Hogmanay in Edinburgh: Where to celebrate New Year in Scotland’s capital

Hogmanay in Edinburgh is a pretty big deal, where thousands of revellers flood to the iconic city to take part in the merriment. Originally just one evening of events, it now stretches across a whole three days and draws crowds from far and wide.  

You can of course book into the street party where you’ll bump shoulders and jostle with fellow partygoers, soaking up the atmosphere in a wonderfully convivial way. Here you’ll be treated to all kinds of entertainment – from funfair rides and street food stalls through to the requisite fireworks that bounce off the castle walls and light up the night sky, ringing in the New Year. There are usually high-profile acts performing too. Let’s just say one year we saw Michelle McManus singing, who facilitated a proposal live on stage. If that doesn’t scream festive magic to you then frankly, we think you’ll never be satisfied.

Now, this is SquareMeal, so obviously when we talk about things to do at Hogmanay in Edinburgh, we can’t help but lean towards a delicious dinner. A meal could kick start the celebrations, and then you might want to head on somewhere else for cocktails and a view of the pyrotechnics.

Once you’ve settled on where to celebrate New Year in Edinburgh, the next dilemma is where to stay. Unless you’re lucky enough to call Edinburgh home, it can be tricky to find hotels or guesthouses with rooms to spare unless you book well in advance. Make sure to beat the crowds by securing your spot early.

After all the celebrations are done and dusted and we’re into 2025, you might be in need of something to soothe that sore head (if, like us, you are partial to a dram or two). We’d be only too pleased to help you along in your recovery with our guide to the best brunches in Edinburgh.

Anyway, back to the task in hand. We've scoured the area and rounded up the very best of this year’s Hogmanay parties in Edinburgh with killer menus, stunning views and beautiful interiors.

Brewhemia 

What: Get ready for Brewhemia’s Glitterati party! This barmy beer palace is one of Edinburgh’s largest drinking, dining and live entertainment spaces where everything from brass brands to drag queens have been known to put on a show. For Hogmanay 2024, Brewhemia is back for another one of its raucous NYE nights filled with food, beer and live entertainment across five fun-packed spaces. There’s room for 1,200 people to join in the celebrations, making this Edinburgh’s biggest party on the 31 December. From piano in the Prosecco Bar, to tank-fresh beer in the Tap Room, plus music from the likes of Groove Allstars, DJ Lucky and RuJazzle, you don’t want to miss out. 
Where: 1 Market Street, EH1 1DE 
Book now: Brewhemia

Tattu

What: If you're keen for both the food and your NYE photos to look the part this year, then a reservation at Tattu is probably the best way to go. This atmospheric Chinese restaurant is dressed to the nines all year round, with its pretty pink blooms and backlit mural of a Chinese dragon. For NYE, it’s serving up a special menu themed around ‘The Tempest of the Azure Dragon’, including three contemporary courses of fine Chinese cuisine. Think XO scallop skewers with pancetta and pork floss, Japanese black wagyu with enoki mushrooms, and an ‘Ice Dragon’ dessert featuring cashew butter fudge, chocolate and marshmallow. You can choose to pair your meal with a variety of drinks options, from half a bottle of Champagne to signature cocktails.
Where: 18 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Tattu

Hawksmoor 

What: Hawksmoor really does pull out all the stops comes Christmas time. Having nailed the art of indulging a long time ago, with its high welfare steaks, fresh seafood and decadent sides, there are few finer places to head for a night of celebrations. Nestled inside a banking hall of a listed building, it's also an elegant spot to see off the year in style. Whether you hire Hawksmoor Edinburgh’s private dining room for an exclusive occasion, or just want to book a table with your closest pals, you won’t go far wrong with this glamorous steakhouse come New Year’s Eve.  
Where: 23 West Register Street, EH2 2AA 
Book now: Hawksmoor Edinburgh

