Best Ways to Celebrate Burns Night

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 25th January 2025 - it’s Burns Night! Celebrate Scotland’s beloved bard, Robert Burns, with a feast of haggis, heartfelt poetry, and whisky galore. This annual tribute brings Scotland’s rich culture to life through toasts, lively ceilidhs, and timeless traditions. Gather your friends, raise a dram, and experience an unforgettable night of Scottish spirit and celebration. Scroll past our hotel breaks for our guide to the best ways to celebrate Robbie Burns Night, complete with everything from poetry recitations to indulging in a traditional Burns Night menu.

Top 7 ways to celebrate Burns Night 2025

Get ready to don your tartan and raise a dram because Burns Night is just around the corner! Whether you’re a poetry aficionado or just here for the haggis, this Scottish tradition is the perfect excuse to gather with friends, enjoy some hearty food, and celebrate the life of the bard himself, Robert Burns. Here are our top picks for the best ways to celebrate Burns Night in style!

1. Go on a City Break to Edinburgh

As the heart of Scotland’s literary history, Edinburgh is the perfect destination to soak in the spirit of Burns Night. Robert Burns spent some time in Edinburgh during his life, and you can trace his footsteps by visiting iconic locations like:

  • The White Hart Inn: A historic pub where Burns reportedly stayed.
  • The Writers’ Museum: Celebrating the works of Burns and other literary legends.
  • The Burns Monument: A tribute to Scotland’s national bard.

Add a walking tour to your itinerary to explore these sites and learn fascinating tales of Burns’ life and legacy. After a day of exploration, settle into a cosy restaurant for a traditional Burns Night supper, complete with haggis, neeps, and tatties. Plus, you can take advantage of our exclusive deals and book your next getaway at a fraction of the price!

Here are some hotels in Edinburgh that you might be interested in:

2. Take a City Break to Glasgow

For those craving a lively celebration, Glasgow doesn’t disappoint. Known for its bustling nightlife and rich culture, this city comes alive on Burns Night. Visit local pubs hosting Burns Night events, where you can enjoy live music, poetry readings, and a festive atmosphere.

Make sure to book a spot at a traditional Burns Night dinner and savour a menu that might include cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, and cranachan. Glasgow’s vibrant energy ensures that your celebration of Burns Night 2025 will be unforgettable. To make your trip even more special, explore our exclusive offers on hotels in Glasgow for a cosy and memorable stay, perfectly complementing your Burns Night celebrations.

Check out these hotels in Glasgow for your next visit:

3. Unwind with a Spa Break in Scotland

If your idea of celebrating involves relaxation, a spa break in Scotland is the way to go. Scotland boasts world-class spas offering serene surroundings and rejuvenating treatments. Imagine soaking in a heated pool or enjoying a massage while overlooking the stunning Scottish countryside.

Many spa retreats also incorporate Burns Night themes, such as whisky-infused treatments or traditional Scottish dishes on their menus. A spa break is the perfect way to embrace the essence of Burns Night while indulging in self-care. Why wait? Check out our exclusive spa deals and book a relaxing experience for yourself (or loved one)!

Here are some spas that you can check for a relaxing experience:

4. Visit a Scottish Pub and Try Haggis

No trip to Scotland during Burns Night is complete without tasting its iconic dish: haggis. Step into a traditional pub and enjoy a warm welcome alongside a classic Burns Night menu. Pair your haggis with a dram of whisky for a truly Scottish experience.

Many pubs host vibrant Burns Night celebrations, with live poetry readings of Address to a Haggis and traditional music that fills the room with energy. From the charm of Edinburgh’s hidden corners to the lively spirit of Glasgow, it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate.

Make your evening even more memorable with a stay at one of the best hotels in Scotland. Take advantage of our exclusive deals on gourmet dining and luxury accommodations for a Burns Night to remember.

Here are some of the hotels that you can book for your getaway:

5. Explore Scottish Villages

Scotland’s charming villages offer a peaceful, more traditional way to celebrate Burns Night. Towns like Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, are rich in history and provide the perfect backdrop to experience the poet’s legacy.

Visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Ayrshire countryside. Many smaller towns host intimate Burns Night gatherings, featuring poetry readings and traditional Scottish dishes. It’s a beautiful way to immerse yourself in Scotland’s heritage and culture.

If you’re looking to make the most of your Burns Night getaway, explore our exclusive deals on cosy hotel stays and local dining for a truly memorable experience.

Check out these hotels for your next visit:

6. Recite Poetry by the Fireplace

For a cosy and meaningful celebration, gather loved ones by the fireplace and recite the timeless poems of Robert Burns. Famous works like “A Red, Red Rose” and “To a Mouse” set the tone for a heartfelt evening. Reading Burns Night poems aloud is a perfect way to honour his legacy, especially when paired with a traditional Burns Night supper.

Add some whisky, Scottish shortbread, and warm blankets, and you’ve created a relaxed yet traditional celebration. Ready to make your Burns Night unforgettable? Check out these hotels and plan your perfect getaway today!

7. Attend a Burns Night Theatre Event

For a cultural and entertaining evening, attend a Burns Night theatre performance. Many venues across Scotland host plays, concerts, or poetry readings inspired by Robert Burns’ works. Edinburgh and Glasgow theatres often lead the way, offering unique events that bring Burns’ poetry and life to the stage.These events are perfect for those who want to enjoy Burns Night with a touch of artistic flair.

Here are some of the Tribute shows you can book:

FAQs About Burns Night

  • Why is Burns Night celebrated?

    Burns Night honours the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, whose contributions to Scottish literature and culture remain timeless.

  • What is the ‘Address to a Haggis’?

    The “Address to a Haggis” is a famous poem by Robert Burns, traditionally recited during Burns Suppers to pay homage to Scotland’s beloved dish, haggis.

  • What is typically served at a Burns Supper?

    A traditional Burns Supper includes dishes like cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps (turnips), tatties (potatoes), and cranachan for dessert. Whisky is a staple accompaniment.

  • Are Burns Suppers held only in Scotland?

    No, Burns Suppers are celebrated worldwide, with Scottish communities and enthusiasts hosting events to honour Robert Burns’ legacy. In 2025, Burns Night falls on Saturday, 25th January, making it a global celebration of Scottish culture and tradition.

Celebrating Burns Night is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and traditions. From lively ceilidhs in bustling cities to heartfelt toasts in quaint villages, every corner of Scotland comes alive to honour the bard who defined a nation’s soul. Ready to make your Burns Night special? Check out our exclusive deals and plan your celebration today!