Everything you need to know for Scotland’s biggest New Year celebration

If you’re planning to spend Hogmanay in Edinburgh this year, you’re about to experience one of the most spectacular New Year celebrations in the world. From the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle to the live music, street party atmosphere and biting Scottish winter cold, it’s a night you’ll never forget — trust me.

If you want even more UK guides afterwards, explore the rest of my UK Travel category.

Who’s playing at Hogmanay this year?

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party 2025: Official Highlights

If you’re heading to Hogmanay this year, here’s the good news: the world-famous Hogmanay Street Party is officially returning to the city centre, and it is set to be one of the biggest celebrations yet.

On December 31, 2025, at 20:00, Prince’s Street will transform into a massive festival space, welcoming 45,000 revellers from around the world to celebrate beneath the glow of Edinburgh Castle. It’s one of the greatest New Year events on the planet – loud, joyful, beautifully chaotic, and completely unforgettable.

This year’s Street Party will feature:

• Live music
• DJs
• Giant video screens
• International street theatre
• Pipers & drummers
• Funfair attractions
• Street food and drinks
• And the return of Titanium, the pyrotechnic team behind some of the world’s best firework displays

Whether you’re dancing in the Party Zone, soaking up the atmosphere in the Tartan Zone, or switching between stages, the energy is unbelievable.

2025 Lineup Highlights

Party Zone
• 2manydjs + special guest
• Hayley Zalassi

Tartan Zone
• Valtos
• The Poozies
• Bella McNab’s Dance Band

Silent Disco Zone
• Hosted by Silent Adventures
• (Silent Disco Upgrade available) – Amazing, right?!

The combination of live music, ceilidh-style sets, modern DJs, and the massive fireworks display at midnight makes this one of the most iconic places on earth to welcome the new year.

Event Essentials

• Date: 31 December 2025
• Time: 20:00 (Duration ~285 mins)
• Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN
• Age restriction: 12+
• Tickets from: £33.00
• Official booking: edinburghshogmanay.com, Ticketmaster, Tickets Scotland

Important: The organisers have confirmed there is no official resale. Avoid Eventbrite and any secondary ticket sites — those tickets are not valid.

Even if you don’t recognise every artist, the atmosphere is unbeatable. The castle becomes a dramatic concert backdrop, and the energy of the crowd carries you through the cold.

Tips for enjoying the lineup:
• Arrive early if you want to be near the main stage
• Pick one stage and commit; moving between crowds is slow
• Midnight is magic don’t film the whole thing, just enjoy it

What to expect at the Hogmanay Street Party

The street party is huge loud, friendly, and brilliantly organised.

It feels like:
• A festival
• A concert
• A global gathering
• A freezing-but-warm-hearted atmosphere
• Total joy, even in the queues

Security is tight but friendly, entry is controlled, and the entire area around Princes Street transforms into a buzzing outdoor event.

What to wear to Hogmanay (the truth)

This is one of the most Googled questions about Hogmanay.
You will be outside for hours. You need warm gear.

Wear:
• Thermal base layers
• A warm jumper and waterproof, windproof coat
• Gloves, scarf and hat
• Waterproof boots (absolutely no heels)
• Thermal socks
• A small crossbody bag (big bags are not permitted)

You’ll thank yourself for every layer, I promise.

If you want more winter outfit inspiration, explore my Fashion category.

What to bring (and what not to)

Bring:
• Hogmanay tickets
• ID
• Portable charger
• Snacks
• Cash + card
• Reusable cup
• Lip balm (windburn is real)

Do NOT bring:
• Umbrellas — they’re confiscated
• Large bags
• Glass bottles
• Anything you don’t want bumped, dropped or lost

Travel tips for Hogmanay: avoid these common mistakes

1. Book accommodation early

Edinburgh sells out months in advance.
If you find anything near Princes Street or Old Town, book it.

2. Don’t rely on taxis

After midnight, taxis disappear.
Walk or use trams.

3. Plan your exit route

Princes Street becomes a moving river of people.
Know where you’re heading.

4. Stay for New Year’s Day

Edinburgh on 1 January is peaceful and beautiful with brunch, coffee, and quiet streets.

5. Arrive early to avoid queue stress

Security queues move well, but the later you arrive, the longer you wait.

Where to stay in Edinburgh for Hogmanay

Best areas:
• Princes Street / New Town – most convenient
• Old Town – atmospheric and historic
• Haymarket – great transport links
• Leith – trendy and slightly cheaper

Budget options go quickly; hostels, guesthouses, and even basic rooms sell out.

My favourite Hogmanay moments

The moment when the fireworks erupt above Edinburgh Castle is indescribable.
The entire crowd sings Auld Lang Syne, linking arms with strangers, laughing and fully embracing the chaos.

It’s emotional. It’s cold. It’s completely unforgettable.

Final Tips for the Best Hogmanay Ever

• Don’t overplan — go with the flow
• Eat before arriving
• Keep your phone inside your coat to stop it freezing
• Set a “lost friend” meeting point
• Enjoy the moment — don’t watch the night through your screen

What to Book Now for Hogmanay 2025

Hogmanay in Edinburgh isn’t just a New Year’s Eve party; it’s a full-blown experience. The music, the atmosphere, the fireworks, the crowds, the cold, the laughter, the strangers who feel like friends for one night only… it all comes together to create something unforgettable. With the right layers, a little planning, and an open mind, you’ll have a night you’ll talk about for years. If you’re heading to Edinburgh this year, prepare for magic, mayhem and a New Year’s celebration unlike anywhere else in the world. I have done it 3 years and LOVE TI!