The history of Hogmanay in Edinburgh began as an informal New Year's Eve street party at the Tron Kirk Church in the High Street of the Old Town in 1993.
The History of Hogmanay
Edinburgh’s famous New Year Eve celebrations started out as an informal street party at the Tron Kirk Church in the High Street of the Old Town. Since 1993, it has been officially organised with the focus moved to Princes Street. In 1996, over 300,000 people attended, leading to ticketing of the main street party in later years up to a limit of 100,000 tickets.
The Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party is among the largest New Year’s Eve gatherings in the world. In 1996–97 we were recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest New Year party, with approximately 400,000 people in attendance.
This year’s iconic get-together will feature live music from Pulp as well as the famous street party and fireworks of course. As always, the Torchlight Procession will blaze through the city on the 30th of December. Accompanied by pipers and drummers, fire and fanfare and forge a river of light through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, this is an unforgettable family-friendly event.
Find out more about this year’s event here.
Book your stay for New Year direct with us and save up to 15% with code WEB5 off our best available rates. Book directly through our website and receive a complimentary bottle of Prosecco!