Three… two… one… Hold that countdown—Scotland has its own way of ending the year, and it's called Hogmanay. Today, while most places squeeze their celebrations into a single night, Scotland stretches New Year's into a marathon of fire, music and tradition that can last three days. Hogmanay grew from winter rituals and Viking influence, becoming the main year-end festival when Christmas took a quieter back seat.

At the stroke of midnight, first-footing begins. The first person through the door brings small gifts—coal, shortbread, whisky—symbols of warmth and good fortune. A dark-haired first-footer was long considered the luckiest, a superstition shaped by memories of less -friendly Viking visitors. People also love lighting up the night. Stonehaven swings blazing fireballs through its streets, while Edinburgh glows with torchlight processions and fireworks.

And of course, 'Auld Lang Syne' takes centre stage. Thanks to Robert Burns, the world sings it each year—sometimes proudly, sometimes guessing the lyrics. Whether you're dancing at a ceilidh or joining a street party, Hogmanay turns 31 December into a bold farewell and an even brighter beginning.