Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced the return of the spectacular Torchlight Procession to launch 2024-2025’s world-famous celebrations.

The event on 29 December marks the start of New Year around the world and the incredible procession will kick off four days of festivities in Edinburgh as a river of fire is weaved through the Scottish capital’s streets.

The Torchlight Procession, which has become one of Edinburgh Hogmanay's best loved events, will see up to 20,000 participants blaze a trail through the Old Town of Scotland’s historic capital. The family-friendly event will welcome locals and tourists alike to a carnival atmosphere, with performances including live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers. The procession will conclude with a fiery finale beneath the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle. 

The thousands of torch carriers will make their way past some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks including the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Tolbooth Kirk and the National Library of Scotland. Leading the procession will be Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad, famous for their Viking traditions.

While the Torchlight Procession marks the beginning of Edinburgh’s world-renowned celebrations, there are many other exciting activities taking place during the Hogmanay festival, with lots of live music and entertainment. On Hogmanay itself – New Year’s Eve – there will be a whole host of events such as a candlelit concert in St Giles Cathedral, a street party, a concert in Princes Street Gardens and the New Year Revels - a Ceilidh dance spectacular. 

Up Helly Aa Vikings

Closing out the festivities and starting the New Year with a bang, the festivities will branch out of Edinburgh city centre to the suburbs of Portobello and Leith with a culture trail and a number of family-friendly Ceilidh dance events.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland which works with local partners to present the event, said: “Lighting up the heart of the city’s streets, the Torchlight Procession has become a time-honoured tradition of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. It honours Scotland’s culture, heritage and spirit while setting the stage for four days of New Year’s festivities across the city.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “This year’s Hogmanay celebrations are set to be bigger and better than ever and should not be missed on a winter trip to Edinburgh. In fact, New Year is the perfect time to visit Scotland as there is so much going on all over the country.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made trip to Edinburgh this Hogmanay, or perhaps you’d like to take a tour of Scotland, then we can help! Please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam.