Get shit faced and ring in the new year with thousands of people from around the world.

Hogmanay is one hell of an outdoor street festival where tens of thousands of people from around the world converge on Edinburgh, Scotland to drunkenly ring in the new year.

The festival takes place along Princes Street in front of the Edinburgh Castle where there is drinking, musical performances, drinking, food, drinking, and carnival rides. Did I mention, there was drinking?

The festival starts on New Year’s Eve around 19:00 and rages until the culmination of the night’s events – fireworks to ring in the new year. The fireworks are shot skyward from the Edinburgh Castle with music and lights to ring in the new year.

Through the viewfinder

Hogmanay Uncensored

In all honesty, the festival was pretty badass, but it was shitty-cold and very windy (you can see it from the clouds in my drone footage). Tickets to Hogmanay aren’t cheap, and the local infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, and taxis) struggle to keep up with the massive influx of attendees.

Locals and tourists who visit Hogmanay have a strange infatuation with getting shitty drunk, and puking pretty much everywhere. Watch where you step!

Overall, Hogmanay is a pretty nifty event to visit if you’re into that kind of thing. Personally, I’d move the whole damn thing to a warmer climate, but the Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop made the event memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring alcohol to Hogmanay?

Yes, but only in plastic containers and not exceeding 500ml. The maximum containers is four per person.

Everything you need to know before you visit Hogmanay