30 magical moments for 30 years of Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a jam-packed four-day programme of unmissable events!
Celebrate 30 years of the Edinburgh Hogmanay in style. Picture – suppliedCelebrate 30 years of the Edinburgh Hogmanay in style. Picture – supplied
Celebrate 30 years of the Edinburgh Hogmanay in style. Picture – supplied

Here is a list of 30 things to do to ensure you give a memorable end to 2023, and kickstart a magical 2024! 

1 Join the Torchlight Procession that will light up Edinburgh’s City Centre on December 29th. 

2 Give an early start to the Hogmanay celebrations with a laugh at Ho Ho Hogmanay comedy event, hosted by the hilarious Emmanuel Sonubi, and with special guests Susie McCabe, Fred MacAulay and Larry Dean. 

Hogmanay with style – 30 ways to celebrate in Edinburgh. Picture – suppliedHogmanay with style – 30 ways to celebrate in Edinburgh. Picture – supplied
Hogmanay with style – 30 ways to celebrate in Edinburgh. Picture – supplied

3 Have a wholesome end of year by walking to Cramond Island. Make sure you check the tides! 

4 Have a blast the Nigh Afore with ABBA sensations Björn Again and live sing-along band Massaoke at the Night Afore Disco Party. 

5 Gather your friends at your favourite Edinburgh pub and toast to the new year with a dram of whisky. Slàinte Mhath! 

6 Have a pure belter of a night at the Night Afore Hoolie, with the Blue Rose Code, Jill Jackson, Leith's own Dean Owens, and Suldiae bringing the year to an end with an unforgettable Night Afore show. 

7 Enjoy a cozy cinema day and watch classic Scottish Movies such as “From Scotland with Love”, “Trainspotting,” and “Gregory’s Girl” at Santa’s House in St Andrew Square.  

8 Party your way into 2024 with a feast of live entertainment at the World-Famous Street Party. With live music, funfair rides, street performers, pipers, drummers, delicious street food and more! 

9 Make sure you attend the party with a full belly. Join Contini Restaurant for a Pre-event Dining Experience, including a glass of Prosecco and canapé on arrival, a two-course light supper, and mulled apple juice to take away! The experience includes a guaranteed Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party ticket and access to the Street Party directly from the Scottish Cafe & Restaurant. 

10 Make sure you remember the first time Pulp performed at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay! This year’s Concert in the Gardens will be headlined by the iconic Sheffield band, joined by Hot Chip DJ Set.  

11 Surround yourself by people who love and care about you 

12 Finish the year in style at the Mega Silent Disco at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party.  

13 Birl into the bells at the most epic New Year's Revels bash on the 31st of December! Join Ceilidh bands Bodhran Bodhran and Hugh MacDiarmid's Haircut, and festival faves Massaoke for a night of high energy Hogmanay antics! 

14 For the bairns who want their own New Year bash, the Bairns New Year Revels is the spot to be! Massaoke will have them singing their hearts out to their favorite tunes, and in the Ceilidh room, they'll be birlin' off energy like there's no tomorrow. 

15 Watch the world’s best New Year fireworks by pyrotechnic wizards Titanium, launched from the stunning setting of Edinburgh Castle. 

16 Kiss that special person at midnight for a romantic start to the year.  

17 Sing Auld Lang Sine after midnight. 

18 Be someone’s first-footing and bring luck to their home with a lump of coal, shortbread and whisky. 

19 Climb up Arthur’s Seat on January 1st.

20 Experience the magic of First Footin’, a music-filled spectacular at the heart of our historic city, showcasing both beloved Scottish artists and the brightest emerging talents. From 2 pm to 8 pm on January 1, 2024, immerse yourself in an unforgettable afternoon filled with FREE toe-tappin' tunes. 

21 Bring your kids to Sprogmanay at the National Museum of Scotland for an afternoon of live music, arts and crafts and exhibitions. 

22 Head to Assembly Roxy on January 1st for a fun afternoon at the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh. 

23 Take care of yourself and your family by cooking a traditional stake pie on New Year’s Day. 

24 Cure your hungover in the most Scottish fashion with an Irn Brue. 

25 Recover the energy lost with some delicious haggis, neeps and tatties.  

26 Hop onto the Forth1 Big Wheel for a stunning view of Edinburgh skyline as the sun sets on January 1st. 

27 Come up with achievable New Year resolutions. 

28 Go ice skating with your friends or family at the Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink with Jet2Holidays and glide up and down George Street as you enjoy its unique architecture and festive illuminations. 

29 Start a New Year tradition with your loved ones. 

30 Celebrate the New Year with an ice cream at the Portobello promenade.

As the year comes to a close and we welcome the new one, embrace the spirit of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay with these unforgettable experiences. For more information on Edinburgh's Hogmanay events, visit: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Related topics: