Scotland’s New Year celebration is called Hogmanay.
Hogmanay is the Scots word for New Year’s Eve and the associated Scottish New Year festivities. Celebrations can include street parties, concerts, torchlight processions, fireworks, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Edinburgh hosts one of the world’s largest organized Hogmanay events.
A central custom is first-footing. Traditionally, the first person to enter a household after midnight was expected to bring gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky. A dark-haired first-footer was historically considered especially lucky in some parts of Scotland, although practices vary by region and family.
Hogmanay is not the same as Burns Night, which honors poet Robert Burns on January 25. It is also distinct from Up Helly Aa, a Shetland fire festival held in winter. Scotland’s New Year customs combine local traditions with modern public celebrations.