Discover some of the Burns Night events taking place in Edinburgh in January 2025.
In celebration of the birthday of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, 25 January has become synonymous with all the things Burns loved about Scotland – good food, good company, good poetry and a wee dram of whisky.
Take a look at how you can join in the celebrations in Edinburgh this year.
Tip 1: Tickets for several of these events are limited. Book in advance online.
Tip 2: Many places offer a vegetarian menu – ask when booking.
Tip 3: Discover more about Burns, his work and his legacy on VisitScotland’s website
Why do we celebrate Burns Night?
The first Burns supper was held in July 1801 when nine of Burns’ close friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Taking place at Burns Cottage in Alloway, the night included a meal of haggis, performances of Burns’ work and a speech in honour of the great Bard.
The night was such a resounding success that they decided to form a society and repeat the event six months later, on his birthday, thus beginning the tradition we still enjoy to this day.
What happens at a Burns Supper?
No two Burns Suppers are the same, but one thing that unites them all is the haggis. It is brought into the main table, accompanied by the skirl of bagpipes and much applause from the hungry party-goers. A hush will fill the room as the haggis is placed on the table, and the host recites the famous Burns poem, Address to a Haggis, before plunging a knife into the haggis to rapturous applause.
After the meal, the speech first given back in 1801, The Immortal Memory, is given in tribute to the famous Bard, followed by one of Burn’s poems. Then there’s a Toast to the Lassies, followed by a Reply to the Toast to the Lassies, before the final Burns recital is performed.
Burns celebrations in Edinburgh
In his heyday Burns was the darling of Edinburgh society and was treated like a celebrity when he visited the city in November 1786. He wrote many works here and referred to it as “Scotia’s darling seat!” in his Address to Edinburgh. It’s only right then that there is a variety of Burns celebrations taking place across the capital in January 2025.
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
Designed for those living with dementia and their families, Dementia Friendly: A Celebration of Burns is a fun and engaging way to enjoy the work of Robert Burns through music and storytelling.
Taking place at Festival Theatre Edinburgh, this event is free but ticketed, with booking required.
Dementia Friendly: A Celebration of Burns takes place on 22 January 2025.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Preserving and celebrating Scotland’s heritage of storytelling, theatre, dance and music, The Scottish Storytelling Centre is showcasing the work of Burns through several events.
Suitable for all abilities and experiences, Ae Spark o Nature’s Fire: Burns Song Workshop with John Morran celebrates Burns’ favourite love song, while Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne takes a look at his famous song. For a fun and relaxed afternoon of traditional songs and dances, don’t miss Easy Sundays: Burns Family Ceilidh.
Burns events at The Scottish Storytelling Centre run between 23 and 26 January 2025.
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Retuning for 2025, the Burns Supper at the Scottish Café & Restaurant will welcome guests with a live piping performance and Address to the Haggis, before enjoying a three course seasonal Scottish supper and a dram of whisky.
Afterwards, take to the dance floor with live music and ceilidh dancing.
Join the Burns Supper at the Scottish Café & Restaurant on 23 or 25 January 2025.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Following on from their previous sell-out Burns Night events, The Real Mary King’s Close have created an evening filled to the brim with poetry, history, Scottish dishes and whisky.
Join them for An Edinburgh Burns Night and explore the uniquely preserved streets and spaces underneath Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. You’ll learn about the city’s dark past, listen to a recital of Burns poetry and raise a glass of whisky to Burns. There’s also the chance to elevate your tour with an exquisite 4-course Taste of Scotland menu at nearby Amber Restaurant.
An Edinburgh Burns Night is available on 23, 24 and 25 January 2025 at 4.45pm and 5.15pm.
Luckenbooths
Located on the Royal Mile, Luckenbooths is celebrating Burns Night with an offering fitting of a true Scottish festivity.
After being welcomed with a dram of whisky and the traditional sounds of a piper, guests are treated to a five-course dinner, and Address to the Haggis.
