Crash, bang, wallop: Edinburgh remains the undisputed worldwide home of Hogmanay, though a quieter, folk-tinged thread running through this year’s programme suggests there’s plenty of room for contemplation as well as full-on celebration.

It all kicks off with the Torchlight Procession (Monday 29 December), which winds its way rather beautifully through the Old Town, led by the Massed Pipes & Drums and a bunch of Vikings (yep, real Vikings). Vic Galloway and Andy Wake’s Vitamin C club night follows straight after, warming up the dancers with a DJ set from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite. 

The Night Afore Concert (Tuesday 30 December) sees folk/rock crowd-pleasers Peat & Diesel headline an outdoor gig at the Ross Bandstand, supported by accordion sensation RuMac. If you’d rather stay warm, Susie McCabe hosts the Ho Ho Hogmanay comedy special at Assembly Rooms, or there’s a beautiful candlelit performance from folk trio Lau up at St Giles’ Cathedral. 

Parents with long memories might remember being told that Christmas was for bairns and New Year was for grown-ups, but there’s plenty for families. Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club is an afternoon of dancing before the Street Party kicks off, followed by Sprogmanay, an afternoon of family fun at the National Museum Of Scotland on New Year’s Day. 

On to the main event. The Concert In TheGardens sees pop sensations Wet Leg inviting Edinburgh to take a seat on their chaise longue (and a listen of their new album will not disappoint: it’s a belter). They’re supported by Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys. At the same time, the Hogmanay Street Party brings 45,000 revellers to the streets. 2manydjs lead The Party Zone, while The Tartan Zone majors in upbeat homegrown talent including Valtos and Bella McNab’s Ceilidh Band, with a Silent Disco Zone on Market Street completing the story. Come midnight, the whole shebang will be lit up by the world-famous fireworks, in what’s always a truly spectacular midnight moment. 

Don’t waste the first day of the year sleeping off a hangover, because there’s plenty to keep you occupied. First Footin’ is a free, unticketed music trail across some of the city’s venues. The likes of Tinderbox Orchestra (with guests including Kathryn Joseph), classical/folk duo Sean Shibe and Aidan O’Rourke, and the soulful Theo Bleak will pop up in venues like St Giles’ Cathedral and the Assembly Hall. Or blow the cobwebs off with a walk on Porty beach, then head to the nearby town hall for Muckle Be The Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond. Garbage’s Shirley Manson and Edinburgh’s poet laureate Michael Pedersen chat to former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake. Lang may yer lum reek!

This article comes from WishList 2025, our guide dedicated to making your festive season a little more special. Pick up your copy now from wherever you get your copy of The List; main picture: Roberto Ricciuti.