How To Celebrate Burns Night 2025 [Detailed Guide]

On January 25 each year, Burns Night is a lively celebration honouring Scotland's much-loved poet, Robert Burns. Events typically include reading Burns's poems, singing Scottish songs, tasting Scottish food, and sharing whisky. Whether you're a seasoned Burns Night fan or a newcomer who's curious about Burns Night in 2025, our guide will help you understand Burns Night better.

When holding your own Burns Night party, we suggest a portable power source, like Jackery Portable Power Station to charge the decoration lights, phones, cameras, portable grills, and more, especially at outdoor parties.          

Why Celebrate Burns Night? 

Have you heard of Burns Night? If not, here's a brief introduction to help you learn about Burns Night.

What is Burns Night?

Burns Night, also known as Robert Burns Night or Rabbi Burns Day, is a cultural celebration in Scotland on January 25 every year. Scottish traditional customs, poetry readings, music and a special dinner mainly mark it.

What is the origin of Burns Night?

Burns Night, a traditional celebration, originated five years after Robert Burns' death (1801), when his friends gathered at Burns Cottage in Alloway, his birthplace, to commemorate his life. The first celebrations included traditional meals, Burns Night poems, and heartfelt speeches. The event was initially celebrated on the anniversary of his death but is now celebrated on his birthday (January 25).

Why celebrate Burns Night?

Today, people celebrate Burns Night not only in Scotland but also around the world. So why do people celebrate Burns Night? Here are the reasons why people celebrate Burns Night.

• It is a tribute to Burns himself and his literary contributions.

• It showcases Scotland's unique culture and promotes the spread of Scottish culture.

In short, Burns Night is an essential day for Scots and those who appreciate Scottish culture. During the celebrations, people from different cultural backgrounds communicate and integrate, experiencing the unique charm of Scottish culture together.

How To Prepare for Burns Night 2025? 

On January 25 of each year, a traditional festival (Burns Night) commemorates the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. On this day, people will gather to share Burns' poems, enjoy traditional food, and dance cheerful Scottish dances. The following is a detailed guide to prepare for Burns Night in 2025.

Tip 1: Understand the historical and cultural background of Burns Night.

Burns Night originated in Scotland and was originally established to commemorate the birth of Robert Burns. This festival has spread worldwide and become an essential symbol of Scottish culture. Before preparing for Burns Night, it is very necessary to understand Burns' poems, his life, and the traditional customs of Scotland.

Tip 2: Planning the time, place, and guests.

Determine the date of Burns Night as early as possible and choose a suitable place for the party. In addition, make beautiful invitations and send them to relatives and friends by email or social media. Please send invitations a few weeks in advance so the invitees can reasonably arrange their time.

Tip 3: Drafting a menu.

The traditional burns night menu includes Scottish HaggisHaggis, black pudding, shortbread and whisky.

This menu is for reference only; please adjust it to fit your taste.

If conditions permit, you can make these traditional delicacies yourself to increase the fun and participation of the event. You can also order from local Scottish restaurants or delicatessens if time is limited.

Tip 4: Arrangement of activities.

Traditional programs such as poetry recitation, Scottish dance, and music performances can be arranged during the Burns night party. Of course, you can choose a few classic poems by Robert Burns, such as Auld Lang Syne and Address to a Haggis, and have family members or guests recite them. In addition, you can also design some traditional Scottish games, such as pitching pots and Highland dancing, to increase interactivity and fun.

Tip 5: Preparations for the venue.

The venue layout should reflect Scotland's characteristics, so you can use Scottish plaid and thistles (the national flower of Scotland) to create an intense Scottish atmosphere. Displaying Burns' portraits and poetry works can better highlight the atmosphere of Burns Night.

Candlelight and soft lighting can also create a warm dining atmosphere. Encourage friends and family to wear traditional Scottish costumes like Kilts to add a sense of ceremony.

Tip 6: Purchase supplies

Please list the required supplies, including food, drinks, decorations, program props, etc. Purchase supplies about a week in advance and ensure that the supplies are sufficient and of reliable quality. At the same time, you should also prepare some emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, backup power supplies, etc., to deal with emergencies.

Portable power stations, such as Jackery Portable Power Stations, are essential for celebrations, particularly outdoor events, because they provide a dependable, portable power source for various equipment such as speakers, lighting, projectors, and even small appliances, ensuring a smooth party experience without relying on a fixed power outlet, especially in areas with limited access to electricity; they are also quieter and more environmentally friendly than traditional generators.

This list is for reference only; please add or subtract according to your needs.

Celebrate Burns Night in the Traditional Ways

Burns Night is one of the Scottish people's most important traditional festivals of the year. If we can summarize how to celebrate Burns Night, it is food, whiskey, poetry, toasts and music. In short, you can usually expect the following things when attending a traditional Burns Night event:

1. Poetry Recitation

Poetry recitation is the core of Burns Night. While enjoying the food, guests will take turns reciting Burns' poems, including affectionate lyrics and satires full of wisdom and humour.

