Get ready to don your tartan and raise a glass, because Burns Night is just around the corner! Held every January 25th, this lively celebration honours Scotland’s beloved bard, Robert Burns. A night full of poetry, music and, of course, delicious food awaits. So, whether you’re a seasoned Burns Night enthusiast or a curious newcomer to the night in 2025, our guide will help you navigate the festivities with flair.
If you’re partial to haggis or love reading poetry aloud, Burns Night is a Scottish tradition you should get behind. It’s named after Robert (or Rabbie) Burns – one of the nation’s most famous poets and lyricists. Often called Scotland’s “Bard”, he lived during the 18th century and authored many famous poems, including the popular New Year’s Eve ditty, ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Burns Night takes place on the anniversary of his birth and is a celebration of his life and numerous creative works. It tends to involve various fun and festive traditions that you can easily embrace from the safety and comfort of your own home or by heading out to one of the many events on offer.
Reckon Burns Night is something you’d like to celebrate in 2025? Here are a few elements you may want to include (wearing tartan clothing is encouraged):
Food is undoubtedly one of the high points of any Burns Night. Most people eat a very traditional Scottish meal of haggis (both meat and veggie versions are available), neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). As a starter, you might enjoy a bowl of cock-a-leekie soup (chicken and leek) or even smoked salmon.
Love desserts? There are a couple of classic Scottish puddings up for grabs on Burns Night. Cranachan (a blend of oats, cream, raspberries, honey and whisky) is one delicious option, while clootie pudding (a warming steamed pudding made with dried fruit and spices) is another. When it comes to drinks, whiskey is the tradition, but there are plenty of great non-alcoholic options on the market now too.
Thought you read that wrong? Nope, addressing the haggis (the centrepiece of any Burns Night supper) is one of the event’s most important features. It’s usually done by the host and involves reading Rabbie Burns’ poem ‘Address to a Haggis’. The piece is an ode to the dish and should be recited before it’s served (ideally followed by a toast of whisky).
With your belly full of food, it’s time to turn your attention to your Burns Night entertainment. As the celebration commemorates a prolific author, it’s only right that you recite some of his best poetry!
Traditionally, every member of your party should select a poem and read it aloud. Well-known picks include ‘A Red, Red Rose’, ‘The Selkirk Grace’ and ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’.
Another fun option, which may take a little bit of prep time, is the hilarious Toasts to the Lassies and Laddies. This usually involves the men in the group writing a short address to the ladies (if it rhymes, even better) and for the ladies to recite back a witty response. You can make up your own toasts or research existing ones online.
After you’ve eaten and had a few drams of whisky, you might want to clear away the furniture and have a little dance. Ceilidh dancing is a tradition in both Scotland and Ireland and it’s brilliant fun, especially for kids!
Popular Ceilidh dances you could try are Strip the Willow and the Virginia Reel. If you’ve not got the space though, why not listen to some bagpipe music or have a sing-along to ‘Auld Lang Syne’
instead?
If you’re wondering what to do for Burns Night in Edinburgh this year, we’ve done the research and here are a few of our favourite events across the city:
Ticket price: £65pp for the supper package, £85pp for the supper and drinks package
Located in the Scottish National Gallery, just a six-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, you can expect superb live performances and a delicious meal. There’ll be an ‘Address to the Haggis’ recital on arrival and, of course, Ceilidh dancing for the true Burns Night experience.
Ticket price: £68pp
With a focus on seasonal Scottish produce, the three-course menu from the team at The Scotsman Hotel is set to delight. Alongside the delicious dinner, you’ll get to enjoy performances from a traditional Scottish piper, as well as take part in a fun-filled Ceilidh. And of course, for any whiskey fans, there’ll be a dram provided so you can toast the night in true Scottish fashion.
Ticket price: £245pp
While supper aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia may be one of the pricier recommendations on our list, this elegant evening promises to be well worth the investment. On the night you’ll sit down to enjoy a gourmet five-course meal accompanied by traditional Scottish music. There’ll be a recitation of Burns’ poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ followed by whisky tasting and storytelling in Britannia’s State Drawing Room.
Ticket price: £17-£30pp
For a spellbinding night of music which celebrates the work of Robert Burns, The Queen’s Hall is the place to be this Burns Night. The incredible musician Roby Stapleton will perform the music from her highly acclaimed album ‘Songs of Robert Burns’, alongside an impressive instrumental ensemble. It’s set to be a night to remember.
If you’re looking to celebrate Burn’s Night in Glasgow, you won’t be disappointed. With lots of local bars and restaurants set to hold events, check out our favourites for 2025:
Ticket price: £44pp
Nestled in the bustling heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City, Mharsanta is your go-to spot for a true taste of Scotland. This Burns Night, they’re pulling out all the stops with a two-night celebration on January 24th and 25th, honouring the legendary poet Robert Burns. Kick off the festivities with a warming dram of Aberfeldy 12-year-old whisky before diving into a scrumptious three-course feast. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Ticket price: £90pp
Celebrate Burn’s Night whilst raising money for a fantastic cause with The Bard & His Belles’ Burns Night Supper at the Hilton Hotel. Raising funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity, this promises to be a night of fabulous food, dancing and prizes. Guests will be treated to a drinks reception on arrival, a mouthwatering three-course meal, thought-provoking talks from fabulous guest speakers and much more. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
Ticket price: £60pp
For a Burns Night celebration with a creepy twist, book yourself a ticket to the Scottish Manor Murder Mystery dinner at Arta. This immersive experience will put the detective skills of the guests to the test, all while enjoying a tasty three-course meal. With a dram of whisky on arrival and a night of live, interactive performances to keep you entertained, this event is not to be missed.
For more ideas of things to do in Scotland, check out our blog where we have guides on the best things to do with kids in Edinburgh and the best independent shops in Edinburgh. Remember to check before you travel and book your tickets in advance on our website or using the TPExpress app.
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