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Hogmanay

Get ready to ring in the new year with a bang! Join the lively celebrations and traditions of Hogmanay, Scotland's festive New Year's Eve party.

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When it is?
December 31
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Category
Cultural
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Country
United Kingdom
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Introduction

Get ready to ring in the new year with a bang on Hogmanay, celebrated on December 31! This traditional Scottish holiday has been around for centuries and is full of rich history and traditions. The name "Hogmanay" comes from the Scots word for the last day of the year, but its origins can be traced back to pagan winter solstice celebrations. Today, Hogmanay is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and first-footing – where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings a gift for good luck. So let's raise our glasses and toast to new beginnings on this exciting holiday!

History of Hogmanay

Hogmanay Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Festivities</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hogmanay customs begin to form, featuring bonfires, singing, dancing, and drinking to celebrate the New Year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1690</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Recorded Use</div><div class='timeline-text'>The word 'Hogmanay' first appears in a written document, suggesting that the holiday has been recognized for years prior.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1707</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Christmas Ban Increases Hogmanay's Popularity</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the Christmas ban by Scottish Presbyterians, more importance was given to the New Year's Eve celebration of Hogmanay.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Traditions Begin</div><div class='timeline-text'>The traditional Hogmanay party in Princess Street in Edinburgh begins, ultimately becoming one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Hogmanay Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival is held, incorporating a street party and concert on Princess Street.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Record-Breaking Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Hogmanay event in the year 2000 draws about 400,000 attendees, making it the largest New Year's Eve event in the world.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Hogmanay

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional Hogmanay celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience the true Scottish celebration by attending a traditional Hogmanay event. These celebrations often include live music, dancing, and a countdown to midnight with fireworks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a bonfire or firework display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family and have a bonfire or firework display to ring in the new year. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and laws in your area.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Hogmanay dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your loved ones over for a traditional Hogmanay dinner. Serve dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, and cranachan for dessert.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a New Year's Day hike</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start the new year off on the right foot by going on a New Year's Day hike. Enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery and get some exercise at the same time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create your own Hogmanay traditions</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make Hogmanay your own by starting your own traditions. Whether it's watching a specific movie, playing games, or making resolutions, find something that you and your loved ones can do every year to celebrate together.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Hogmanay

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a unique way to celebrate New Year's Eve</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year's Eve and it offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional festivities. It combines ancient traditions with modern celebrations, making it a truly special and memorable way to ring in the new year.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There's something for everyone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you prefer lively street parties or cozy gatherings with loved ones, Hogmanay has something for everyone. From the Torchlight Procession to the spectacular fireworks display, there are plenty of events and activities to choose from throughout Scotland during this time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates tradition and history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hogmanay has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions and customs, making it a fascinating and culturally rich holiday. The customs associated with Hogmanay, such as "first footing", have been passed down for generations and are still practiced today.</p></div></div>

5 Extraordinary Hogmanay Celebration Facts Unveiled

Hogmanay FAQs

When is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is celebrated on December 31 every year. In 2024 Hogmanay will occur on a Tuesday.

Hogmanay Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Dec 31

Sunday

2024

Dec 31

Tuesday

2025

Dec 31

Wednesday

2026

Dec 31

Thursday

2027

Dec 31

Friday