while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Fancy dress, wacky costumes and Scottish flags add to the spirit as participants run, jog or walk the route through centuries of history.

How to Participate in the Hogmanay 5K Fun Run

There are no plans yet to introduce a fun run for 2025, but you can enter a triathlon for people of all abilities. This includes a 400m swim, an 11 mile cycle and a 3.5 mile run. You can enter via the Entry Central website.

Don’t miss out

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations offer the ultimate way to welcome the New Year with Scottish flair. Joining the parties, processions, concerts and customs allows you to immerse in Scottish culture and be part of world-class celebrations. The festive atmosphere is contagious – you’ll soon find yourself singing Auld Lang Syne, counting down to the bells, and toasting 2025 with new friends. Hogmanay in Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience, creating memories to launch an amazing year ahead.

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