History

Update: January 25, 2026 – Burns Night is here!

Edinburgh pubs, restaurants, and venues are in full swing right now with suppers, live music, and toasts to the Bard. Venues like The Dome, Whiski Bar, George IV Bar, and The Ivy on the Square are hosting special evenings—grab last-minute spots if you can. Our guide below has all the details on what to expect, from the traditional “Address to a Haggis” to modern twists.

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Edinburgh doesn’t really do low-key when it comes to Robert Burns. Around the Bard’s birthday on 25 January, the city fills up with suppers, ceilidhs, storytelling nights and whisky tastings – from Old Town boozers to grand hotels.

If you’re keen to raise a glass (and maybe a reel) this year, here’s a simple guide to what Burns Night is all about and a hand-picked list of events across the city in January 2026.

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What actually happens at a Burns Night?

A traditional Burns Night usually includes:

• Haggis, neeps and tatties – the classic plate of haggis with mashed turnip and potatoes.
• An “Address to a Haggis” – someone dramatically recites Burns’ poem before the haggis is ceremonially cut open.
• A few short toasts and speeches, often including the “Immortal Memory” of Burns.
• Music and ceilidh dancing – Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant, the works.
• A closing “Auld Lang Syne”, arm-in-arm with whoever’s standing nearby.

You don’t need to know every word of the poetry or own a kilt – just turn up hungry, curious, and prepared to join in.

Image credit: https://thepickledpiper.co.uk/services/events/

Burns Night Events in Edinburgh – January 2026

Here are some of the stand-out Burns Night events confirmed for this year. Always check directly with the venue for the latest times, prices, and booking.

Traditional Suppers & Big Nights Out

• Prestonfield Burns Supper – 22 January
  Prestonfield House, Newington
  Prestonfield’s annual black-tie Burns Supper mixes pipes, poetry and a multi-course menu in suitably baroque surroundings, with proceeds again supporting Prostate Scotland. Expect speeches, songs and plenty of whisky.
• Burns Supper & Ceilidh at Ghillie Dhu – 23 January
  Rutland Place, West End
  A full evening in the Ghillie Dhu’s atmospheric auditorium: traditional supper, address to the haggis and a late-night ceilidh to walk (or stagger) it off. Tickets include your meal and dancing until the small hours.
• RICS Scotland Burns Night Ceilidh – 22 January
  Ghillie Dhu
  A more networking-leaning night but still open for bookings – a full Burns celebration with supper and ceilidh, hosted by RICS at the same West End venue.
• Burns Night at The Dome – 25 January
  George Street
  If you like your Burns Night on the glamorous side, The Dome’s celebration promises a dressed-up supper in one of Edinburgh’s most ornate dining rooms, complete with piper and traditional trimmings.
• Burns Supper Menu at Whiski Bar – 19–25 January
  High Street, Royal Mile
  Whiski Bar will feature a Burns Night supper menu throughout Burns Week (19–25 January) — check directly with the venue for specific dates and bookings. Expect classic dishes and a serious whisky list.
• Burns Night at The Scottish Café & Restaurant – 23–25 January
  The Mound / National Gallery
  The Scottish Café’s Burns Night offering pairs local haggis with live music and a ceilidh band, right under the Galleries – a central option if you’re coming by bus or train.
• Burns Night at George IV Bar – 25 January
  George IV Bridge
  A relaxed pub-style Burns Night with whisky, haggis and Burns’ favourites hits in the heart of the Old Town – ideal if you want the atmosphere without going full formal.
• Burns’ Night Supper at The Three Sisters – 25 January
  Cowgate
  The Three Sisters is hosting a lively Burns Night with a traditional supper and entertainment planned – good for bigger groups and a more party-style night out.
• Alba Party Burns Supper – 24 January
  Jolly’s Restaurant , 9 Elm Row , Edinburgh , EH74AA
  Hosted by Alba Party, this Burns Supper is combines a traditional meal with speeches, poetry and live entertainment. It’s a more formal, ticketed evening that leans into the ceremonial side of Burns Night rather than a late-night ceilidh, and tends to attract a mixed crowd of supporters, guests and Burns enthusiasts.
  
  * Event details and dates are correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change.

Ceilidhs, Storytelling & More

• Cafe Ceilidh: Celebrating Burns – 20 January
  Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street
  An afternoon session with Scots Music Group: songs, tunes, poems and stories celebrating Burns in a cosy setting – a gentler option if ceilidh marathons aren’t your thing.
• Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne – 24 January
  Scottish Storytelling Centre
  Mairi Campbell’s solo show digs into the history and emotion behind “Auld Lang Syne”, blending music, storytelling and humour – a great pick if you’re more into listening than dancing.
• Annasach’s Burns Night Ceilidh – 25 January
  The Counting House, West Nicolson Street
  Annasach Ceilidh Band host an informal Burns Night at The Counting House – the same Old Town venue where Burns himself was once entertained. Caller-led dances make it friendly even for ceilidh first-timers.

Quick Burns Night Checklist

• Book ahead – most suppers and ceilidhs sell out.
• Wear something tartan if you have it, but don’t stress if you don’t.
• Arrive hungry – portions are rarely shy.
• Learn a line or two of “Address to a Haggis” or “Auld Lang Syne” if you want to impress.

If you’re hosting a Burns Night of your own in Edinburgh, you can submit it to Edinburgh247 and we’ll keep this guide topped up with as many local celebrations of the Bard as we can find.