Discover some of the Burns Night events taking place in Edinburgh in January 2026.
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 from 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 2026.
Food and drink
Tolbooth Tavern
Burns Day Celebration
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Experience a lively celebration of Scottish culture with all the traditional touches at Tolbooth Tavern’s Burns Day Celebration.
One of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, they will be welcoming guests with a hearty, three-course meal featuring Scottish classics Cullen skink, followed by haggis, neeps and tatties, before finishing with a dessert of cranachan.
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£42.50 per person.
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Available on 25 January 2026.
The Dome
Burns Supper
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Raise a glass to Burns at the popular city centre bar and restaurant, The Dome.
The evening comprises a red carpet reception and a traditional welcome from a Piper. Then, enjoy a classic Burns night supper, expertly paired with a selection of drinks, before dancing the night away with the 7 Hills Ceilidh Band.
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£95.00 per person
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Available on 25 January 2026.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Burns Supper
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The Royal Yacht Britannia host their annual traditional Burns Supper, complete with a red carpet welcome, champagne and canapé reception, and a highlights tour of this former royal yacht.
Guests will be welcomed aboard by Britannia’s piper to experience an unforgettable Scottish evening. A delicious five-course menu, using the very best Scottish ingredients, will be served in the State Dining Room by Britannia’s butlers.
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£255.00 per person, or reserve a table of 12 guests and pay for only 11.
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Available on 23 January 2026.
Prestonfield House
Burns Supper
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Prestonfield’s annual Burns Supper invites guests to enjoy an opulent blend of wit, wine, whisky and wisdom, all in support of Prostate Scotland.
The evening begins with a champagne reception and the skirl of Prestonfield’s piper, before a sumptuous three-course dinner celebrating the very best of Scotland’s seasonal larder.
This year’s line-up is as sparkling as ever. Broadcaster, actor and radio DJ Grant Stott returns as host and auctioneer. Iain Findlay will deliver the Haggis Ceremony and The Immortal Memory; Craig Hill will offer his inimitable Toast to the Lassies; and Diane Nicol Sibbald will reply on behalf of the Lassies. Traditional Scots songs from Brigid Mhairi and Richard Dunn will add even more atmosphere to the night.
Throughout the evening, guests can take part in Prestonfield’s renowned silent and live auctions, featuring exceptional prizes in aid of Prostate Scotland’s vital work supporting men and families affected by prostate cancer and disease across Scotland.
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£95.00 per person (tables of 10 available)
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Available on 22 January 2026
The Scottish Café & Restaurant
Burns Supper Experience
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The Scottish Café & Restaurant will welcome guests with a live piping performance and Address to the Haggis, before enjoying a four course seasonal Scottish supper and a dram of whisky.
Afterwards, take to the dance floor with live music and ceilidh dancing.
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£70.00 to £90.00 per person
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Available 23 to 25 January 2026.
Experiences and activities
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Various Burns-inspired events
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Preserving and celebrating Scotland’s heritage of storytelling, theatre, dance and music, The Scottish Storytelling Centre will be showcasing the work of Burns through several events.
Cafe Ceilidh: Celebrating Burns features traditional songs, music, poems and stories, while all the family can join in with Scottish dances and well-known songs at Easy Sundays: Burns Family Ceilidh. At Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne, Scotland’s most famous song is explored, and Workshop: Along the Banks o’ Nith looks at some of the songs Burns wrote while living in Dumfriesshire.
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See website for prices.
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Available from 20 to 24 January 2026.
The Real Mary King’s Close
An Edinburgh Burns Night
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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 and a dram or two.
Taking place within the uniquely preserved streets that lie deep below Edinburgh’s Old Town, listen as Burns’ verses echo through the Close, uncover the darker truths of 17th century life, and raise a glass of whisky to the man whose work continues to shape Scottish culture.
There’s also the chance to elevate your tour with an exquisite 4-course Taste of Scotland menu at nearby Amber Restaurant. Over 18s only.
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From £36.00 per person.
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Available from 23 to 25 January 2026.
Accommodation
W Edinburgh
Burns, Whisky and Winks
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Enjoy an overnight stay for 2 people, full Scottish or continental breakfast on the 10th floor restaurant, complete with a W Edinburgh Cocktail inspired by Scottish folklore, and a Scottish cheese and whisky pairing.
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See website for pricing.
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Available 23 January 2026.
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
