Hogmanay, Scotland's traditional New Year's Eve festival, is celebrated on 31 December.
Hogmanay is the Scottish name for the final day of the year and for the customs surrounding the transition into the new year. Celebrations commonly continue into New Year's Day and may include torchlight processions, street parties, singing and visits between households.
One important Hogmanay custom is first-footing. After midnight, the first person to enter a home is traditionally expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread or whisky. In some traditions, a tall, dark-haired visitor is considered especially lucky.
Hogmanay is not simply another name for Scotland's January 1 holiday. It refers chiefly to the New Year's Eve celebration, while Scotland's New Year's Day is called Ne'erday. The two days are often treated together in Scottish holiday traditions.