Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2026 – Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Overview
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is widely regarded as the home of New Year’s Eve celebrations, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Scottish capital for a multi-day festival of fire, music, and tradition. The 2026 edition continues a legacy that began in 1993, transforming the city’s historic UNESCO World Heritage center into a massive outdoor party stage. Rooted in ancient Samhain and Viking customs, the festival is a powerful symbol of renewal, famously centered around the “Midnight Moment” where one of the world’s most iconic firework displays erupts over the majestic Edinburgh Castle.
The celebration is much more than a single night, spanning from December 29 to New Year’s Day. It kicks off with a massive torchlight procession that creates a “river of fire” through the Old Town, followed by high-energy concerts in the Princes Street Gardens and traditional ceilidh dancing. On January 1, the festivities conclude with the “First Footin’” culture trail and the brave “Loony Dook” dip in the icy waters of the River Forth. It is an immersive cultural takeover that blends deep-rooted Scottish heritage with a modern, global carnival atmosphere.
Event Highlights
- Torchlight Procession: A spectacular opening event on December 29 where 15,000 torchbearers, accompanied by Vikings and pipes and drums, march through the historic streets to ward off evil spirits.
- Midnight Moment Fireworks: A world-renowned pyrotechnic display designed by Titanium, launched from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle to welcome 2027 with an unforgettable visual and audio soundtrack.
- Concert in the Gardens: A ticketed headline music event in West Princes Street Gardens featuring international artists performing on the Ross Bandstand against the dramatic backdrop of the Castle.
- Street Party Mega Silent Disco: A massive outdoor disco on Market Street featuring multiple DJs and genres, allowing revellers to dance through the countdown with personalized wireless headsets.
Why Attend
Attending Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone looking to celebrate the New Year on a truly global scale. It is the perfect destination for music lovers, culture seekers, and families who want to witness the world’s biggest rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” with thousands of new friends from every corner of the globe. The festival is especially suited for those who appreciate the mix of historic tradition and contemporary party energy, offering everything from serene candlelit cathedral concerts to raucous warehouse parties and street theater.
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Beyond the party, the festival provides a unique way to experience Edinburgh’s breathtaking winter beauty and world-famous hospitality. Travelers can explore the city’s winding cobbled closes, enjoy premium Scottish whisky tastings, and participate in “first-footing” traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Whether you are looking to network with industry professionals at the Assembly Rooms or simply want to cross one of the “Top 100 things to do before you die” off your bucket list, Hogmanay in Edinburgh offers an inclusive and high-octane start to the year.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: December 29, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
- Festival Length: The official program spans four consecutive days of entertainment and tradition.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
- Primary Venue: Princes Street and West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG.
- Google Maps Address: Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets for major events are sold via the official EdWinterFest website and the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Travel Office for inclusive packages.
- Admission Type: Revellers can purchase specific tickets for the Street Party, the Concert in the Gardens, the Torchlight Procession, or the Night Afore Concert.
- Ticket Pricing: Street Party tickets typically range from approximately $40.00 to $55.00, while concert tickets offer tiered pricing for enclosure access.
- Price Range: Minimum entry for smaller club events starts at $22.00, while maximum hospitality or premium concert packages can reach approximately $135.00.
- VIP Options: Premium tickets include the “Enclosure” for the Concert in the Gardens and the “Silent Disco” add-on, plus exclusive hospitality access at the Assembly Rooms.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@edinburghshogmanaytraveloffice.com
- Phone: +44 131 556 3840
- Website: https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/edinburghshogmanay
- https://www.instagram.com/edhogmanay/
- https://x.com/edhogmanay
- https://www.tiktok.com/@edhogmanay
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 12 km from the center; the Airlink 100 bus or Edinburgh Trams take ~$10.00 (~30 minutes) to Princes Street.
- Public Transport: Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams run extended 24-hour services on Hogmanay, with free night trams often provided after midnight.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from EDI to the city center cost approximately $35.00 to $50.00; Uber is available but city-center road closures are extensive.
- Parking: Highly restricted; use P+R sites like Ingliston or Hermiston Gait for approximately $0.00 to $10.00 with a tram or bus ticket.
- Other Access: Walking is the most efficient way to navigate the city center; avoid the Mound and Princes Street by vehicle due to heavy security barriers.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Balmoral Hotel (5-star, 0.1 km, iconic landmark at the East Gate, approximately $600.00 to $950.00 per night).
- High-End Comfort: Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian (5-star, 0.2 km, historic hotel at the West End, approximately $550.00 to $850.00 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Motel One Edinburgh-Princes (3-star, 0.1 km, modern design near the station, approximately $250.00 to $400.00 per night).
- Boutique Stays: The Bonham Hotel (4-star, 0.8 km, elegant West End townhouse, approximately $300.00 to $500.00 per night).
- Budget Lodging: Code Pod Hostels (Hostel, 0.4 km, innovative pods in the New Town, approximately $85.00 to $160.00 per night).
- Economy Hotels: ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile (3-star, 0.5 km, heart of the Old Town, approximately $220.00 to $380.00 per night).
Reviews
- Watching the river of fire during the Torchlight Procession was a deeply moving way to start my holiday in Scotland.
- The midnight fireworks over the castle are easily the best I have ever seen and singing Auld Lang Syne with the crowd was magical.
- I loved the silent disco on Market Street; it was so fun to choose my own music while still being part of the massive street party.
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FAQ's
Do I need a ticket to enter the city center of Edinburgh on New Year's Eve?
A ticket is required to enter the official Street Party and Concert in the Gardens arena which covers most of Princes Street and the surrounding gardens. If you are staying in a hotel within the zone or have a dinner reservation, you will still need to show proof of your booking or a pass to cross the barriers. Outside of the ticketed arena, the rest of the city remains open, though it becomes extremely busy and many bars require pre-booked tickets for entry.
Is there an age limit for the different Hogmanay events in 2026?
The Street Party has a strict minimum age requirement of 12 years, and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18. The Concert in the Gardens and the Torchlight Procession are open to all ages, though parents are advised that the crowds are very large and noise levels are high. Specific family-friendly events like "Bairns Hogmanay" and "Sprogmanay" are held during the day for younger children and toddlers to enjoy.
What should I wear to stay comfortable during the outdoor celebrations?
The weather in Edinburgh in late December is typically very cold, windy, and often rainy, so wearing multiple thermal layers is essential for survival. You will be standing outdoors for several hours, so waterproof footwear with good grip is a must for navigating the potentially slippery cobbled streets. Umbrellas are generally not allowed inside the event arena for safety and visibility reasons, so a good waterproof jacket with a hood is your best option.
Can I bring my own alcohol into the Street Party arena?
You are permitted to bring a limited amount of alcohol into the Street Party arena provided it is in plastic or metal containers under 500ml. Glass bottles are strictly prohibited for safety reasons and will be confiscated at the entry gates during the mandatory bag searches. The current limit is typically 4 containers per person, and there are also numerous bars and food stalls located throughout the arena for additional drinks.
Are the fireworks visible from everywhere in the city or do I need a ticket?
While the fireworks are launched high above Edinburgh Castle and can be seen from many hills and rooftops across the city, the best views are within the ticketed arena. The official soundtrack for the fireworks is only broadcast clearly within the Street Party and Concert in the Gardens areas for a synchronized experience. If you do not have a ticket, popular free viewing spots include Inverleith Park and Calton Hill, though these also fill up very early in the evening.
