Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is said to be one of the largest New Year parties in the world with thousands of people in 2025 expected to return to visit the city.
Here are my top places to visit making the most of this beautiful city when visiting with your family during Christmas and New Year.
1. Hogmanay Torchlight Procession
1. Hogmanay Torchlight Procession This is one of the most incredible experiences you can do as a family during the New Year which starts the Hogmanay celebrations on the 29th December. Buy your torch tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly. (you can purchase tickets here)
The torch lit procession has such a happy, celebratory atmosphere as you follow the procession carrying torches through the city and up onto Calton Hill where you enjoy traditional music followed by stunning fireworks.
2. Night Afore Disco Party
Taking place in West Princes Street Gardens and set against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, join folk-rock superstars Peat & Diesel and special guest RuMac, for a raucous and unforgettable start to Hogmanay celebrations
30th December – tickets
3. New Years Eve Midnight Fireworks
Although the evening Hogmanay street party is perfect for adults with major bands headlining the concert at Princess Street Gardens, its not recommended for children as its really busy.
TIP – For families wanting to take part in the midnight celebrations and to get a great view of the fantastic fireworks take a trip up Calton Hill or Arthur Seat. Both offer tremendous views of the castle, the city and the fireworks.
If you are staying in the city over the New Year period then the iconic Balmoral hotel is one of the very best places to see the fireworks display with the family from the warmth and comfort of your hotel room.
The scene of New Year’s eve fireworks over Edinburgh castle bringing in the New Year is one of the most memorable scenes shown across the world.
You can also experience the Silent Adventures Mega Silent Disco for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay!
Located with epic views of the fireworks and Edinburgh Castle on Market Street, the legendary Silent Adventures Team return for a night of dancefloor bangers and sing-along anthems from DJ James Longworth & Special Guests. With three DJs and genres of music to choose from, you pick the soundtrack to your night, you can also tune into the official fireworks soundtrack at midnight before dancing into 2026.
4. Winter Wonderland
East Princess Street Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland which is a must visit for families.
Our girls love this part of Edinburgh which has been transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market, Christmas tree maze, ice rink, fairground rides, star flyer and the giant ferris wheel providing a fantastic vantage point to see this fantastic city.
5. Panto – Jack and the Beanstalk– Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
This has been crowned as the best panto in Scotland with a truly magical mix of humour, fun and music. This is very popular and if you are lucky to be able to get tickets then it’s well worth a visit.
This year’s performance still remains at the Festival Theatre and what makes the panto such a success in Edinburgh is its tried and tested cast including Allan Stewart and Grant Stott who make sure this an event that is not to be missed.
Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South – Tickets – £17.50 – £35.00*
Sat 13 Dec 2025 – Sun 11 Jan 2026
6. Castle of Light – Edinburgh Castle
Castle of Light returns to Edinburgh Castle for its sixth year, brighter and bolder than ever. Born of fire and sculpted by ice, Scotland’s iconic fortress comes alive with the UK’s largest annual projection show. This light show tells the story of Scotland’s heroes through fabulous light installations creating stunning visuals in such a unique location.
From 21-22, 28-29 November; 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 27-30 December; 2-4 January
Book tickets at https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
7. Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke & Ceilidh Spectacular
A special Bairn’s New Year Revels allows young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations with a huge family ceilidh, live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun for all. Don’t worry if you don’t know the moves, it’s a relaxed ‘have-a-go’ environment, where everyone can join in the fun.
31st December
8. Candlelit Concert
See out the end of 2025 with a beautiful candlelit concert featuring classical music at the cities St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile.
9. Sprogmanay
Sprogmanay is back for another packed day of family fun on New Year’s Day!
This free event allows kids can kick-start 2026 with a bumper afternoon of music, arts, and crafts for all ages, plus the traditional Family Ceilidh event is only a short walk at Assembly Roxy.
1st January
10. Loony Dooks
Start the first day of the New Year with a difference with Loony Dooks, an Edinburgh tradition in the shadow of the Forth Bridges at South Queensferry. With temperatures often around freezing, brave dippers in fancy dress, scantily clad or even fully clothed brave the chilly water raising money for charity and getting rid of their Hogmanay hangover. Its a fun event that’s great to watch as a family and a unique way to start the new decade.
Other dooks also take place at Musselburgh’s dook at Fisherrow Back Sands and further down the coast at Dunbar, the dip takes place at 1pm.