Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025: Music, laughter, culture and moments of pure magic

As the final pages of 2025 turn, Edinburgh prepares to close the year in the only way it knows how – with music, laughter, culture and moments of pure magic. Find out all you need to know.

Whether you’re ready to dance your way into 2026 or seeking something softer and more reflective, this year’s festival offers a journey through tradition, creativity and unmistakable Scottish spirit.

The story begins on 29 December, when thousands gather for one of the most iconic sights of the season: the Torchlight Procession. As many as 15,000 torchbearers, pipers and drummers weave through the winding streets of the Old Town, creating a river of fire that feels both ancient and regenerative. It’s a moment to mark new beginnings and welcome light for the year ahead.

Next, the Assembly Rooms opens its doors for the VITAMIN C Club Night as the official Torchlight Procession After-Show Party hosted by Vic Galloway and Andy Wake. This is set to be an electric evening featuring Edinburgh alt-rockers Swim School, indie-rock rising stars waverley., and a DJ set from Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai – the perfect high-energy launch into Hogmanay celebrations.

By 30 December, the festival is in full swing. Next up at Assembly Rooms, indie-rock legends Glasvegas strip back their soaring sound for an intimate acoustic performance, laying bare the emotional storytelling that has earned them a devoted following. For those looking to greet the new year with laughter, Ho-Ho-Hogmanay brings together Scottish comedy legends Susie McCabe, Christopher McArthur-Boyd, Larry Dean and rising-star Ayo Adenekan for a night of quick wit and big belly laughs.

As dusk falls upon the city, all eyes turn to the foot of Edinburgh Castle for the Night Afore Concert, where folk powerhouses Peat & Diesel lead a rousing night of unmistakably Scottish music, supported by RuMac and DJ Levi Heron. For a gentler close to the penultimate night of the year, LAU by Candlelight transforms St Giles’ Cathedral into a sanctuary of soft, glowing sound – an unplugged performance from the acclaimed trio that promises a moment of musical reflection.

Hogmanay itself, 31 December, sees the Assembly Rooms become the beating heart of traditional celebration. Families begin with the joyful Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club, before the evening brings the full Hogmanay Ceilidh Club across two dancefloors, complete with foot-stomping sets from Ceilidhdonia, Teannaich, Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut and Bodhran Bodhran.

The festival reaches a crescendo as midnight approaches. At the Concert in the Gardens, three-time Grammy-nominated Wet Leg take to the Ross Bandstand, joined by Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys. Meanwhile, the world-famous Street Party transforms Princes Street into one big open-air celebration, with electronic-trad innovators Valtos headlining the Tartan Zone alongside The Poozies and the Bella McNab Dance Band, while the Party Zone welcomes international icons 2manydjs, supported by Glasgow’s own Hayley Zalassi. And when the bells strike 12pm, Edinburgh erupts with the spectacular Midnight Moment fireworks – a sky-wide celebration watched the world over.

But the story doesn’t end there. On 1 January, the city reawakens with First Footin’, a series of free live gigs featuring some of Scotland’s most exciting artists, including Tinderbox Orchestra, Kathryn Joseph, Rachel Sermanni, Sean Shibe, Aidan O’Rourke, Theo Bleak and more. For the first time, the city-wide event welcomes international talent this year, with Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte of the Basque Country hosted by Valtos for an evening of musical and cultural exchange at Greyfriars Kirk.

For something a little different, Portobello Town Hall hosts Muckle be the Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond, where Scottish icon Shirley Manson joins Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen for an illuminating conversation on books, songwriting and creativity – a cultural sunrise to welcome the year ahead.

With its fusion of tradition, artistry and celebration, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay remains one of the most magical places to be as you turn the page of a New Year.

Tickets and details

For event times, details and tickets, visit edinburghshogmanay.com.