Christmas lights over Regent Street at night
November to January

Bonfire Night, fire festivals and Hogmanay

Fire and fireworks from late fall to Hogmanay.

Fire festivals are some of the biggest crowds of the year. Several need tickets or close roads, so read the organizer's page before you travel.

We list only events where we could open the organizer's own page. We could not confirm a firm organizer page for a Bonfire Night display this year, so check your local council for November 5.

Dates: where a date is shown, it comes from the organizer's own page (last checked Oct 25, 2026). Where it says "usually", the date is not confirmed: use the official link.

Dated events

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Elsewhere in Scotland

  • Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

    Stonehaven Fireballs

    Usually on December 31, with the swinging of fireballs from midnight for about 20 minutes, then fireworks.

    About 40 people swing flaming balls up and down the High Street.

    Stonehaven Fireballs (opens in new tab) · checked Oct 25, 2026

  • Lerwick, Shetland

    Up Helly Aa

    Usually on the last Tuesday in January.

    Marches, a flashlight-lit procession and the burning of a galley.

    Up Helly Aa (opens in new tab) · checked Oct 25, 2026

Before you go

  • Book travel and rooms early for Hogmanay. Edinburgh fills up.
  • Ticketed Hogmanay events have entry limits. Do not expect to turn up on the night.
  • Dress for cold, wet weather and expect long waits outdoors.
  • Plan how you get home. Late trains and buses are busy.

Sources

Pages we opened to write this guide. Organizers change dates: check before you book.

More: Edinburgh · All events · London · When to visit

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