Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to take part in the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession through Edinburgh city centre to the top of Calton Hill. The spectacle is more or less the same each year, so this post and my photos will still be relevant.
Every year, the celebration of Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) in Edinburgh is an enormous city-wide festival that lasts at least three days!
And the kick-off event is the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession, which takes place on the 30th of December each year.
This huge event sees thousands of locals and visitors taking to the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, holding aloft flaming torches. The procession is led by a group of genuine Vikings from the Shetland Islands, dressed in full warrior garb and holding truly enormous torches to lead the crowds.
The year I attended happened to be the biggest procession to date, with over 40,000 people taking part and 10,000 of us holding flaming torches. It was a thrill to be part of this spectacular event.
Edinburgh HogmanayTorchlight Procession
With the #blogmanay team, we were right up front, behind the huge group of noisy, hairy Vikings who lead the annual torchlight procession through the city centre.
Our flaming torches held high into the air, we set off behind the Vikings from the starting point on the Royal Mile and down to Princes Street. Piping bands and drummers saw us off in the grandest way possible as we descended the hill towards the spectacularly lit Princes Street Gardens, past crowds of onlookers.
The whole experience was absolutely amazing. Standing halfway up Calton Hill once we’d made our way to the top, and looking back at the river of orange light stretching back across the city, I was staggered by the huge volume of people taking part in this beautiful tradition, kicking off Edinburgh’s three-day celebration of the New Year.
Below, I’ve included a few of my favourite shots from the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession – let me know what you think in the comments!
Edinburgh Hogmanay Torchlight Procession: 2024 Update
The torchlight procession was cancelled between 2020-2022 due to the pandemic and lack of funding. It was re-launched in 2023 for the 30th anniversary year.
As yet, there’s no update as to whether the procession will return in 2024. Keep an eye on the Hogmanay website for the latest info!
How are you celebrating Hogmanay or New Year’s Eve this year?
#blogmanay is brought to you by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and is supported by ETAG, The Scottish Goverment, VisitScotland, Festivals Edinburgh, Marketing Edinburgh, Arnold Clarke Van and Car Hire, Rabbies Tours and co-creators Haggis Adventures. Created and produced by Unique Events. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Amazing images. You’ve captured the atmosphere brilliantly. Love it. I know what I want to do next year!
Thanks so much Naomi! I was really pleased with how the photos came out actually. It was such a cool night and just looked amazing – like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Have you ever been?
Yes. I’ve been a few years back in January with my dad. It was a christmas present and we had a lot of fun. Loved the vibe.
Me too! Even though it’s a massive event, I found the whole thing so much more chilled than other cities at new years! Scots are so lovely :)