Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025: Check out what’s on and live events in Edinburgh this winter

Andy Catlin

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns for another year of the very best live events in Scotland this winter season. Whether it’s ringing in the new year at the world-famous Street Party, soaking up the atmosphere at the Candlelit Concert at St Giles Cathedral, or kicking off 2026 with the jam-packed First Footin’ line up, there’s something to keep everyone warm this festive season.

Processions, music and candlelight

The Torchlight Procession is the spark that ignites the Hogmanay celebrations on the 29 December. The iconic tradition sees over 15,000 torchbearers, pipers and drummers, and street performers light up the streets of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

Andy Catlin

Fresh off the back of three Grammy nominations for their latest album, Moisturizer, Wet Leg are set to headline the iconic Concert in the Gardens. With support from local hero Hamish Hawk and Glasgow indie-rockers Lucia & The Best Boys, Wet Leg are not to be missed.

Scottish Folk Stars Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert with their unique blend of Scottish Folk and Celtic Punk, performing a barnstorming set underneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, supported by RuMac and Levi Heron (DJ Set).

As well as the hugely popular Candlelit Concert, St Giles’ Cathedral hosts a very special intimate performance by acclaimed folk trio Lau. Join LAU on the 30 December for a reflective, atmospheric, unplugged set in the stunning architecture of St Giles’ Cathedral, illuminated by the glow of candles.

Idlewild | Cameron Brisbane

At the Assembly Rooms

Elsewhere in the city, the iconic Assembly Rooms will be a hub of the very best live gigs this December. On the 29th, kick-start your New Year celebrations with a much-needed boost of VITAMIN C as Vic Galloway and Andy Wake host a spectacular club night. On 30 December, indie-rock legends Glasvegas will be performing a special acoustic show and Scottish comics Susie McCabe, Christopher McArthur-Boyd, Larry Dean and Ayo Adenaken join the programme for late-night laughs at Ho-Ho-Hogmanay.

Assembly Rooms turns into one big Ceilidh on the 31 December. Bands including Ceilidhdonia, Teannaich and more, are sure to get the whole family ready to dance into the New Year at Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club in the afternoon and Hogmanay Ceilidh Club later that evening.

Keith Valentine

Kicking off the New Year with some of the hottest acts on the Scottish gig circuit, First Footin’ is a gentle (or not so gentle – depending on the gig!) welcome into the New Year, with free and ticketed live music in venues across the city. With acts including Tinderbox Orchestra, Kathryn Joseph, Sean Shibe & Aidan O’Rourke, and Theo Bleak already announced and many more to come, First Footin’ is the perfect way to welcome in 2026.

Also on New Year’s Day, Portobello Town Hall hosts Muckle be the Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond, a panel of writers and artists chatting everything books, songwriting and more. Including Nicola Sturgeon, Norman Blake, and hosted by Michael Pederson and Shirley Manson. Lighthouse Books also provide a pop-up bookshop.

Tickets to the full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme are on-sale now and available from edwinterfest.com/hogmanay