Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the New Year's Eve festival celebrated across Scotland.
Hogmanay refers to Scotland's New Year's Eve and New Year's celebrations, including public gatherings, music, torchlight processions, and customs shared among households. The word is especially associated with the night of December 31, although celebrations can continue into January 1 and 2.
Its customs reflect a mixture of older winter practices, Scottish social traditions, and later organized public events. One famous custom is first-footing: the first person to enter a home after midnight traditionally brings symbolic gifts such as food, drink, or coal.
The song “Auld Lang Syne,” associated with Scottish poet Robert Burns, is commonly sung at midnight, though it is not exclusive to Scotland. Hogmanay is sometimes mistaken for Burns Night, but Burns Night honors Robert Burns on January 25 and is a separate celebration.