Hogmanay is the name of Scotland’s New Year celebration, traditionally marked by fire and torchlight events.
The word refers to Scottish New Year festivities, which can include street parties, concerts, fireworks, first-footing, and fire ceremonies. One celebrated example is the Stonehaven Fireballs ceremony, where participants swing large burning spheres through the streets around midnight.
First-footing is another Hogmanay custom. The first person to enter a household after midnight is traditionally expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky. Customs vary by region and family, and modern celebrations often combine older traditions with large public events.
Hogmanay is not simply the Scottish name for a countdown broadcast. Its history reflects a mixture of Scottish, Norse, Gaelic, and broader European influences. Scotland’s New Year period also includes January 1 and January 2 as public holidays, giving the celebration an extended character.