Scotland’s famous New Year celebration is called Hogmanay.
Hogmanay is the Scottish term for New Year’s Eve and, more broadly, the celebrations surrounding the arrival of the new year. Customs vary by region, but singing, fire ceremonies, public gatherings, and visits between households are central themes.
One of the best-known traditions is first-footing. The first person to enter a home after midnight is traditionally expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coal, bread, salt, or whisky, representing warmth, food, prosperity, and hospitality. In some traditions, a tall, dark-haired visitor was considered especially lucky.
Edinburgh’s modern Hogmanay festivities include concerts, street celebrations, and a major torchlight procession. Hogmanay is distinct from Burns Night, which honors poet Robert Burns in January, and from St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day on 30 November.