Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year’s celebrations, especially the major festivities in Edinburgh.
The word describes the final day of the old year and the celebrations surrounding the arrival of the new one. Its origin is uncertain, and scholars have proposed influences from Scots, French, Norse, and Gaelic language traditions. No single etymology is universally accepted, which is why the word’s history is often discussed separately from the festival’s modern customs.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay developed into a major international event featuring concerts, torchlight processions, street parties, and fireworks. The city’s celebrations have been reshaped several times, including periods when public festivities were restricted or reorganized. Modern events typically center on the city’s historic streets and landmarks.
A traditional Hogmanay custom is first-footing: the first person to enter a household after midnight is believed to influence the household’s luck. Gifts such as shortbread, whisky, coal, or salt have traditionally been associated with the visitor. Customs differ across Scotland, so Hogmanay is both a national term and a collection of local traditions.