Edinburgh Hogmanay: fireworks over the castle

Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of the New Year, and Edinburgh throws one of the best-known parties in the world. Concerts, a huge street party and fireworks over the castle mark midnight, followed by traditions that carry on into New Year's Day.

Fun facts

• Auld Lang Syne, sung at midnight around the world, was written down and adapted by Robert Burns.
• First-footing is the custom of being the first guest through the door after midnight, ideally bringing a gift.
• The Loony Dook sees costumed swimmers dive into the icy Firth of Forth on 1 January.

What to see

• The midnight fireworks launched from Edinburgh Castle.
• The Street Party along Princes Street, with the castle as a backdrop.
• The torchlight procession through the old town, in years when it is held.

What to taste

• Haggis with neeps and tatties, Scotland's national dish.
• A dram of Scotch whisky in a cosy old-town pub.
• Black bun, a rich fruit cake in pastry traditionally eaten at Hogmanay.

What to do

• Walk the Royal Mile between the castle and Holyrood Palace.
• Climb Arthur's Seat on New Year's Day to clear your head.
• Watch or join the Loony Dook at South Queensferry under the Forth Bridge.

💡 Tip: Trams run from Edinburgh airport to the city centre. Street Party tickets and central hotels sell out well ahead, so book early.