Monday 25 January 2027 · checked 26 Oct 2026
Burns Night is Monday 25 January 2027, the birthday of the poet Robert Burns (born 1759). VisitScotland says you do not need to be Scots, or know your Burns by heart, to join a Burns supper. Pick a supper to go to alone, or host a small one at home with haggis, neeps and tatties, a few poems and Auld Lang Syne.
A plain guide for newcomers and solo visitors. Everything below comes from VisitScotland’s Burns Night page. We list no tickets or prices, because we did not find any to quote.
| Step | What happens | Why it suits going alone |
|---|---|---|
| Gather | The evening traditionally begins with guests gathering for a drink before taking their seats. | A drink in hand gives you something to do while you say hello. |
| Pipe in the haggis | The haggis is carried into the room in procession, traditionally accompanied by a piper. | Everyone watches the same thing. No small talk needed. |
| Address to a Haggis | Burns’ poem is performed over the haggis with theatrical flourish, before everyone raises a toast. | A shared toast is an easy first moment with the table. |
| Supper | Haggis, neeps and tatties (haggis, turnips and mashed potato) are the traditional centrepiece, although menus range from formal dinners to relaxed suppers. | Sitting at a table gives you neighbours to talk to. |
| Speeches and poetry | Expect Burns recitations and traditional speeches, including the Immortal Memory celebrating the poet’s life and legacy. | Listening is enough. You can join in or just enjoy it. |
| Auld Lang Syne | The evening traditionally ends with guests joining hands to sing one of Burns’ most famous songs. | A warm, friendly end, and a natural moment to swap names. |
This is the running order as VisitScotland describes it. Each supper sets its own programme, so check the host’s details.
What we found
Low pressure. Take what suits you.
A Burns supper has a set order, so you always know what comes next. The haggis procession, the poem and the toast give everyone the same thing to look at, and the evening ends with a song sung together. If you cannot make an organised supper, the same ideas work at your own table. For a wider read, see our page on New Year’s Eve alone, which also uses Auld Lang Syne.
This page is general information from VisitScotland. Dates, menus, dress and booking are set by each host, so confirm them with the organiser. Drink responsibly; our events are 18+.
Sources
Checked 26 Oct 2026. 25 January 2027 is a Monday. Event dates are as listed on VisitScotland’s page on that date. We list no prices or tickets.
How it works
Burns Night is held on 25 January, the birthday of Robert Burns (born 1759). In 2027 that is a Monday.
Guests gather for a drink, the haggis is piped in, the Address to a Haggis is performed, everyone eats haggis, neeps and tatties, there are speeches and poetry including the Immortal Memory, and the evening ends with Auld Lang Syne.
Yes to both. VisitScotland says you do not need to be Scots or know your Burns by heart. To host, serve haggis, neeps and tatties, read a few poems, raise a dram and finish with Auld Lang Syne.
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