Hogmanay is Scotland's traditional New Year's celebration, held around the turn of the year.
The word refers broadly to Scottish New Year's Eve customs and festivities, including parties, street events, concerts, fireworks, and traditional visiting. Modern Hogmanay celebrations can begin on December 30 and continue through January 1, although local calendars vary. Edinburgh is especially well known for its large organized events.
A central custom is first-footing: the first person to enter a home after midnight is traditionally expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky. In older interpretations, a tall, dark-haired first-footer was considered especially lucky, though contemporary celebrations are much less prescriptive.
Hogmanay is not the same holiday as Burns Night, which commemorates poet Robert Burns on January 25. Nor is it simply a translation of “New Year's Eve”; it names a distinctive Scottish festival with its own songs, customs, and regional variations.