St Andrew's Day Ideas: How to Celebrate 30 November

October 7, 2026

St Andrew's Day, 30 November, is Scotland's national day and a bank holiday in Scotland (when it falls on a weekend, the next Monday is the bank holiday).

It kicks off Scotland's winter festival season, which runs through Hogmanay to Burns Night: Burns night ideas

Traditions

Flying the Saltire
A ceilidh with Scottish dancing
Tartan and kilts
Free entry to some heritage sites (check each year)

Scottish food

Cullen skink
Haggis bon bons
Stovies
Cranachan
Tablet
Shortbread

Kids' activities

Colour the Saltire
Learn the Gay Gordons dance
Make tartan patterns
Tell the story of the Saltire in the sky

Key things to remember

Book ceilidh tickets early; they sell out.

Frequently asked questions

When is St Andrew's Day?

30 November.

Is St Andrew's Day a bank holiday?

Yes, in Scotland.

What is a good example of st Andrew's Day ideas?

"A ceilidh with Scottish dancing" is one of 14 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

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