Burns Night: what is it and how do you celebrate it at home? (complete guide)

Burns Night is one of the most famous Scottish traditions and is celebrated every year on January 25It's an evening full of stories, food, music, humor, and (for those who want it) whisky. In Scotland, this isn't just a small celebration, but a national tribute to the country's most famous poet: Robert Burns.

In this guide we explain:

  • what exactly Burns Night is

  • why it is so important in Scotland

  • how a traditional Burns Supper goes

  • what you eat (haggis, neeps & tatties)

  • and how to organize a Burns Night at home — without the hassle

What is Burns Night? (short explanation)

Burns Night is an annual Scottish celebration on January 25 in honor of poet Robert Burns (1759–1796)The evening is usually celebrated with a traditional dinner: a Burns Supper, including speeches, poetry and the ceremonial cutting of the haggis.

Who was Robert Burns?

Robert Burns is Scotland's most famous poet. His work deals with:

  • friendship

  • love

  • freedom

  • ordinary life (with a good dose of humor)

Burns wrote in the Scots dialect and his lyrics are still immensely popular. The most famous song is Auld Lang Syne, which is sung worldwide around New Year's Eve.

In Scotland, Burns is seen as a cultural icon — a kind of national pride in verse.

What is a Burns Supper?

A Burns Supper is the traditional dinner held during Burns Night. It includes standard elements such as:

  • the ceremony surrounding the haggis

  • reciting poems

  • toasts with speeches

  • and often Scottish music (bagpipes or folk)

Burns Night vs. Burns Supper

  • Burns Night = the date/occasion (January 25)

  • Burns Supper = the dinner and ritual that goes with it

When is Burns Night?

Burns Night is annually on:

📅 January 25

Sometimes people also celebrate it on the weekend around that date, especially if it is convenient with guests.

What does a traditional Burns Night look like? (step-by-step plan)

This is the classic program for a Burns Supper:

1) Welcome & realm

Guests are welcomed. Sometimes with Scottish music, often with a drink, sometimes with a short toast.

2) Selkirk Grace (table prayer)

A short Scottish saying of thanks, often this one:

“Some hae meat and canna eat,
and some wad eat that want it;
but we have meat and we can eat,
sae let the Lord be thankit.”

(Don't worry: you don't have to pronounce this perfectly. Trying is 80% of the charm.)

3) The haggis comes in

Traditionally the haggis is brought in ceremonially (sometimes with bagpipes).

4) “Address to a Haggis”

Someone carries the poem Address to a Haggis for Robert Burns.
Then the haggis is cut (preferably a bit dramatically).

5) Dinner: haggis, neeps & tatties

The main course is traditional:

  • haggis

  • neeps (rutabaga)

  • tatties (potatoes)

6) Speeches & toasts

Known parts:

  • The Immortal Memory (speech about Burns)

  • Toast to the Lassies

  • Reply from the Lassies

This sounds serious, but it is usually funny and playful.

7) Music & closure

The evening often ends with music or the singing of Burns' lyrics.

What is haggis?

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish, usually made from:

  • sheep organ meat

  • oatmeal

  • spices

It is traditionally cooked in a sheep's stomach (although this has often been replaced nowadays by a modern casing).

👉 Important: Burns Night isn't about "how strange it sounds." In Scotland, haggis is primarily: pride, tradition and comfort food.

What are neeps & tatties?

  • Neeps = turnip (rutabaga/turnip in Scottish context)
    In the Netherlands, people often replace this with parsnip or carrot.

  • Tatties = potatoes (often as mashed potatoes)

Celebrating Burns Night at home (without the hassle)

No bagpipes, no Scottish family ties, no problem.

With this checklist you can create a Burns Night at home with the right atmosphere.

✅ Burns Night checklist

  • candles lit (warm, calm light)

  • plaid on the couch or chair

  • beautiful table setting

  • dinner with a Scottish touch

  • 1 toast or poem (can be short!)

  • music on (Scottish folk playlist works fine)

Burns Night table setting: this is how it feels truly Scottish

The experience lies in the details. Not in perfection.

What works well:

  • slate or dark serving boards

  • wooden boards for snacks

  • sturdy glasses (preferably with character)

  • possibly a carafe

  • tartan detail (napkin, runner, plaid)

This is exactly the kind of evening Mood Company loves:
eating together + stories + quality + atmosphere.

What do you drink at Burns Night?

Traditionally, whisky is often drunk, but it is not obligatory.

Possible drink options:

  • whisky (neat or with a drop of water)

  • Scottish tea

  • alcohol-free “whisky moment” mocktail

  • beer or cider

Tip: The true Scottish style is not “drinking strong”, but taste good.

Burns Night Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Burns Night?

Burns Night is an annual Scottish celebration on 25 January in honour of poet Robert Burns, often featuring a Burns Supper.

When is Burns Night?

On January 25 (every year).

What do you eat on Burns Night?

Traditional: haggis, neeps & tatties.

Is haggis required?

No. Many people celebrate Burns Night with an alternative dish, as long as you maintain the ritual and atmosphere.

What is a Burns Supper?

The traditional Burns Night dinner/ritual, featuring speeches, poetry, and haggis.

Should I recite poems?

No, but one short toast or funny bit will make it fun.

Why is Robert Burns important?

He is Scotland's national poet and wrote famous lyrics such as Auld Lang Syne.

Is Burns Night only in Scotland?

No, it is celebrated worldwide by Scotland lovers.

How do I make Burns Night cozy at home?

Think: candles, blanket, nice tableware, serving board, toast, music and a hearty dinner.

What's the best atmosphere for Burns Night?

Warm, dark, wood/wool/slate, and above all: together at the table.

Burns Night = an evening with character

Burns Night perfectly illustrates what Scotland is good at:
traditions that you experience together.

No strict protocol, but warmth, humor and stories.
And that is exactly why Burns Night is such a perfect fit for Mood Company.

Want to celebrate Burns Night at home with a table that feels truly Scottish?
Browse our collection of serving boards, slate, glasses, and gifts with a story.

Back to BLOGS

Discover more

Share this