HOGMANAY IN EDINBURGH

Hogmanay is Scottish for New Year's Eve. The New Year has alway been a most important time of the year in Scotland. Indeed, Scotland has an extra bank holiday on January 2nd, unlike any other part of the UK.

After the Protestant Reformation, Christmas was seen as a Catholic tradition and Christmas was banned in Scotland in 1640.  It was allowed again in 1712 but it wasn't until 1958 that Christmas became a holiday in Scotland. Traditions such as cleaning your house (a clean start) and first-footing
(the first visitor brings a gift. Traditionally it was good luck if the first visitor was a tall, dark male) are part of being Scottish. A gift of coal means warmth, of shortbread or black bun is to keep the house from hunger, salt is for health and  whisky is for good cheer and prosperity.

Edinburgh is said to be the best place in the world to be for New Year celebrations. In 1996/97, this was acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records when over 400,000 people took part over the days of the festivities. In 2025, Hogmanay in Edinburgh took place over four days and incorporated both Norse and Gaelic traditions. Burning away the evil spirits of the past year with fire is an old pagan tradition. In Edinburgh, the festival was begun with a torchlight parade, much like an ancient Norse tradition.  Thousands of people carried lit torches through the city core to underneath the castle.  Having Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop for these events helps give the feeling of history to this special event.

In 2025, the festivities started on Dec. 29/25.  The entire city was an outdoor party.  There were street entertainers, live concerts, dancing, and pipe bands of course.  Other main city parks, squares and landmarks become stages for entertainment such as Princes Gardens and Holyrood Park.  Museums and other public buildings hosted events and ran programs for children and families. And on New Year's Eve, after midnight, everyone joined hands of those around them and sang Auld Lang Syne, the song of Scotland's poet Robbie Burns.  This was followed by a spectacular fireworks show.

Another tradition is the loony dook - a jump in the water on New Year's Day,  In Edinburgh, the cold plunge is in the River Forth. Many people who take part in this also dress up.  It is a really fun event.

Edinburgh is happy to open its doors to all who come to the city.   It is definitely a place to go to to bring in a New Year.  Happy New Year to everyone and maybe you will join in one year!