Edinburgh doesn’t just celebrate New Year’s Eve – it owns it. From the fiery Torchlight Procession snaking down the Royal Mile to the world‑famous Street Party beneath Edinburgh Castle and the bracing Loony Dook plunge on 1 January, “Hogmanay” is three adrenaline‑packed days that light up the darkest Scottish winter. If you’re planning to ring in 2026 in Scotland’s capital, this guide packs every tip, date, and long‑tail search phrase you’ll need to book with confidence and party like a local.
Key Dates, Times & “Must‑Know” Facts for Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025
| Date | Event | Typical Time | Need Tickets? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 29 Dec 2025 | Torchlight Procession | 7 pm step‑off | Yes (early‑bird) |
| Tue 30 Dec 2025 | Night Afore Hoolie ft. Peat & Diesel | From 7 pm | Yes |
| Wed 31 Dec 2025 | Hogmanay Street Party 2025/26 | 9 pm – 12:30 am | Yes |
| Wed 31 Dec 2025 | Concert in the Gardens | 9 pm – 12:30 am | Yes (separate) |
| Thu 1 Jan 2026 | Loony Dook charity dip | 12 pm | Donation / ticket |
Hogmanay literally means the last day of the year in Scots, and the festival roots run deeper than Scotland’s Christmas celebrations.
How to Get Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025 Tickets at Early‑Bird Prices
Early‑bird allocations for the Street Party and Torchlight Procession landed on 30 May 2025 with prices from £28 plus booking fee (edinburghshogmanay.com). Sign up to the official newsletter and create an online account before the next release; the cheapest tiers usually sell out within 48 hours. Tickets are e‑mailed as e‑passes (add them to Apple/Google Wallet to skip queues).
Pro tip: Buy Torchlight & Street Party tickets together – the system waives one transaction fee.
Torchlight Procession 2025: Route, Tickets & Fire Safety
Thousands of marchers carry wax‑based torches from the historic Royal Mile down to Holyrood Park on 29 December (edwinterfest.com). New this year, the organisers cap numbers to 20 000 for crowd comfort, so book by October. Wear non‑synthetic layers (sparks fly!) and arrive 30 minutes early at your designated assembly zone.
Street Party 2025/26: Full Stage Map & Fireworks Timetable
31 December 2025 streets close from 6 pm. Main gates open 9 pm and last entry is 11 pm. Highlights (edwinterfest.com):
- Scottish Stage (Castle St): Valtos (22:15)
- DJ Stage (Waverley Bridge): Hot Dub Time Machine dual‑screen set (22:20–23:55)
- Midnight fireworks: 4‑minute bursts every hour from 9 pm, then the 10‑minute grand finale at 12:00:30 am.
Best viewpoints: Mound Precinct (limited capacity), Princes St east of Waverley, or Calton Hill if you don’t have a ticket.
Night Afore Hoolie with Peat & Diesel – 30 December
The Hebridean folk‑rock trio turn West Princes Street Gardens into a ceilidh on steroids. Tickets (£25) went on exclusive pre‑sale 25 July (edinburghshogmanay.com).
Concert in the Gardens 2025: Headliner & Viewing Platform Info
Line‑up TBA as of August 2025, but expect a chart‑topping indie or pop act – recent years saw Pet Shop Boys and Texas. VIP Garden tickets include private bar, heated marquee and Castle‑facing terrace. Book fast; last year’s allotment sold out in under a week.
Loony Dook 2026: Brave the Firth of Forth on New Year’s Day
While the icy dip is no longer an official Hogmanay event (edinburghguide.com), local charities such as Age Scotland now run it as a standalone fundraiser at South Queensferry around noon on 1 January 2026 (agescotland.org.uk). Registration (£15–20) opens in November; neoprene shoes and fancy dress encouraged!
Sneak Peek: Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025
If you’re arriving a little early for Hogmanay, the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 is in full swing from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 across four central sites—East & West Princes Street Gardens, George Street and St Andrew Square. Expect more than 70 chalet-style stalls, an expanded foodie village and nightly light shows against the Castle backdrop.
What’s new for 2025?
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Free-to-enter family zone in West Princes Street Gardens, packed with funfair rides and cosy warming huts.
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George Street Ice Rink glides back from 20 November—grab an early-bird skate slot before the evening light-trail crowds.
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Thrill rides like the LNER Big Wheel and 80-metre Star Flyer return for skyline-high selfies.
Tip: Book weekday slots for cheaper prices and smaller queues, then warm up with a mulled Irn-Bru at “Elves’ Bothy” under the Market Street bridge.