Immortal Memory: First, there will be a speech in tribute to Burns, Immortal Memory, expressing the poet's remembrance and admiration.

Selkirk Grace: The short and sweet four-line Selkirk Prayer is the traditional prayer before enjoying the Burns dinner. Some lines are: "Some have meat but cannot eat it, some want to eat but eat it, but we have meat to eat, so let God thank us!"

Toast to the Lassies: First, "Cheers to the Lassies" is a light-hearted and humorous speech to pay tribute to the women present, followed by a witty response from the female guests. It is not only a tribute to the beautiful emotions in Burns's poem but also a praise of friendship and love.

2. Toast (to Haggis)

Haggis is the protagonist of the Burns Night Meal. This dish fills a sheep's stomach with diced liver, lungs, heart, oatmeal, onions, salt, and seasonings. Haggis is usually eaten with turnips, potatoes, or Clamshot (mashed turnips and mashed potatoes).

A team, including the chef, usually serves it to diners on silver plates. The guests clap to the music while the HaggisHaggis is served to the table. The music stops once the HaggisHaggis is served, and everyone takes their seats.

3. Enjoy Scottish Cuisine

The highlight of Burns Night is the Burns Supper, a traditional Scottish meal. In addition to HaggisHaggis, you can enjoy many Scottish delicacies at Burns Supper.

Appetizers: Traditionally, Burns Supper uses soup as a warm appetizer to stimulate guests' taste buds. Popular appetizer choices include Scotch Broth, Cock-a-Leekie, and Cullen Skink.

Main Course: The main course usually uses the best Scottish protein, showing Scotland's commitment to high-quality ingredients. Popular main courses for Burns Supper include Scottish Salmon, Beef or Steak Pie, and Grouse.

Dessert: Traditional desserts for Burns Supper include Cranachan, Clootie Dumpling and Scottish Trifle.

Cheese Board: The traditional Cheese Board perfectly ends Burns Supper, balancing the dessert's sweetness with salty flavours. Scottish cheeses often include Caboc, Arran Cheddar, Dunlop Cheese, Lanark Blue, etc.

4. Whisky Tasting

As the "national drink" of Scotland, whiskey is naturally an indispensable part of Burns Night. While tasting food, reciting poetry and singing songs, people also enjoy the warmth and pleasure of whiskey. Among them, the popular whiskeys in Burns Night include Speyside, Islay, and Highland whiskies.

5. Traditional Music and Dance

The celebration of Burns Night would not be complete without traditional Scottish dances, such as the kelly dance. People can also try the reel and jig to create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. If you want a quieter atmosphere, you can listen to bagpipe music.

At the end of Burns Night, everyone held hands and sang Auld Lang Syne in unison, bringing the atmosphere of the whole night to a climax.

How Do Different Places Celebrate Burns Night?

In addition to traditional celebrations, Burns Night is celebrated using unique methods in cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

How Do You Celebrate Burns Night in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh's Burns Night celebrations are even more unique as the cultural centre of Scotland. For example, the Royal Yacht Britannia holds a traditional Burns Night.

How Do You Celebrate Burns Night in Glasgow?

Glasgow is not far behind and holds various Burns Night celebrations every year. For example, Glasgow has a Burns Night.

How Do You Celebrate Burns Night in London?

London's Burns Night celebrations are more international. In this multicultural city, Scottish people celebrate Burns Night together with people of other nationalities.

Creative Ideas for Celebrating Burns Night 2025

Burns Night carries people's endless admiration and remembrance of Burns and is also full of joy and a peaceful atmosphere. Here are some creative ideas to make Burns Night more exciting and memorable.

Theme Decoration and Atmosphere Creation

In addition to using Scottish plaid and thistles to dress up the Burns Night venue, you can also display traditional Scottish costumes (Scottish skirts, Highland cloaks, etc.), weapons (including Scottish long swords, daggers, etc.), and handicrafts (including Scottish wool products, pottery, etc.) for people to appreciate. You can also play traditional Scottish music, such as bagpipes, during the Burns Night event.

Whisky Tasting

Set up a whiskey-tasting area and provide different types of Scottish whiskeys, such as Glengoyne and Compass Box. You can also invite whiskey experts to give a detailed introduction to each whiskey's brewing process, taste characteristics, and food pairing.

Creative Performance

You can combine music, dance, and drama elements to reinterpret Burns's poems in modern language and style. For example, you can choose classic passages from Burns' poems, adapt them to contemporary language, and add modern music elements, such as pop and electronic music. The emotions and artistic conception in the poems can also be expressed through dance and drama performances.

Scottish Dance

Scottish dance is famous for its unique rhythm and graceful movements. With the cheerful dance steps, guests can feel the unique charm of Scottish culture and enhance the atmosphere of Burns Night.

Design Interactive Games

Design some minor questions about Burns' poems and conduct knowledge competitions. The winners can get small gifts like Burns's poems, Scotch whiskey, etc. It can increase the party's fun and give guests a deeper understanding of Burns' poems in the game.

