Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year's Eve celebration traditionally marked by singing and first-footing. It begins on December 31 and can continue into January 1 and beyond, with public events, parties, music, and local customs across Scotland.
First-footing is the practice of being the first person to enter a household after midnight. Traditional gift-bringers may carry symbolic items such as coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky, representing warmth, food, flavor, or good cheer. Customs vary by region and family, so there is no single universal first-footer ritual.
The song “Auld Lang Syne” is strongly associated with Hogmanay, although it is sung at New Year celebrations internationally. Edinburgh hosts a famous large-scale Hogmanay program, but the name refers to the Scottish celebration as a whole, not only to Edinburgh's events.