Family fun in Edinburgh as the Home of Hogmanay puts on a stunning selection of celebrations
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay isn’t just for the adults - little ones deserve to sing, dance and join in the revelry this New Year’s.
With a jam packed four-day festival celebrating the New Year, party-goers young and old are encouraged to join in the festivities!
The return of the spectacular Torchlight Procession will kick-off festivities on Friday December 29, with 20,000 participants blazing a trail of fire through the capital’s historic Old Town and shining a light on homelessness thanks to local charity event partner, Social Bite.
The Torchlight Procession is a family event but anyone under 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Price per torch is £20.00 (includes £2.00 charity donation and fees) and Procession Wristbands are £7.50 (includes £1.50 charity donation and fees) – only available when purchased alongside a Torch. The procession will start from The Meadows and will end at the city Centre.
On December 30, internationally acclaimed ABBA sensations Björn Again will headline the Night Afore Disco Party beneath Edinburgh Castle, joined by the fringe festival smash-hit Massaoke, for the ultimate party night out! Along with Greatest Hits Breakfast DJs and presenters Ewen and Cat, Night Afore Disco Party promises a spectacular sing-along celebration for all the family.
On New Year’s Eve itself, celebrations will start with the Bairns New Years Revels at the Assembly Rooms where Massaoke will return to host a family-friendly sing-along for young partygoers aged six and up, while in the Ceilidh room, kids will be birlin’ off energy to the legendary Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience. Doors open 1.15pm, and event runs from 2pm – 3.30pm.
In the spirit of visiting your neighbours on the first day of the new year, the First Footin’ Trail will present a series of mostly free gigs and performances in venues around town, showcasing local talent on Monday January 1.
The wee ones will also get a chance to ring in the New Year with Sprogmanay – a series of family-friendly events at the National Museum and Assembly Roxy, also on the January 1. Collaborating with National Museum of Scotland, the hugely popular Sprogmanay programme has previously welcomed thousands of visitors through the National Museum of Scotland building and this year includes music, arts, and crafts for children of all ages, plus a traditional Family Ceilidh event only a short walk away at Assembly Roxy. Join the celebrations for lively performances and vibrant musical activities for all the family, including performances from the incredible Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock, plus much more.
All Sprogmanay events are free and unticketed. As part of the activities in the Museum, the ‘Resolution Tree’ invites children to write their hopes and ambitions for the coming year on a star and place it on the tree. Add your wishes for 2024 and spread joy to others.
With so much on offer, Edinburgh’s reputation as the home of Hogmanay is safe for another year!
Find out more and book your tickets today via the website www.edinburghshogmanay.com