Torchlight Procession to light up start of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay four-day celebrations and famous Street Party

A river of fire will run through the capital for Hogmanay, as the spectacular Torchlight Procession returns to launch 2024 celebrations before Edinburgh’s world-famous Street Party. Tickets are on sale now and proceeds will help local charities.

The enchanting family-friendly Torchlight Procession will see up to 20,000 event-goers blaze a trail through the Old Town of Scotland’s historic capital, as the impressive event returns on December 29 to mark the start of New Year celebrations.

Beginning at the Meadows with a host of entertainment from Edinburgh’s Beltane Society and more, the event will welcome locals and tourists alike to a fun, carnival atmosphere.

From 6pm, watch live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers, before the ceremonial Torchlight Procession embarks on its route through the Old Town at 7.30pm, with a fiery finale underneath Edinburgh Castle between 8.30pm - 9pm.

Thousands of torch carriers will lead the way up Middle Meadow Walk, crossing George IV Bridge and making their way along Johnston Terrace before reaching a picturesque finishing point on Castle Terrace beneath Edinburgh Castle.

The route will see the procession pass some of the capital’s most famous landmarks including the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Tolbooth Kirk, the National Library of Scotland and more.

Leading the procession through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town will be Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad, who previously made history when they appointed the first ever female Jarl.

Raising money for local charities

Organisers are once again joining forces with presenting partner EventScotland to mark four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with the iconic event.

The Torchlight Procession has become one of Edinburgh Hogmanay’s most beloved events and this year will fundraise for four official charity partners: One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star and local charities working to end homelessness, Social Bite and Simon Community Scotland.

With £2 from each torch sold and £1.50 from procession tickets donated directly to charity, and fundraising activity across both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay, organisers aim to raise over £55,000 throughout the winter festivals to be split evenly between the charities.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is produced by Unique Assembly, presented on behalf of Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council.

For tickets and details visit the website

World-famous Street Party

The superb Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party returns to the city centre on December 31, lighting up Edinburgh’s skies, in what is one of the world’s greatest New Year celebrations.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this year an estimated 45,000 revellers are expected to party their way into 2025. A feast of entertainment includes live music, DJs, giant screens, international street theatre, pipers, drummers, funfair attractions, delicious street food and drink throughout the arena and a carnival of light and sound to bring in the New Year.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay also welcomes the return of pyrotechnic wizards Titanium to design incredible New Year firework displays, for an unforgettable light spectacular.

DJ Zone at Waverley Bridge will create one mega-dancefloor with a journey through time from Hot Dub Time Machine. It’s non-stop bangers as DJ Tom Lowndes showcases songs from every decade and musical genre. He will be joined by BBC Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free for an incredible night of music.

Tartan Zone is at Castle Street with the very best Scottish trad music, with high-energy tunes from the Isle of Skye with Peatbog Faeries and exhilarating Celtic-electronic from Valtos, plus a guest appearance by The Poozies.

Street theatre and performances will take place in the city centre, with award-winning Close Act and I-Puppets, drumming by Edinburgh Noise Committee, pipes and drums plus illuminating stilt-walkers.

Tickets are also on sale for the Silent Adventures Mega Silent Disco which includes a midnight fireworks soundtrack.

Gates open at 8pm, with live entertainment from 9pm and last admissions at 11pm. Entry gates are at South Gate, at Banks Street/top of the Mound, East Gate at Princes Street east end near Balmoral Hotel, and West Gate at Princes Street west end near Johnnie Walker.

See the website for tickets and details.

Four days of celebrations

A stellar list of music events are also lined up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. An eclectic programme of events presents indie rock legends, contemporary Scottish bands and DJ’s, alongside classical recitals and foot stompin’ ceilidh chaos.

Edinburgh’s own Idlewild indie-rock legends will headline a special Night Afore Concert at the Assembly Rooms on December 30.

Music events will continue until New Year’s Day at historic landmark buildings such as a candlelit concerts at St Giles’ Cathedral and, for the first time, a programme expanding out of the city centre to Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches.

Get the party started at Concert in the Gardens, where Texas and special guest Callum Beattie will perform on December 31.

Also on New Year’s Eve, New Year Revels returns to Assembly Rooms with a night of live music and ceilidh dancing. While Bairns New Year Revels gives young party-goers the chance to join celebrations with a huge family ceilidh, live music and dancing for all.

A packed programme of free events will start 2025, as the much-loved First Footin’ and Sprogmanay return on New Year’s Day, with a programme of live music and performance in venues across the city centre. Plus, as part of special event ‘Come Away In’, renowned folk artist Karine Polwart has called for 200 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances.

Book event tickets now

For tickets and details visit the website