Edinburgh's Hogmanay kicks on 29 December with the annual Torchlight Procession, which marks the start of New Years celebrations around the world. Participants will blaze a trail through the city’s streets to a breathtaking finale underneath Edinburgh Castle, with torches carried in support of local and national charities. £2 from each Torch sold and £1.50 from Procession tickets is donated directly to our four official charity partners: One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, and local charities working to end homelessness, Social Bite and Simon Community Scotland. 

This family-friendly evening has become one of Edinburgh Hogmanay's most beloved events, with tourists and locals alike gathering to inaugurate this year’s schedule of celebrations. Edinburgh of course has its own unique spin on the procession, with pipers, vikings and drummers joining the masses marching through the city with torches ablaze.   

The procession begins at the Meadows, where guests will enjoy a host of entertainment from Edinburgh’s Beltane Society and other fun guests. Eager torchbearers and procession participants can collect their Torches & Wristbands from designated collection points in the Meadows from 2pm, before joining procession queueing lanes from 5:30pm. The family-friendly event welcomes all participants to a carnival atmosphere in the Meadows from 6pm with live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands and drummers. At 7:30pm, the ceremonial Torchlight Procession embarks on its route through the historic Old Town, with a fiery finale underneath Edinburgh Castle between 8:30pm - 9pm. You can find a map of the full route here.

Whether you’re an annual member of the procession or you’re looking for a new tradition to start with family and friends, this is the perfect way to get you ready to say farewell to 2024! 

Please be aware that there will be several road closures that might affect your usual routes. Please check our comprehensive list of road closures and plan an alternative route.