Hogmanay 2022 – FAQs
What is Hogman-eh!, anyway?
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and represents a great Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration. In Scotland it’s a very big deal, with a variety of traditions – including singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight. In 1996, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay set the Guinness world record for the world’s biggest New Year’s Party: 300,000 people. We’ve had a bit of fun and Canadian-ized to word, adding “eh!”
How many people are you expecting at Hogman-eh! ‘22?
In past years, between 4,500 and 8,000 people came through the doors. At any one time there are about 2,000 people.
Is there an admission charge / Are tickets required?
There is a nominal admission charge after 7:00 pm. Tickets are available online on our OttScot Shop until midnight on December 30, 2022 at a cost of $12 for paid SSO members or $15 for non-paid SSO members and the public. After 7:00 pm, a fee of $25.00 per person over 12 years of age will be in effect at the gate.
Children 12 and under are free all evening except for in the VIP Seating Area.
If you become a paid member you can get a discount on tickets to Hogman-eh! and all our other OttScot events, including our upcoming Burns Supper.
We appreciate all donations to help with the Scottish Society of Ottawa’s future programming, including next year’s Hogman-eh! and other Scottish-themed events.
What is taking place in the Horticulture Building?
The Great Scot! KidsZone, the Hall of Origins, and the Climate Café all take place in the Horticulture Building from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Hall of Origins is a great way to explore your roots and talk to heritage organizations in our community.
The Horticulture Building is located northeast of the Aberdeen Pavilion. Admission to the Horticulture Building is by donation.
Entrance to Aberdeen Pavilion?
Guests are asked to use the west entrance (closest to Bank Street) for entry. There will be no entry access from the east and north doors except for the balloon drop parade from the Horticulture Building to the Aberdeen Pavilion between 6:50 pm and 7:00 pm when the east doors will be open.
The east / Canal side doors will be accessible for exit only. The north and south side doors are for emergency exit only.
What is the Hogman-eh! VIP Seating Area?
Included in the VIP Seating Area: reserved seat in the VIP Seating Area close to the Main Stage, one complimentary drink ticket (beer, wine or core range Scotch only), private access to the bar.
Please note that seats are on a first-come-first-serve basis, seats are not assigned to specific individuals. Feel free to leave and enter the area as you please throughout the night, however, we cannot guarantee the safety of items left behind in the area and strongly encourage you to always keep all personal belongings with you.
Please present your printed or digital ticket at the door after 7 pm and to the VIP section volunteer.
When are the fireworks?
Our final band will perform their final set, then we’ll do the BIG countdown to midnight, and join in fellowship to sing the traditional Robbie Burns song, Auld Lang Syne. Then we’ll head outside to watch the fireworks over the Great Lawn, on the south side of the Aberdeen Pavilion. Head to the bar early for a final drink to be ready to toast the New Year and bring in the bells!
We do two NYE countdowns! The first one is at 7 pm Ottawa time with singing Auld Lang Syne and the GREAT balloon drop from the main stage, as it’s midnight in Scotland. We program this especially for families and kids to enjoy the excitement of the counting down and welcoming the New Year. Our Scottish guests and those with family and friends in Scotland can celebrate together.
If I give money, is there a tax receipt?
The Scottish Society of Ottawa is a registered not-for-profit organization and therefore not eligible to issue charitable tax receipts. Please support the SSO – we are a group of dedicated (crazy Scots) who work very hard to present this free event for the Ottawa community.
What is the Scottish Society of Ottawa? Can I join?
We’re a volunteer organization that celebrates Scottish culture and Scotland’s contribution to Canada’s multicultural fabric. We host many events during the year, such as a St. Andrew’s Day Whisky Tasting, a Robbie Burns Supper, an annual national Great Canadian Kilt Skate in addition to Hogman-eh!. You can join for free or become a paid member for special benefits. Sign up at the SSO table at the event, or online here.
Lost and Found and Lost Children?
Should you and your child become separated, we have advised all volunteers and security guards to bring lost children to the SSO Booth located along the south wall of the Aberdeen Pavilion. An announcement will be made from the Main Stage for parents to come to collect their child.
Guests are responsible for your own coat, skates, and personal belongings. The Scottish Society is not liable for lost articles. Lost and found will be at the SSO booth.
Can I pick up my belongings after the fireworks?
If you choose to leave person al items in the Aberdeen Pavilion while you go outside to watch the fireworks, the SSO will not be held responsible for lost or stolen articles. It is best to keep your personal belongings with you.
Are dogs permitted at the event?
Service animals are permitted, but all others are not.
Transportation and Parking
OC Transpo offers free bus transit anywhere in the entire city between 6:00 pm and 4:00 am on New Year’s Eve. Visit octranspo.com for details, bus routes and schedules.
Parking is available underground with entrances off Colonel By Drive and Bank Street. See Getting to Lansdowne Park for details and Where to Park.
Can I leave my child with you in the GREAT SCOT! KidsZone?
Please do not leave your children unattended. We will not be responsible for taking care of your children.
Why are all these people around in running clothes?
The annual “Resolution Run” organized by The Running Room takes place on New Year’s Eve. The SSO has partnered with them, and we welcome the runners to our event after they finish their run. Good on them!
Where’s the Scotch whisky bar?
The Milestones Bar is offering a variety of single malt and blended whiskies.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Wine, beer and whisky is available at the Milestones Bar. The alcohol license does not permit you to take alcohol to the event.
Where is your Robbie Burns supper?
The Burns Supper & Ceilidh is to be held at the NDHQ Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess, 2 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa. Visit our Burns Supper webpage for details.
What’s a kilt skate?
The 9th annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate will take place in various cities across the country. The Ottawa skate will take place on the Skating Court at Lansdowne Park on Sunday, February 19th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Don your tartan, kilts and skates and come out for some fun in bare knees and ice!