Edinburgh's Hogmanay is dominated by its world-famous Street Party, when a hundred thousand revellers descend on Princes Street for a night of live music and general bonhomie. Whether or not you're at the party, you can't miss the Seven Hills Fireworks, which see in the New Year in classic Edinburgh style. But not all the action's outdoors. Of the hundreds of private parties across the city on Hogmanay, the upmarket Hoog stands out as a favourite, while a more reflective take on the calendar rollover is offered by the Candlelit Concert at St Giles'. And in the excitement surrounding the big day, don't overlook the events leading up to Hogmanay. On 29 December, the pretty Torchlit Procession is popular with families and a great way to get back into the festive mood. Then, the next day, you can warm up for the big party with a trip to the brand new Light Night.
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 31 December. Entertainment starts 9pm. No admission after 11pm
Princes Street and surrounding area Options from £10 to £45. Details below. Strictly no admission without a pre-booked ticket Update on 31 December: tickets are still available, only to personal callers at The Hub near Edinburgh Castle. The best-known of Edinburgh's Hogmanay events, a trip to the Street Party is a rite of passage for party-goers around the world. Since its quiet beginnings in the early 90's, the event's grown to accommodate almost 100,000 revellers, all packing into the environs of Princes Street right in the centre of town. |
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 Main event: 31 December. Doors open 7pm, music 7:30m - 3am.
Family event: 30 December. Doors open 6:35pm, music 7pm - 10pm.
The Assembly Rooms, George Street Main event: £50 per person
Family event: from £42 for a family of 3 to £50 for a family of 5 Update on 31 December: Tickets are still available for the Hogmanay event. For a barnstorming party the weather definitely can't spoil, look no further than the Hoog, the celebrated Hogmanay ceilidh held in the splendour of the city-centre Assembly Rooms. For many years this party was known as the New Year Revels: it's back now with a new name, a perkier image, and a family event the night before. |
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 Fireworks launched over Edinburgh Castle On the stroke of New Year Free and non-ticketed. Just turn up! Whether or not you're mixing it at the street party, you'll want to be out of doors on the stroke of midnight to take in the fireworks from the Seven Hills. Edinburgh's a city addicted to pyrotechnics, so it's no surprise to see the New Year welcomed with a bang - as synchronized displays are launched from hilltops around the city. |
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 The magnificent 1992 pipe organ at St Giles' 31 December, 7:30pm St Giles' Cathedral, High Street We're sorry, this event is now sold out for 2009. A far more serene lead-in to the New Year is offered at St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile, through its annual Candlelit Concert of classical music. Held early in the evening, before the city-centre revels get underway, the quality programme is perfectly matched by the atmospheric surroundings of the Church of Scotland's High Kirk. |
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 29 December. Assemble at 6pm, procession leaves 6:30pm
Assemble at Parliament Square (by St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile) and parade to Calton Hill (near the east end of Princes Street) Free and non-ticketed. Just turn up! Torches £5, advance booking recommended. Big-hearted, kid-friendly and tinged with just a hint of pyromania, the 29th December Torchlit Procession is a highlight of Edinburgh's Hogmanay. In the city's homage to Shetland's Up Helly Aa, a posse of modern-day Vikings parades a replica longboat through the streets of Edinburgh - then spectacularly sets it alight on top of Calton Hill. |
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 30 December, 7pm to 11pm
Royal Mile (main event at Parliament Square) Main event free and non-ticketed. Open-doors events are charged for - see below for details. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. The latest in a series of different events to celebrate the Night Afore - 30 December - Light Night promises a breathtaking evening of fire and light, thanks to street theatre specialists Carabosse. Though they're tight-lipped about exactly what's planned, a glance at the photographs on the French company's website suggests we're in for something both big and intriguing - backed up by a series of open-doors events right along the Royal Mile. |
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Hogmanay 
