Edinburgh's Hogmanay fireworks watched by people worldwide
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was watched by people in 200 countries and territories
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay fireworks were served up to a potential audience of billions worldwide, organisers have said, as US broadcaster CNN shared coverage across 200 countries and territories.
The celebrations were carried by CNN while 130 other international media outlets also used footage from the event, which included the annual firework display at Edinburgh Castle.
Unique Assembly, which runs the Winter Festivals, said over 115,000 locals and international visitors from 138 countries visited the four-day programme of Winter Festival events, with the Street Party, Torchlight Procession and many indoor concerts, ceilidhs and in-conversation events selling-out.
More than 300,000 people took to the skies on the LNER BIG Wheel and Starflyer over the four-week period, while four weekends of community and charity events at the Ross Bandstand welcomed audiences of over 27,500.
The directors of Unique Assembly said: “These festivals are born of Edinburgh and are very much by and for the city and its people, and this winter we were once again absolutely blown away by the scale of the response as we welcomed everyone from local families, to hundreds of Scottish musicians and tens of thousands of visitors joining us from every corner of the globe.
“Off the back of a hugely successful event, we're already experiencing a strong demand from those looking to join the festival celebrations next winter, so we hope that releasing a limited number of early-bird tickets gives audiences the chance to plan ahead and be part of what promises to be another unforgettable Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.”
The figures also showed 26,000 music lovers, revellers and families gather on New Year’s Day for the free First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes, enjoying 40 acts across 18 venues around the city.
Edinburgh city council leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay once again showed the city at its best, bringing residents and visitors together to welcome 2026. Tens of thousands took part safely and responsibly, reinforcing Edinburgh’s reputation for delivering major events with professionalism and care.
“Across the Winter Festivals, from the Street Party to the free First Footin’ events, millions of visits over seven weeks highlighted the scale and quality of what the city can deliver. These events support jobs, showcase our creative talent and play an important role in the winter economy.”
Unique Assembly said a limited number of early-bird tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2026 will be released this week, held at 2025 prices - adding that enquiries for this year’s celebrations are “already exceeding expectations”. The release offers audiences the chance to secure places at this year’s Street Party and Torchlight Procession ahead of the main on-sale.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of Edinburgh’s eleven major festivals, created in 1993. Over 3.5 million revellers have experienced the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party over the last 32 years
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