Hogmanay & New Year breaks in Scotland

Hogmanay is what we Scots call New Year’s Eve – 31 December – and it’s one of the biggest celebrations in Scotland’s calendar. Its origins stretch back to ancient winter solstice celebrations and Viking midwinter festivals, long before Christmas was widely celebrated here.  

Today, Hogmanay is famous around the world for its traditions, fire festivals and warm Scottish welcome. Celebrations often continue into New Year's Day and even 2 January, which is also a public holiday in Scotland, making it a perfect time for a winter break.

As the clock strikes midnight, Scotland comes alive with Hogmanay traditions. Join a ceilidh, watch fireballs illuminate the streets and sing Auld Lang Syne as the New Year begins. You may even experience first-footing, when friends and neighbours bring gifts such as whisky, coal and shortbread for good luck. Discover some of Scotland’s most famous Hogmanay celebrations, each with a unique way of welcoming the New Year.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 

Experience one of the world’s most famous New Year celebrations in Edinburgh. Feel the warm glow of thousands of torches as a procession winds through the historic streets, listen to live music, and join a huge street party in the city centre. At midnight, look up to see the sky above Edinburgh Castle illuminated by fireworks as crowds gather to celebrate the New Year. If a fresh start is what you’re after, take a refreshing ‘dook’ in the Firth of Forth on New Year’s Day, a tradition that is guaranteed to wake up the senses. 

Start planning your Edinburgh Hogmanay experience   

Discover Edinburgh’s Christmas markets and winter festivals 

Start the New Year with a refreshing dive 

Biggar Bonfire 

In Biggar, South Lanarkshire, an enormous bonfire takes centre stage on New Year’s Eve. Gather around with locals as the glow of the fire lights up the town and welcomes the New Year. This tradition brings people together and is the perfect opportunity for you to experience the Hogmanay spirit.  

Find out more about the Biggar Bonfire   

Burghead’s Burning of the Clavie 

In Burghead in Moray, New Year is celebrated on 11 January, known as ‘old Hogmanay’. As darkness falls, watch as a flaming wooden barrel is carried through the town before being set alight on a nearby hill, where it burns into the next day.  

Learn more about the Burning of the Clavie

Drams in Dufftown 

In Dufftown in Speyside after the Hogmanay ceilidh, the community gathers in the Square to ‘see in the bells’. Share a dram of whisky, enjoy a piece of shortbread and join a local tradition that reflects Dufftown’s whisky heritage and offers a warm Highland welcome for the coming year. 

Or ring in the New Year on the Hogmanay Special train as it travels through the Speyside countryside. Departing from nearby Keith, share the countdown with fellow passengers, raise a dram and welcome the year ahead on a memorable train ride.  

Experience Hogmanay in Dufftown

Step aboard the Hogmanay Special

When you join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight, you’ll hear some traditional Scots words. Here are some of the key phrases and what they mean:

• Auld lang syne – Old times / long ago   
• My jo – My dear / my friend   
• Tak – Take   
• Braes – Hillsides   
• Burn – Stream   
• We twa – We two / the two of us   
• Mony – Many   
• Fitt – Foot   
• Gie’s a hand – Give us a hand   
• Gude – Good   
• A right gude-willie-waught – A hearty drink / goodwill drink  

Learn more Scottish words and their meanings  

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