- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- Historical
- Where:
- U.K.
- Date change rule:
- Every January 25
- Holiday emoji:
- đ´ó §ó ˘ó łó Łó ´ó ż
Burns Night honors the iconic Scottish poet Robert Burns every January 25. Gather friends and family for a traditional Burns supper, complete with haggis, whisky, and passionate recitations of his timeless poetry. Discover local events or host your own celebration to keep the Bard’s legacy alive.
Want to sponsor Burns Night? Learn how
Expected Burns Night Deals
As Burns Night approaches, expect a focus on Scottish culinary delights and cultural experiences. Retailers like The Scotch Whisky Experience and independent whisky merchants may offer special tasting kits or limited-edition bottles. Scottish food purveyors such as Macsween Haggis often see increased demand, with some offering recipe bundles. Online stores specializing in tartan and kilts, like Scotweb, might run promotions on traditional attire and accessories. Local Scottish societies and cultural centers typically host ticketed Burns suppers, often including a full meal and entertainment. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for Burns Night
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BurnsNight. Share photos of your Burns supper spread, traditional attire, or favorite Burns poetry quotes.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #BurnsNight. Tweet about your favorite Robert Burns poem or share details of a local celebration.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BurnsNight. Share your Burns Night traditions with friends and family in a community post.
Burns Night Hero
Robert Burns
Burns Night timeline
Robert Burns is born in Alloway, Scotland.
Burns publishes his first poetry collection, "Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect," also known as the "Kilmarnock Edition," which popularizes and promotes the Scottish language and is considered one of his most important legacies.
His first child, Elizabeth 'Bess' Burns, is born to his mother's servant, Elizabeth Paton, while he is pursuing a relationship with another woman, Jean Armour.
Burns falls in love with Mary Campbell, the inspiration for some of his most famous romantic poems.
Burns marries Jean Armour and he writes one of the most widely known songs in the world, typically sung on New Years' Eve, 'Auld Lang Syne.'
Burns dies at the age of 37 in Dumfries, Scotland.
His friends host this event on the fifth anniversary of his death at Burns Cottage, the poet's former residence.
Burns is voted 'The Greatest Scot Ever' by the Scottish public.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Burns Night
Local businesses can embrace Burns Night by offering themed menus or products. Restaurants and pubs can host special Burns suppers featuring traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps, and tatties, paired with whisky tastings. Bookstores can create displays of Robert Burns’s poetry and Scottish literature. Specialty food shops can stock up on Scottish delicacies, while gift shops can offer tartan accessories or themed souvenirs. Consider hosting a poetry reading or a ceilidh (traditional Scottish social gathering) to engage the community.
Burns Night FAQs
When is Burns Night?
In 2027, Burns Night is observed on Monday, January 25, providing a mid-week occasion to reflect on Robert Burns’s enduring legacy. Many will host suppers or cultural events to mark the occasion.
How many people celebrate Burns Night?
While exact figures are hard to pinpoint, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, participate in Burns suppers and events globally. The tradition is especially strong in Scotland, England, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
What is a traditional Burns Supper?
The supper often begins with the ‘Selkirk Grace,’ followed by the piping in of the haggis and the ‘Address to a Haggis.’ Toasts are made to Burns, and speeches like ‘The Immortal Memory’ are delivered, interspersed with songs and poems.
Is Burns Night a public holiday?
Despite its cultural significance and widespread observance, January 25 is a normal working day. Celebrations typically take place in the evening, allowing people to participate after work or on the nearest weekend.
How to Observe Burns Night
Read some poetry
Choose from either the four-volume "Poetry of Robert Burns," or the "Reliques of Robert Burns," which also includes his collection of folk songs, letters, and criticism. You'll find the roots of Romanticism in his books, along with evidence of his love affair with Scotland.
Host a Burns supper
Find some haggis at your local specialty grocer and host a Burns supper for your literary friends. Put on some traditional Scottish music while your guests read some of Burns' works.
Bone up on your Scottish literary history
Understand why Burns and other Scottish poets are such revered historical figures in Scotland, and why they're a huge part of Scotland's cultural landscape.
Read These 5 Robert Burns Poems
"Halloween"
Often recited on Halloween in Scotland, this poem was written in both English and Scottish.
"To a Louse"
In this poem, Burns imagines a louse crawling into a lady's bonnet in church.
"Red Red Rose"
Bob Dylan has cited this famous romantic poem as a major lyrical inspiration.
"Tam O'Shanter"
This long poem tells the tale of a farmer who likes to spend more time drinking with his mates than with his impatient wife.
"To a Mouse"
This Burns poem inspired Steinbeck's famous novel "Of Mice and Men."
Why Burns Night is Important
He's Scotland's national poet
Burns, born in 1759, wrote many of Scotland's most famous poems and remains a revered literary figure. He was a leader of the Romantic movement and helped inspire liberalism and socialism.
Scotland is a land of poets
Poetry's in the bloodstream of Scotland. Burns inspired many poets following his death, and perhaps no other country is more associated with poetry. Volumes of Scottish collections have been published over the centuries â many becoming bestsellers.
Burns came from humble circumstances
Burns was born into poverty near Ayr, on Scotland's west coast. As a child, his family moved around the country looking for a better life. No one could've predicted he would become one of Scotland's most famous figures.
Burns Night dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 25 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 25 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 25 | Thursday |
| 2030 | January 25 | Friday |
| 2031 | January 25 | Saturday |
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