The above creative ideas can create a traditional, modern, solemn, and lively Burns Night party. Guests can deeply experience the unique charm of Scottish culture while enjoying food, wine, and joy.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

We can hold outdoor parties to celebrate Burns Night 2025. However, electricity is essential for this event, so a portable power supply is far more critical. It can charge portable grills, lights, phones, and other devices.

Due to their portability and capacities, we highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Stations for your celebration. Created with exploration in mind, this product is up to 30% lighter and smaller than alternatives. Its ergonomic handle design makes it easy to transport anywhere you want to explore.

Jackery offers portable power solutions ranging from 99W to 12 kWh, capable of powering up to 99% of equipment. It provides quick charging, and pass-through charging technology allows you to simultaneously recharge and charge your appliances.      

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Explorer 300 Plus has the LiFePO4 battery cell, which can stand more in harsh weather conditions and last longer in a small size. Besides, it is smaller and lighter, weighing only 3.75 kg, enabling easy portability anywhere you need. Learn more features of Explorer 300 Plus:

•  Charge 4 Devices at Once: The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and 288Wh capacity. It can charge up to four devices concurrently, facilitated by one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, enabling rapid and effortless charging of several appliances.  

•  Multiple Recharging Ways: The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete wall charge requires 2 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 200W panel necessitates 4 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.

•  ChargeShield Protection: Jackery's ChargeShield fast charge technology pioneers the market by employing a stepped variable-speed charging algorithm, thereby improving safety and extending battery pack lifespan by 50%. At a temperature of 45℃, the power station can achieve full charge in around 2 hours.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh) to charge your electronics and device on Burns Night:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.) 

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus also has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, allowing onboard aircraft carriage.

•  Power Essential Appliances: The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity of 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. For example, you can charge your phone while powering the camera, earphones, or tablet.

•  Emergency Charge Mode: MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging ways, as well as during power cuts.          

•  Outdoor Durability: The Explorer 100 Plus is constructed from UL 94V-0 rated flame-retardant material, possesses Class 9 impact resistance, adheres to UL safety regulations, and is safeguarded against drops (three drops from a height of 0.9 meters). This device is UL Certified and features high-temperature protection at 60C. Furthermore, it incorporates clever dual-chip protection, complemented by five temperature probes for accurate temperature regulation.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 100 Plus (99Wh) to charge your electronics and device on Burns Night:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.) 

Tips for Celebrating Burns Night 2025

Celebrating Burns Night is a remembrance and tribute to the great poet Robert Burns and a promotion of Scottish culture. Here are some tips for celebrating Burns Night in 2025:

Tip 1: Try Scottish Costumes and Music

First, encourage your guests to wear traditional Scottish clothing like kilts or tartan accessories.

Second, you can also prepare traditional Scottish instruments, such as bagpipes.

Tip 2: Innovate based on observing traditions

You can add some modern elements to the Burns Night celebrations. For example, you can design some games related to Burns and Scottish culture to make Burns Night more interactive and engaging.

Tip 3: Deliver the thoughts and spirit expressed in Burns' poems

Burns is a great poet and an advocate of freedom and love. While celebrating Burns Night, you can share Burns' poems and thoughts with more people. For example, you can share Burns's poetry and poems through social media to spread Burns's spirit to more people.

Tip 4: Make a rigorous plan

Please coordinate menus, event schedules, etc., in advance so you can focus on your Burns Night celebrations.

Burns Night FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Burns Night in the UK:

1. What is Burns Night, and why is it celebrated?

Burns Night originated in the 19th century as a traditional dinner party commemorating Robert Burns's birth. Today, this festival has become an unofficial national day in Scotland, attracting millions of people to participate.

Reasons to celebrate Burns Night:

• Commemorate Robert Burns, one of the most outstanding poets in the history of Scottish literature.

•Through this festival, we can promote the traditional cultural elements of Scotland, such as traditional food, music, dance, and poetry.

•Promote friendship and unity.

2. Is Burns Night always on January 25?

Yes, Burns Night is always January 25. In addition to Scotland, many places worldwide will also hold various events on this day to commemorate Burns. In short, Burns Night has become an essential cultural festival in Scotland and elsewhere.

3. What is the traditional drink for burns night?

The traditional drink for Burns Night is usually whiskey. As an important part of Scottish culture, celebrating Burns Night with a glass or two of whiskey is essential.

4. What is the traditional food for Burns Night 2025?

Burns Night always starts with a hearty food feast, a traditional Scottish meal. The dinner usually begins with a classic Scottish soup. The highlight is usually HaggisHaggis (a sheep's stomach filled with oats, barley, liver, heart and lungs). In addition, whiskey is naturally an indispensable drink for Burns Night.

Final Thoughts

Today, Burns Night is deeply rooted in Scottish tradition and has grown into a global phenomenon, bringing people worldwide together to celebrate Robert Burns' enduring legacy. In short, no matter what, Burns Night is an unforgettable way to commemorate Scottish traditions and Robert Burns' enduring legacy.