Hot Toddy

What: This hidden gem was launched in 2023 by two owners with a passion for whisky and proper Scottish food. Located on Jeffrey Street, Hot Toddy is a restaurant where everyone's welcome, offering a laid-back setting to enjoy delicious Scottish food, great whisky and delicious cocktails with friends. So, if you're after a low-key Hogmanay this year, the team are ready and waiting to welcome you with open arms - and probably a Hot Toddy or two. How could you refuse?  
Where: 15-19 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DR
Book now: Hot Toddy

Duck and Waffle

What: Known for its iconic views and late night-dining, Duck and Waffle will give you a front row seat to all the Hogmanay festivities. This year, it’s getting the party started with a mammoth celebration featuring DJs, live performances, curated menus and plenty of Champagne. The four-course tasting menu kicks off with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and a selection of nibbles for the table, from fancy hash browns to grilled oysters with hollandaise brulee. Next, dive headfirst into indulgent dishes like foie gras creme brulee with pork crackling and brioche, and lobster thermidor with chips. Promising an unforgettable start to 2025, Duck and Waffle is definitely one to look into for this year's celebration.
Where: 400-402 St James Crescent, EH1 3AD
Book now: Duck and Waffle Edinburgh

Heron

What: Heron is an altogether classy way to enter a brand new year, one of Leith’s finest restaurants. The team are offering a celebratory tasting menu on the 31 December with matching wines, a welcome cocktail, and Champagne for toasting! At £300, it’ll cost you a pretty penny, but it promises to be one of the most memorable ways to see off the year. Foodies, this one’s for you.
Where: 87 - 91a Henderson Street, BH6 6ED
Book now: Heron

Cannonball

What: A 17th century townhouse with spectacular views of the city, Cannonball is a great option for your 2024 Hogmanay celebrations. For those who fancy going the whole hog for Hogmanay, you can book its sell-out tasting menu experience which includes six seasonal courses, homemade bread and petit fours, before you head out to watch the fireworks in its charming courtyard. If you already have plans at midnight, Cannonball is offering early bird dinners with tables available at 5:30pm to enjoy a seasonal three-course meal. Or, book one of its bar packages for more informal celebrations, which includes a bottle of prosecco between two, sharing platters and views of Edinburgh Castle. Cheers!
Where: 356 Castlehill, EH1 2NF
Book now: Cannonball

Wedgwood

What: Keen to see the year off in style? An eight-course fine dining dinner should do the trick. Wedgwood is offering exactly that, with a meal that beautifully presents the best of Scottish produce in imaginative dishes. Committed to ensuring guests enjoy a truly unique experience, chef Paul Wedgwood forages for some of the elements of his dishes himself, to add a final special touch. The restaurant is located on the Royal Mile, so you’ll be in the heart of the action here and well placed to enjoy the surrounding celebrations either before or after your meal.
Where: 267 Canongate, EH8 8BQ
Book now: Wedgwood

SKYbar Edinburgh

What: The one thing everyone yearns for at Hogmanay is great views of the fireworks. Luckily, at SKYbar, good views are guaranteed thanks to its unrivalled position at the top of DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh. Purchase a ticket to Hogmanay at SKYbar this year to enjoy panoramic views of the city at midnight, plus a welcome glass of fizz and traditional Scottish stovies to snack on.
Where: 34 Bread Street, EH3 9AF
Book now: SKYbar Edinburgh

Dine

What: If you’re looking to eat away from the crowds, but close enough that you'll still have a front row seat to the fireworks, then look no further than Dine. With its iconic atrium, complete with a life-size apple tree in the centre of the restaurant, Dine ensures a luxurious evening with its Hogmanay gala night. Start your evening with Champagne and canapes, followed by a four-course meal, curated by Michelin-starred chef Stuart Muir. There's a whole evening lineup that will keep you entertained from start to finish, with live entertainment from Edinburgh's finest, Gavin Paul, until 1am.
Where: 10 Cambridge Street, EH1 2ED
Book now: Dine

Still not found the one? Check out these restaurants in Edinburgh with great views where you might just be able to bag a meal with a view of the fireworks.