Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2022: The Original New Year's Eve Party
There is nowhere quite like Edinburgh when it comes to throwing an end-of-year party.
Hogmanay promises to be the loudest and liveliest celebration yet, with amazing, eclectic events lined up to bid farewell to 2022 and see in the new year.
Students living in Edinburgh are in for a treat this year, with a memorable mix of fun, fireworks, concerts and dancing on the agenda across the span of 3 days.
With this being the first year since the pandemic that the events are going ahead, the Scottish Capital is going to be the place to be for the last day of the year.
If you’re wanting to learn a little bit more about this annual celebration and what’s on for Hogmanay 2022, then read our guide!
What Is Hogmanay?
For the uninitiated, let’s briefly rewind and explain what Hogmanay is!
It is the Scottish word for the last day on the calendar, and is inextricably linked to the parties that welcome the next year.
And you know that song, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, that you probably sing every time December 31st comes around?
Well, that started out as a Hogmanay custom!
The poem penned by the revered Robert Burns has evolved into one of the most instantly-recognisable sing-alongs, delivered by groups of people with their arms linked in the seconds leading up to midnight.
Of course, the Scots insist that arms should only be linked for the final verse, to fit in with the lyrics of the song, but when that much Prosecco has been consumed nobody is going to protest too much, are they?
Unlike the rest of the UK, Scotland celebrates New Years up until the 2nd January.
Although, this year like Scotland, the 2nd will also be a Bank Holiday across the rest of the UK.
If you’re curious to know a bit more about the history of Hogmanay and what you can do this year, then don’t stop there, carry on reading!
History Of Hogmanay
Hogmanay has been taking place in Scotland for hundreds of years and dates back to pagan times.
Did you know, Hogmanay was once the most sought out celebration for those in Scotland with Christmas only becoming a bank holiday in 1958?
How crazy is that, so before this time Hogmanay was the only Winter festival that took place!
There are a few traditions which form the Hogmanay celebrations, such as the first footing which is when you visit friends or family after midnight to become the first foot in someone’s house in the new year.
There’s also the Hogmanay torchlight procession where torch-bearers carry burning candles through the city centre to begin the celebrations.
Although, this year the “river of fire” procession is not taking place due to the current economic climate.
Now, if you’re living in Edinburgh and wanting to get involved with the annual celebrations this year (who wouldn’t) then our next section will explain everything taking place.
What’s On Hogmanay 2022
If you’re wanting to be apart of the party scene in Edinburgh for Hogmanay 2022 with both locals, students and people across the globe coming to join in, then you’re in luck as there’s tons of things to do.
Find out below what you can get up to to say goodbye to the year in style!
1. Concert In The Gardens
Pet Shop Boys will see the year out in style by headlining the Hogmanay concert in West Princes Street Gardens.
The duo will be performing their greatest hits live underneath Edinburgh Castle, this will be the second time the iconic performers have headlined the festival!
They’ll even be supported by very special guest DJs so it’s set to be a night of fun.
A festival ticket will secure a place for both the gig, the street party and the fireworks at midnight – yippee!
You can watch it all unfold from either side of the main enclosure on the grassy banks.
Tickets include access to bars at the side of the stage, toilet facilities, and food stalls.
Although, tickets are on the pricier side starting from £70, but it’s worth it for this once a year celebration – don’t you think?
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When: Saturday 31st December, 8:00pm
Where: West Princes Street Gardens
2. Street Party
The world famous Hogmanay Street Party will be taking place on 31st December, with this year being the 30th anniversary of the celebrations – it’s gonna be good, eh?
When the doors swing open at 8pm, joyous party lovers will make their way to the stages at the castle for a night of DJ soundtracks, huge screens, funfair attractions and an array of tasty street food and drink on offer.
Midnight fireworks at this breath-taking venue will provide the ultimate crescendo to get 2023 underway in true Edinburgh style.
Join the 30,000 party go-ers and let the good times roll at the Hogmanay Street Party, if you’re living in the city it would be silly to miss out!
When purchasing a ticket, you’ll even get a personal LED wristband so you can help light up Princes Street!
Tickets are still available and are currently priced at £27.50 so be quick if you want to attend.
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When: Saturday 31st December 8:00pm
Where: Princes Street, Edinburgh
3. Night Afore Disco Party
A brand-new addition to Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Night Afore Disco Party is fun for everyone.
If you’re a disco music lover, then this event taking place at West Princes Street Gardens is an absolute must.
Headlining the concert is Sophie Ellis-Bextor, yep, that’s right, the icon who sings murder on the dancefloor!
Joining her on the line up is Scottish band, Altered Images – we’re not jealous at all.
What better way to kickstart the Hogmanay celebrations than singing along to pop hits and dancing with your friends?
Whilst it may be starting pretty early, it’s not one to be missed and you can go out after it, grab a ticket now!
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When: Friday 30th December 6:45pm until 10pm
Where: West Princes Street, Edinburgh
4. Final Fling
It has been said that they do things a bit differently in Edinburgh, and there is perhaps no finer example of that than the Final Fling taking place on January 1st.
Rather than spending the day hungover in bed or chilling on the couch, New Year’s Day is still a day of celebrations in the Scottish Capital!
Final Fling is a showcase of an all Scottish line-up, with musicians bringing the Hogmanay celebrations to a close.
This year, Glasgow based band Tide Lines will be headlining the concert alongside other performers Elephant Sessions and Edinburgh’s Hamish Hawk.
We should let you know though, this concert is outdoor and is taking place across 5 hours so prepare to wrap up warm!
Tickets aren’t too pricey with a starting cost of £27.50, grab yours now.
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When: January 1st 2023, 16:00pm
Where: West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
5. First Footin’
Did someone say free live music? They sure did!
New for 2022, First Footin’ is an afternoon of music taking place in numerous locations across Old and New Town areas for Hogmanay.
Along the lineup of artists performing include Callum Beattie, Tinderbox Orchestra & Friends and Roseanne Reid.
Some of the venues where shows will be taking place include Cold Town House, Virgin Hotels – Greyfriars Venue, Rose Theatre and Auld Hundred to name a few.
Not only will there be performances but there will be celebratory food and drink on offer across the different spaces, and of course, good vibes all around.
The full line-up of artists performing is yet to be announced, but we’re sure it’ll be amazing – keep your eyes peeled.
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When: January 1st 2023, 2pm-5pm
Where: Various venues
So there we have it, the end of our guide to Hogmanay 2022 – how exciting do all these activities sound?
We’re sure there’s tons of other things taking place across Edinburgh, go find out!
Don’t forget to tag us in any photos you get, wherever you’re celebrating the New Year’s @_homesforstudents.
Read next: 10 Best Nightclubs In Edinburgh.
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