The Scottish celebration traditionally associated with New Year's Eve and “Auld Lang Syne” is Hogmanay.
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and for the Scottish New Year festivities that follow it. Celebrations commonly include torchlight processions, street parties, concerts, fireworks, and visits between households. Edinburgh hosts one of the best-known modern Hogmanay events.
The custom of singing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight became internationally popular, while the song itself is based on a poem by Robert Burns first published in 1796. The phrase means “old long since,” referring to memories and enduring friendship.
Hogmanay is sometimes confused with Burns Night, which honors Robert Burns on January 25. Burns Night celebrates the poet; Hogmanay marks the New Year and uses one of his best-known works as a midnight song.