New Year's Day in the United Kingdom
1 January is New Year's Day and a public holiday across the UK. It follows New Year's Eve celebrations and is a day for family, rest, outdoor walks, local events and traditional customs. Across the four nations the tone varies from Scotland's extended Hogmanay festivals to England's London parade culture and local community activities.
New Year's Day - Dates
This year
| Name | Date | Holiday Type | Countries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Wed, 1 Jan 2025 | Bank holiday | All |  Add |
Next year
| Name | Date | Holiday Type | Countries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan 2026 | Bank holiday | All | Add |
Last year
| Name | Date | Holiday Type | Countries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Mon, 1 Jan 2024 | Bank holiday | All | Add |
Are Businesses Closed?
New Year's Day is a bank holiday. Most businesses are closed. Check the opening hours before heading.
Are Schools Closed?
Schools are closed throughout the Christmas and only open after the New Year's Day.
What makes New Year's Day in the UK unique?
Although New Year is celebrated worldwide, several features make the UK experience distinct:
- Hogmanay (Scots word for New Year's Eve) and first-footing in Scotland: Scottish Hogmanay festivities often extend across several days and include torchlight processions, ceilidhs, street parties and the custom of "first-footing" - the first visitor to a home after midnight traditionally brings luck for the year ahead. Edinburgh's Hogmanay is world-famous and widely documented. Learn more on VisitScotland - Hogmanay.
- Large organised city events: London stages a major New Year's Day parade through the West End on 1 January, a modern pageant of bands and performers that attracts residents and visitors. Visit London Parade site for realtime info.
- Winter setting and seasonal rhythm: New Year falls in winter in the UK, so celebrations mix outdoor splendor with cosy indoor traditions - warm foods, indoor concerts and hearty walks in the countryside or city parks.
- Civic and cultural timing: The New Year Honours, parliamentary timetables and media retrospectives give the UK's New Year a civic and reflective character, not just a party mood.
The UK's winter climate contrasts with summer New Year traditions in places like Australia and New Zealand - swapping beaches for brisk walks and indoor ceilidhs. You have the rights to feel jealous about that :P
How major UK cities and nations observe New Year's Day
Scotland - Edinburgh and beyond
Scotland's Hogmanay is the most distinctive regional expression. In Edinburgh the multi-day festival includes torchlight processions, open-air concerts and fireworks over the castle; events often continue into 1 and 2 January. Many Scots also practise "first-footing" and family gatherings. Note that organisers sometimes cancel or change outdoor events for safety during severe weather. Visit the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay website.
England - London and regional cities
London's New Year's Day Parade (formerly LNYDP) is a major daytime spectacle with marching bands, floats and performers; it has run since the late 1980s and brings a festive daytime focus on 1 January. Other cities, such as Manchester and Birmingham, focus on sporting fixtures, concerts and community events. .
Wales and Northern Ireland
Wales and Northern Ireland host local parades, concerts and civic gatherings. Cardiff and Belfast run city events and family programmes; smaller towns often mark the day with community fairs and outdoor walks.
Practical Tips
- Winter weather can cancel major outdoor events. Check the official weather status on the Met Office.
- Check local council and event pages for timings, closures and ticket requirements - many city events control access to keep crowds safe.
- Plan transport in advance - public transport timetables are often reduced or altered on 1 January.
- Dress warmly and in layers - UK weather in winter can be cold, wet and windy.
- Respect local customs - if invited to join a "first-footing" visit or a small community ceilidh, follow hosts' guidance and enjoy the hospitality.
FAQ
Is New Year's Day a public holiday in the UK?
Yes - New Year's Day (1 January) is a public (bank) holiday across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What is "first-footing"?
"First-footing" is a Scottish tradition where the first person to cross the threshold after midnight brings luck for the household - traditionally the first-footer brings symbolic gifts (coal, bread or whisky). It remains popular in many households and community events across Scotland. VisitScotland - Hogmanay.
Are there large parades on New Year's Day?
London's New Year's Day Parade is a major daytime event; other cities balance parades with sporting fixtures and community activities. Check the official parade and city pages for route and ticket details. London Parade.