Hogmanay traditions

Hogmanay is a centuries-old New Year celebration originating in Scotland. It is associated with the giving of gifts, good luck, and the saining of households in the spirit of out with the old and in with the new. Originally, Hogmanay was celebrated at Samhain to rejoice in the harvest. It was later moved to coordinate with Yule and the Nordic influences. Read how you can celebrate Hogmanay on our website!

Read our guide for insights into the rituals traditions and customs associated with Hogmanay the Scottish New Year's Eve. May you be the first-foot.

“@SamHeughan @SassenachSpirit”

Scotland has had some interesting Christmas traditions over the years. These are not necessarily popular today in Scotland, but some do still participate or remember them from their youth.

Scotlands' Hogmanay customs and traditions can be traced back hundreds of years and are still joyously celebrated across our small country. No-one rings in the New Year the way the Scottish do! #scottishhogmanay #hogmanaycustoms #scottishtraditions #scottishatheart

The famous song by Robert Burns is now the soundtrack for bringing in the New Year across the globe.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay new year's eve festival, steeped in tradition, friendliness and whisky, attracts almost 85k visitors from over 80 countries.

The Yule log, Yule clog, or Christmas block is a specially selected log that is burnt on Christmas evening in many European countries. It is burnt as a

As many as 40,000 people gathered for a procession in Edinburgh creating a stunning spectacle as Scotland's annual Hogmanay festivities bring a close to another year.

In Scotland, Hogmanay is even more important than Christmas. Evolved from Pagan celebrations of Yule, Hogmanay is observed just before the New Year.