The celebrations in Edinburgh to see in the New Year will, for the first time, be live-streamed by CNN during the broadcaster’s 18-hour long worldwide countdown to 2026.
The city will star in coverage of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the First Footin’ events on New Year’s Day alongside other broadcasts from Auckland to Los Angeles. CNN typically broadcasts to half a billion households all over the world on New Year’s Eve, and this year the coverage will include all the Hogmanay traditions from the capital.
The programme will air live on CNN International, CNN US and streaming platforms featuring New Year entertainment from more than a dozen cities across the globe.
Live streams from St Giles’ Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk will be broadcast between 2–6pm on New Year’s Day on www.edinburghshogmanay.com, extending the reach of the celebrations beyond Edinburgh and sharing all the First Footin’ music, culture and atmosphere with a global audience.
Online audiences can enjoy live performances from the Tinderbox Orchestra with special guests Rachel Sermanni, James Emmanuel and Kathryn Joseph at St Giles’, alongside electro-trad pioneers Valtos at Greyfriars Kirk, joined by special guests from the Basque Country including Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte, for an afternoon of powerful collaborations and world-class music.
Other events covered will include
- 29 December – the Torchlight Procession
- 30 December – Midnight Moment with the fireworks from Edinburgh Castle
- Michael Pedersen the Edinburgh Makar who will recite Auld Lang Syne at St Giles’ Cathedral
- A performance by Peat & Diesel
- And the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh on Hogmanay.
Max Foster, CNN Anchor and Correspondent said: “Hogmanay in Edinburgh is unlike anything else in the world. I’m looking forward to bringing every part of this incredible celebration to CNN’s global audience – from joining the Vikings and pipers in the ‘River of Fire’ Torchlight Procession through to the spectacular midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle as well as our exclusive candlelit reading of Auld Lang Syne at St Giles’ Cathedral. It’s going to be an unforgettable way to welcome 2026.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “As the home of Hogmanay, our celebrations have long been the envy of cities across the world. Hogmanay is about more than the countdown to midnight – it is a celebration of our city, our people and our ability to bring communities together on an international stage.
“To be able to share the atmosphere, energy and sense of occasion with a worldwide audience is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I look forward to welcoming viewers from around the world as we celebrate the New Year here in Edinburgh.”
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “Scotland is proud to be taking centre stage on CNN as part of their New Year coverage from around the world. This is a unique opportunity offering viewers a front row seat to our world-famous Hogmanay celebrations, as well as our rich culture, creativity, and traditions.
“The US is Scotland’s largest international visitor market in both volume and spend, contributing millions to our economy, each year, with strong potential for continued growth. This activity will further showcase Edinburgh’s breathtaking backdrop as well as Scotland’s warm welcome and spirit on a global scale, which we hope will inspire even more visitors to plan their future trip to Scotland.”
Tickets for all events, including Concert in the Gardens with Wet Leg, Torchlight Procession, and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel, as well as further event information and times, are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of EdinburghCouncil and Major Event Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund throughCreative Scotland, and EventScotland, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