Burns’ Night at Luckenbooths takes place on 24 and 25 January 2025.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Experience an unforgettable Scottish evening attending a traditional Burns Supper on The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Guests will be welcomed aboard by Britannia’s piper via the red carpet to a drinks and canapé reception with a highlights tour of the State Apartments, hearing fascinating stories of life on board from the knowledgeable guides. Then enjoy a five-course menu served in the State Dining Room, while traditional Scottish music will be played throughout dinner by Britannia’s musicians, The highlight of the evening, the Address to a Haggis will be followed by an after-dinner dram, while listening to a captivating Scottish Story Teller regale tales of Scotland’s rich Burns heritage.
Burns Supper on the Royal Yacht Britannia is available on 24 January 2025.
Burns Night Eve Murder Mystery and Dinner
Book Burns Night Eve Murder Mystery and Dinner and help solve a thrilling murder mystery!
Join Grassmarket Community Project and Tentpeg Productions for an evening of suspense, intrigue and detective work. Tickets also include a 3 course dinner with tea, coffee and shortbread, and a dram to toast the Bard.
Burns Night Eve Murder Mystery and Dinner is on 24 January 2025.
Campervan Taproom
The team at Campervan Brewery in Leith are hosting two Burns events this January.
Round up the clan for The Big Burns Brunch, a family-friendly three course Burns supper and drinks pairings, complete with a bairns menu, live trad music and recitals. It’s the perfect chance to dust off the ghillie brogues and teach the bairns to boogie at this unique lunch-time ceilidh.
Then, in the evening they will be hosting the Burns Night Trad Rave – a first of its kind fusion of incredible trad music performed by 5 award-winning musicians backed by big electronic beats.
Both events take place on 25 January 2025.
Port of Leith Distillery
Featuring live poetry and music, ceilidh dancing, canapes, haggis addresses, whisky tastings and pop up bars, Port of Leith’s Burns Baby, Burns! festivities will be spread across all nine floors of the distillery at Leith.
Burns Baby, Burns! runs on 25 January 2025, with bookable time-slots.
Holyrood Distillery
Join Holyrood Distillery’s Burns Night Celebration for an evening of festivities, as they host a night dedicated to the life and works of Robert Burns.
You’ll be welcomed with a warming hot toddy, while taking-in the surroundings of the historic building. Moving into the Spirits Lab, enjoy a taste of their new Homeland gin, while in the Still Room you’ll learn more about the whisky making of Burns’ time and his lasting impact on Scottish culture past and present.
The night will also include tastings of two single malt whiskies, a dramatic poetry recital or two, and live music in the bar area. For an extra special night, why not add on a private tasting where you’ll have the chance to ask as many questions as you like.
The Holyrood Distillery Burns Night Celebration is on 25 January 2025.
Burns Night Brunch at Flight Club Edinburgh
Gather your gang for a Burns Night brunch like no other – at Burns Night Brunch at Flight Club Edinburgh.
This brunch experience offers a Scotch cocktail on arrival, followed by a bottle of Prosecco or four bottles of beer and two hours of bottomless pizza paddles, as well as 60 minutes in the oche, perfecting your Social Darts skills.
Book for Burns Night Brunch at Flight Club Edinburgh on 25 January 2025.
Alternative Burns Night
For a unique twist on the traditional celebrations, head along to the Biscuit Factory in Leith for an Alternative Burns Night.
Hosted by Planet G Food, tickets include a whisky cocktail on arrival, a 100% plant-based haggis burger and two whisky dram tastings (non-alcoholic options available). Not only that but guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including a DJ and live music and an open-mic.
Alternative Burns Night takes place on 25 January 2025.
Tolbooth Tavern
Experience a lively celebration of Scottish culture with all the traditional touches at Burns Day at Tolbooth Tavern.
One of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, they will be welcoming guests with a hearty, home-cooked three-course meal featuring Scottish classics Cullen skink, haggis, neeps and tatties, and cranachan.
Book now for Burns Day at Tolbooth Tavern on 25 January 2025.
Top 10 whisky bars in Edinburgh
Whisky, Scotland’s national drink, goes hand-in-hand with Burns Night.
Why not raise a dram to the Bard in one of Edinburgh’s warm and welcoming bars