Ready to dive deeper into opening times, merch highlights and the best photo spots? Read our complete Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 guide and plan your festive double-header!
Where to Stay for Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025
| Area | Walk to Street Party | Vibe | Example stays |
| Old Town | 5‑10 min | Historic, pubs | Radisson Blu, Stay Central Hostel |
| New Town / Princes St | 0–5 min | Shopping, views | Apex Waterloo, Motel One |
| Leith / Shore | 25 min + tram | Foodie, budget | Malmaison, Port O’ Leith Hostel |
Book at least six months ahead; 3‑night minimums are standard. Use filters like “free cancellation” to lock in early deals.
What to Wear: Edinburgh Hogmanay Weather in December
Average highs are 7 °C and lows 2 °C, but wind‑chill can feel below freezing. The 2024/25 festival saw 50 mph gusts and sleet. Layer up:
- Thermal base layer + wool jumper
- Waterproof parka with hood
- Touch‑screen gloves & beanie
- Waterproof boots (cobbles!)
Getting Around: Road Closures, Trams & Night Buses
Princes Street, Waverley Bridge and the Mound close from 16:00 31 Dec. The tram runs every 10 minutes until 02:00; Lothian “N‑bus” night routes run hourly. Save stress: buy a £4.50 DAYticket on the Transport for Edinburgh app.
Family‑Friendly & Accessible Hogmanay Tips
- Book the Early‑Evening Torchlight Procession (all ages).
- Under‑12s are banned from the Street Party but welcome at the Bairns Afore concert (check programme when released).
- Apply for free Accessible Viewing Platform passes via the festival website six weeks out – limited spots.
Final Word: Book Early & “Dinnae Fash Yersel!”
With tickets, accommodation and even dinner reservations snapped up months ahead, the secret to a stress‑free Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025 is to plan early, layer up and keep a dram handy for the midnight “Auld Lang Syne”. See you on Princes Street!
Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025
1. When do Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025 tickets go on sale?
Early-bird tickets for the Street Party and Torchlight Procession were released at 12 p.m. on Friday 30 May 2025. Regular-price tickets remain on sale until they sell out or the event reaches capacity.
2. How much are Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party ticket prices 2025?
General-admission Street Party tickets now cost £33 + £2.50 booking fee + 50p charity donation, while EH-postcode residents pay £26 on the same fee structure. Early-bird seats (now sold out) were £30/£23.
3. What time does the Edinburgh Hogmanay 2025 Street Party start and finish?
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Gates open 20:00
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Party officially kicks off 21:00
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Last entry 23:00
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Midnight Moment fireworks 00:00–00:10
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Music wraps up around 00:45
Arrive early—they shut the gates once capacity is reached.
4. Where’s the best place to watch Edinburgh Hogmanay fireworks for free?
If you don’t have a Street-Party wristband, locals recommend Calton Hill, North Bridge, or Inverleith Park for clear castle views. Princes Street Gardens (ticketed) offers the prime sight-line but fills first.
5. Do you need a ticket for the Edinburgh Hogmanay Torchlight Procession 2025?
Yes—participating torch-bearers must pre-book a Torch Ticket (£18) or Procession Ticket (£6.50); spectators can watch curb-side for free.
6. Is the Loony Dook 2025 free and how do I take part?
For 2025 the Queensferry plunge is free, no registration needed—just show up in costume on 1 January, but arrive early for a good spot and bring warm dry clothes for afterward.
7. What should I wear to Edinburgh Hogmanay in December?
Expect daytime highs of 7 °C (45 °F), lows near freezing and biting wind chill. Pack thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, hat, gloves and sturdy footwear—you’ll be outside for 4–6 hours.
8. Can you bring bags or alcohol into the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party?
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Bags must be smaller than A3; all are searched.
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Alcohol is allowed only in plastic/metal containers ≤ 500 ml, max 4 per person.
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Absolutely no glass, umbrellas, or drones.
9. Is Edinburgh Hogmanay suitable for children?
Children under 12 are not permitted at the Street Party; anyone 12–15 must be with an adult 18+. Family-friendly alternatives include the early-evening Bairns Afore concert and daytime cultural events.
10. Is Edinburgh Hogmanay worth it?
Year after year the festival ranks in the world’s top New-Year experiences—on Discovery Channel’s “Top 25 World Travel Experiences” list and countless bucket-lists—so if you enjoy huge outdoor parties, live music and fireworks against a castle backdrop, it’s hard to beat.
