Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals have once again confirmed the capital’s reputation as one of the world’s great festive and festival cities with Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay unveiling statistics for this year’s editions.  With demand for next year already surging, a limited number of early-bird tickets for 2026 will go on sale this Friday (9 January) at 2025 prices for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession.

Early-bird tickets on sale now via www.edinburghshogmanay.com  

Image credit: William Burdett-Coutts

Across its 7-weeks, Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals delivered moments of joy, connection and celebration for many, welcoming an incredible three million visitors across events and sites throughout the city.  

The combination of global spectacle and community celebration reached millions of viewers from across the world as well as those who travelled to join families and the people of Edinburgh in the city. Showcasing the capital’s creativity, hospitality and cultural leadership to the world, these festivals also generated significant social and economic value for Scotland’s capital. 

At the heart of the festive city, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market drew visitors to East and West Princes Street Gardens as well as George Street, where locals and visitors alike enjoyed Scottish crafts, food and drink, and the event’s signature rides in a beautiful setting. More than 300,000 people took to the skies on the LNER BIG Wheel and Starflyer, while four weekends of community and charity events at the Ross Bandstand welcomed audiences of over 27,500, highlighting the festival’s commitment to accessibility, participation and local community groups and charities. Unique Assembly also issued 8,500 free tickets to Edinburgh’s Christmas activities from Ice Skating to Santa’s Stories to charities, community groups and schools. 

As the world welcomed 2026, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay delivered a spectacular 4-day celebration for the city and Scotland. Over 115,000 locals and international visitors from 138 countries flocked to the four-day programme of events, with the Street Party, Torchlight Procession and many indoor concerts, ceilidhs and in-conversation events selling-out. 

New Year’s Day saw over 26,000 music lovers, revellers and families gather for the incredibly popular and free First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes, enjoying 40 acts across 18 venues, underlining Edinburgh’s Hogmanay’s celebrated ability to balance large-scale international moments with grassroots cultural experiences. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay also once again carried the city’s message far beyond Scotland. Footage from the events and the Midnight Fireworks was broadcast by more than 130 international media outlets, reaching an estimated four billion viewers worldwide. Broadcast partner CNN International alone shared live and recorded coverage across over 200 countries and territories, bringing images of Edinburgh to audiences of more than 600 million. 

With global interest at an all-time high and enquiries already exceeding expectations, Unique Assembly has confirmed that a limited number of early-bird tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2026 will be released this week, held at 2025 prices. The release offers audiences the chance to secure places at this year’s Street Party and Torchlight Procession ahead of the main on-sale. 

Unique Assembly Directors, who produce Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals said: “These festivals are born of Edinburgh and are very much by and for the city and its people, and this winter we were once again absolutely blown away by the scale of the response as we welcomed everyone from local families, to hundreds of Scottish musicians and tens of thousands of visitors joining us from every corner of the globe. Off the back of a hugely successful event, we're already experiencing a strong demand from those looking to join the festival celebrations next winter,  so we hope that releasing a limited number of early-bird tickets gives audiences the chance to plan ahead and be part of what promises to be another unforgettable Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.” 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay once again showed the city at its best, bringing residents and visitors together to welcome 2026. Tens of thousands took part safely and responsibly, reinforcing Edinburgh’s reputation for delivering major events with professionalism and care. 

“Across the Winter Festivals, from the Street Party to the free First Footin’ events, millions of visits over seven weeks highlighted the scale and quality of what the city can deliver. These events support jobs, showcase our creative talent and play an important role in the winter economy. 

“I want to thank Unique Assembly who deliver the Winter Festivals on behalf of the Council, our emergency services, council teams, Lothian Buses, stewards, volunteers and partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and Edinburgh Trams for providing free tram rides. 

“With that momentum in mind, our focus is on building on what works well and continuing to deliver events that reflect Edinburgh’s values and benefit the city and its communities.”