Is the New Year's Eve celebration in Edinburgh, Scotland, considered the top global Hogmanay party?
Hogmanay in Scotland: A Fiery Tale of Celebration
As thousands thronged Edinburgh's medieval Old Town, I found myself among them, engulfed by the pulsating energy of the city's annual New Year's Eve celebration - Edinburgh's Hogmanay. This vibrant event, bolstered by flame-filled traditions dating back to 8th-century Viking invaders, is a spectacle like no other.
If you find yourself in Europe during winter, seeking a distinctive way to usher in the New Year, Edinburgh's Hogmanay may well be your match. Spanning three exhilarating days, the festivities will testify to a roaring welcome to the New Year, leaving an indelible imprint on any fortunate enough to witness it.
In this guide, we'll delve into the main events, emphasizing the Torchlight Procession, the Street Party, and the Concert, as well as other festivities and important changes for 2023/2024.
Torchlight Procession
When: 30th December, 18:00
The Torchlight Procession, a bucket-list must for many, sheds light on Edinburgh's Hogmanay. As performers donning traditional Celtic and Viking-inspired costumes and masks take the lead, hordes of torch-holders join the parade, their flames illuminating the darkened streets.
Underneath the watchful gaze of countless onlookers, the procession weaves its way through the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where, in a breathtaking display, the torchbearers form an image not visible from ground level. A hovering helicopter captures the image to be projected onto screens around the park, encapsulating the spirit of unity and camaraderie that pervades this event.
Street Party & Concert in the Gardens
When: 31st December from 20:00, Main fireworks at midnight
As the culmination of the festivities, the Street Party turns Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens into a vibrant, bustling hub, with live music and diverse entertainment spilling onto the surrounding streets and even the Royal Mile. Pairing the lower-priced Street Party Ticket with the concert at Princes Street Gardens will grant you access to both, ensuring a night to remember.
This year's celebration marks the 30th anniversary of the event, and British band Pulp is headlining. Throughout the night, you can enjoy various stages set up across the festival grounds, where you'll find an array of acts, bands, and dancers, including jugglers, gigantic robots, and local performers.
At midnight, the fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle ushers in the New Year with a dazzling show enchanting all who attend. The party continues until 1 am, offering a myriad of after-parties and clubs for those eager to continue the revelry.
Other Hogmanay Events
The Loony Dook Dip, characterised by the eccentric parade of people in fancy dress, takes place in South Queensferry on the 1st of January. Brave souls dunk themselves in the cold waters, hoping to shed their hangovers and support charity.
The Message from the Skies projections, which typically run from dusk on New Year's Day until January, may or may not be a part of the celebrations in 2023/2024. These projections grace various landmarks and historic buildings across the city, shedding light on thought-provoking themes.
Insider Tips
- The large street party attracts approximately 45,000 attendees, so reservations and patience are essential when dining in the city.
- I encourage families to visit early in the day to enjoy children-friendly events and entertainment leading up to the evening revelries.
- Be aware that this year marks some changes to Hogmanay – certain events have been cancelled or geographically split, and many longstanding traditions may be missing. Consult the up-to-date information before planning your trip to Edinburgh's Hogmanay.
- As social media is flooded with images of the Torchlight Procession, travelers from around the world share their experiences of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, creating a universal platform for showcasing the event's entertainment and pop-culture impact.
- Amidst the lively Street Party, celebrities and influencers are frequently spotted, adding a touch of glamour to the festivities, while movies-and-tv themes, such as the headlining performance by Pulp, add another layer to the overall entertainment lifestyle.
- On New Year's Day, the Loony Dook Dip and the Message from the Skies projections continue the celebrations, offering a unique blend of laughter, charitable causes, and thought-provoking ideas, further cementing Edinburgh's Hogmanay as a must-visit event for anyone interested in exploration, social media, and pop-culture.
