Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Participants gather for a carnival atmosphere featuring live street theatre, fire performers, and drummers. Massed Pipes & Drums and Vikings from Shetland's South Mainland Up Helly Aa' Jarl Squad then guide thousands of torchbearers through Edinburgh's historic Old Town. The procession illuminates the city, creating an extensive river of fire.
What to Expect
A river of fire led by Vikings and massed pipe bands.
Event Details
Duration
120 min.
Ages
12+
Neighborhood
Old Town and City Centre
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Unique Assembly Ltd.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy large outdoor spectacles
Vibe
Festive and dramatic
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Prices from £5.75. At least one torch must be purchased per two people; additional participants need entry wristbands and/or additional torches. A charity donation is collected with each ticket purchase: £2.00 per Torch Ticket or £1.00 per Additional Procession Ticket.
- Hours: 18:30.
Tips & Advice
- Buy at least one torch for every two people, then add entry wristbands or extra torches so everyone else in your party can join.
- Buy only from edinburghshogmanay.com, ticketmaster.com or tickets-scotland.com, because tickets from Eventbrite or secondary sites are not valid and there's no official resale.
- Get there in time for the warm-up, when street theatre, fire performers and drummers get the crowd going before the pipes and Vikings set off.
- Wrap up warmly for about two hours outdoors on a December evening, walking with thousands of torchbearers through the Old Town.
- A charity donation is collected with every Torch Ticket and Additional Procession Ticket to raise money for the festival's local charity partners.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children join the procession?
Yes. It's open to all ages and listed as a family event.
Does everyone in my group need a torch?
No, but you need at least one torch for every two people. Anyone else in your party needs an entry wristband or an extra torch.
What happens before the procession sets off?
Street theatre, fire performers and drummers warm the crowd up. Then the Massed Pipes & Drums and Vikings from Shetland's South Mainland Up Helly Aa' Jarl Squad lead the procession through the Old Town.
Where can I buy valid tickets?
Only from edinburghshogmanay.com, ticketmaster.com or tickets-scotland.com. There's no official resale, and tickets on Eventbrite or secondary sites are not valid.
How long should I allow?
The procession runs for about two hours.
More Christmas Events Near Edinburgh
More Christmas Events near Edinburgh
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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