Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The word refers broadly to Scottish New Year customs and festivities, which can continue into January 1 and January 2. Edinburgh’s modern celebrations are especially famous for a torchlight procession, concerts, a large street party, and fireworks around the city center.
Traditional Hogmanay practices include first-footing, in which the first person to enter a household after midnight is expected to bring symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky. In some traditions, a tall, dark-haired first-footer is considered especially lucky.
Hogmanay is distinct from Burns Night, which honors poet Robert Burns on January 25, and from St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day on November 30. Its customs combine older winter traditions with later civic celebrations.