Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year's celebrations, especially those held on December 31.
Hogmanay can refer to the final day of the old year and to the wider season of Scottish New Year customs. Celebrations often continue into January 1 and January 2, which are public holidays in Scotland. Events range from family gatherings and street parties to torchlight processions and concerts.
One famous custom is first-footing: the first person to enter a home after midnight is traditionally expected to bring gifts such as whisky, shortbread, coal, or salt. In some traditions, a tall, dark-haired first-footer is considered especially lucky. Practices vary between regions and families.
Edinburgh's modern Hogmanay festivities became internationally prominent through large public events, including a street party and a torchlight procession. The word's precise origin is debated, with proposed links to French, Gaelic, Norse, and Scots sources.