Burns Night Traditions and Events in Scotland 2026

Combining haggis, whisky and poetry with fun and laughter, Burns Night is one of Scotland’s most loved celebrations. Taking place on 25th January each year, it’s the perfect time to get away, embrace the community spirit and have a fantastic time to remember.

With so much going on across the country, it can be difficult to choose where to go for your Burns Night break. To help you plan your perfect trip, we’ve put together a guide of the top events taking place in January. If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a Scottish getaway, there’s no better time than Burns Night to experience the best of Scottish culture.

What is Burns Night and why does Scotland celebrate it?

Burns Night marks the birthday of Scotland’s most famous and renowned poets, Robert Burns. Throughout his lifetime, he wrote hundreds of poems, songs and letters, including the iconic New Year favourite, “Auld Lang Syne”. 

The most common way Burns Night is celebrated is with a traditional meal called a Burns Supper. The first Burns Supper was held in 1801, and since has evolved to include many other traditions. The centrepiece of a Burns Supper is haggis, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. This is usually followed with puddings such as shortbread or a creamy dessert called cranachan. 

Some people even follow an official running order for their evening, involving speeches, poetry readings and music at specific times, and some celebrate with dancing and traditional Scottish music played on bagpipes. 

There are so many ways to celebrate Burns Night, and if you’re heading to Scotland this January, be sure to check out some of the top events taking place. 

Things to do in Edinburgh this Burns Night

Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh

23rd January 2026

Back for another year, the National Museum of Scotland is welcoming the Jacobites Ceilidh Band for an evening of twirling and birling through traditional Scottish dances to celebrate Burns Night. With a tartan-tastic dress code, a setting in the Grand Gallery, and plenty of Burns-themed activities, it’s sure to be a night you won’t forget.

Celebrating Burns at Edinburgh Castle

25th January 2026

Want to discover more about Robert Burns, his life, work and why he’s still celebrated today? Head to the fabulous Edinburgh Castle and hear about Scotland's great bard and some of his finest works first-hand. 

Stays near Edinburgh

If you fancy celebrating Burns Night in Edinburgh this year, our nearby parks are the ideal place to stay for a fantastic Edinburgh experience while also enjoying being based away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Thurston Manor, East Lothian: 33 miles/52 min drive to Edinburgh 

Pease Bay, Berwickshire: 37.7 miles/59 min drive to Edinburgh 

Scoutscroft, Berwickshire: 46.8 miles/1 hour 12 min drive to Edinburgh 

Coldingham Bay, Berwickshire: 46.1 miles/1 hour 13 min drive to Edinburgh 

Things to do in Glasgow this Burns Night

Murder Maist Fowl - Burns Night Murder Mystery

24th January 2026

Step back in time to January 1792, where Robert Burns is living out the last of his years with his wife, Jean Armour, in Dumfriesshire. Robert and Jean have settled in for a night of chatter with a cast of wonderful characters, including Mary Campbell and William Maxwell, but the night is far from peaceful. One of them is about to be murdered, by another member of the party.

If you’re a fan of murder mysteries, be sure to check out this fantastic event.

Rangers Burns Supper

24th January 2026

The annual Burns Supper is back at Edminston House, ready for a night of live performances, on-stage interviews, speeches and more. Raise a toast to Scotland’s national bard with a whisky dram and enjoy a delicious traditional three course meal. If you’re looking for an event to embrace true Scottish culture, this is the night for you.

Gang Thegither Wi Us This Burns Night

25th January 2026

Settle at the table and tuck in to a hearty Burns Supper, complete with haggis and whisky, in a tribute to Scotland’s great bard. With a fantastic selection of whisky, the perfect tipple to toast to Burns, and plenty of other refreshing drinks, this is the place to be for the ultimate party atmosphere this Burns Night.

Mairi Capbell: Auld Lang Syne

25th January 2026

Blending storytelling, animation and movement with music composed by David Gray and Mairi Campbell, you’ll be taken on an adventure through Scotland’s most famous song. Journey with Mairi as she discusses the politics of childhood friendships, the challenges of romantic relationships and the highs and lows of success and failure, all delivered with her trademark wit and unparalleled musical ability.

Erskine Burns Supper & Ceilidh

30th January 2026

Honour the national bard in true Scottish tradition with a fantastic evening of food, music and ceilidh dancing. Head over to the iconic Òran Mór to enjoy a delicious full-course meal, raise a glass to the legacy of Robert Burns and speeches, and dance the night away with the ceilidh sensations, Whisky Kiss.

Stays near Glasgow

If you're heading to Glasgow for Burns Night, Viewfield Manor is the ideal spot to base yourself. With great on-site facilities, a peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings, you're sure to have a fabulous time. 

Viewfield Manor, Ayrshire: 26.8 miles/46 min drive to Glasgow

Things to do in Perthshire this Burns Night

Burns Night at Atholl Palace Hotel

24th January 2026

Head over to the Atholl Palace Hotel for a superb night of traditional and humorous verse, readings of Burns’ most famous works and fantastic ceilidh music to top the evening off. If you’re after a refreshing and fun-filled Burns Night, this is the place for you.

Birnam Arts Burns Night Ceilidh

24th January 2026

For a fun-filled evening of traditional ceilidh music and dancing with local band ‘Tuna’, this event is a fantastic way to celebrate Burns Night. Promising a joyful, high-energy night for all and raising funds for Birnam Arts, you’re sure to have a fabulous time.

Stays in Perthshire 

Fancy spending Burns Night amongst the forests of Perthshire? We have two wonderful parks that are perfect for cosy winter breaks. Settle in for some of the area's most stunning scenery, wonderful walking routes and plenty of local attractions to enjoy. 

Ballintuim: 16.2 miles/32 min drive to Pitlochry
Erigmore: 14.2 miles/20 min drive to Pitlochry