Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the New Year's Eve celebration.
Hogmanay refers to Scotland's traditional observance of the last day of the year and the festivities surrounding it. Celebrations commonly include music, dancing, fireworks, torchlight processions, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Edinburgh's large public events have helped make the word familiar internationally.
The customs developed from a mixture of older winter practices and later Christian and civic traditions. One of the best-known is first-footing: the first person to enter a home after midnight traditionally brings symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky. Local variations remain important.
Hogmanay is not simply another spelling of New Year's Day. In Scotland, the night of December 31 has its own name and cultural identity, while January 1 begins the new calendar year. January 2 is also a public holiday in Scotland, extending the festive period.