The year has flown by at an astonishing pace. It seems like only last week that we were enjoying Pet Shop Boys’ victorious synth pop spectacular as they welcomed 2023 to our door. But the next instalment of Hogmanay is already upon us, and with it a whole new serving of gigs and entertainment to enjoy across Edinburgh. 

To help you plan your Edinburgh Hogmanay, here are a few highlights that’ll be entertaining the Scottish capital as we usher in 2024. 

Pulp 

Jarvis Cocker’s iconic pop storytellers Pulp have had an amazing year, welcoming fans old and new on a trip down memory lane during their 2023 reunion tour. The band will cap off their return to the stage with a massive gig at Princes Street Gardens this Hogmanay, alongside a DJ set from special guests Hot Chip. Ever wanted to belt out ‘Common People’ with a few thousand Cocker-heads while fireworks explode above Edinburgh Castle? Now’s your chance. 

Princes Street Gardens, Sunday 31 December. Tickets on sale now. 

Björn Again 

Show us someone who doesn’t love ABBA and we’ll show you someone who doesn’t have a soul. Sweden’s finest export may be more interested in perfecting digital ABBAtars of themselves for posterity nowadays, but the real champions of their legacy are Björn Again, arguably the world’s greatest tribute act. The veteran band will visit Edinburgh to perform ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’, ‘The Winner Takes It All’, ‘Dancing Queen’ and more as part of the Night Afore Disco Party at the West Princes Street Gardens on Saturday 30 December, alongside an almighty singalong with special guests Massaoke. 

West Princes Street Gardens, Saturday 30 December. Tickets on sale now. 

Ho-Ho-Hogmanay 

If you’re in need of a laugh this festive season, then this top-notch comedy lineup at the Assembly Rooms is a hot ticket. Featuring award winners and panel show regulars, the side-splitting evening will play host to the talents of Emmanuel Sonubi, Fred MacAulay, Susie McCabe and Larry Dean. Expect plenty of topical gags and finely tuned observations. 

Assembly Rooms, Friday 29 December. Tickets on sale now. 

Torchlight Procession

A collaborative effort between Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the homeless charity Social Bite, the torchlight procession is returning to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Scottish capital’s Hogmanay celebrations. The torchlit wander will begin at The Meadows and end in the City Centre, and will feature live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers to get celebrations started, before Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad lead the procession. A portion of the entry fee to this event will go towards Social Bite. 

The Meadows, Friday 29 December. Tickets on sale now. 

New Year’s Revels 

Adding a twist to the traditional Hogmanay fun of ceilidhs, DJs and singalongs is Massaoke, the ‘mass karaoke’ act that puts the audience at the heart of the show. The leather-clad Massaoke band will perform the greatest hairbrush anthems of the 80s, 90s, 00s and beyond as you count down to the bells – time to perfect your air guitar poses. Also on the bill is ceilidh dancing courtesy of Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut & Bodhran Bodhran, whisky tasting and more.

Assembly Rooms, Sunday 31 December. Tickets on sale now. 

Candlelit Concert At St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral will celebrate its 900th anniversary in 2024 (and you thought you were old), and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will mark the occasion with a special candlelit concert. This year’s performance will consist of the first three cantatas from JS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, performed by the St Giles’ Cathedral Choir and a talented selection of young soloists. 

St. Giles’ Cathedral, Sunday 31 December. Tickets on sale now.