What Is Burns Night? 25 January, Explained

Burns Night falls on 25 January, the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, born in 1759. It has been marked since shortly after his death, when friends held a supper in his memory, and the format has barely changed since.

It is celebrated well beyond Scotland, including across England and by Scottish communities worldwide. It is not a bank holiday, but the supper is a real fixture — booked out weeks ahead in a lot of places.

Here is what happens on the night, in the order it usually happens.

The date and the man

This brief history suits anyone wanting to understand the origins of this popular January tradition, from curious newcomers to proud Scots. It is perfect to read when you want to brush up on your literary knowledge before the celebration begins. As a practical tip, keeping these key historical milestones in mind will help you share some light trivia with your guests during the evening.

• 25 January, the birthday of Robert Burns.
• Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 and died in 1796.
• He wrote Auld Lang Syne, Tam o' Shanter and Address to a Haggis.
• The first Burns supper was held by his friends a few years after his death.

How a Burns supper runs

This guide suits hosts planning their very first formal gathering, as well as guests who want to know exactly what to expect from the evening. Use this running order as a step-by-step programme for organising the flow of your celebration. A helpful tip is to write out a simple schedule on a chalkboard so everyone knows when the ceremonies and food will commence.

• Guests are piped in and the host welcomes everyone.
• The Selkirk Grace is read before the meal.
• The haggis is carried in to bagpipes and the Address to a Haggis is performed.
• Haggis, neeps and tatties are served, usually with a whisky.
• Speeches: the Immortal Memory, the Toast to the Lassies and the reply.
• The night finishes with Auld Lang Syne.

If you're hosting at home

This section suits anyone organising an intimate, relaxed supper at home for close friends and family. Use these practical suggestions when planning your shopping list and dining table setup a few days before the event. As a helpful tip, focus on small preparations ahead of time so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your guests.

• Vegetarian haggis is widely available and genuinely good.
• You don't need a piper — a recording does the job.
• Print the Selkirk Grace and the Address so guests can join in.
• Whisky to taste, but water on the table too.

Key things to remember

• Invite people a good three weeks ahead; the date fills up.
• Assign the speeches early so nobody has to improvise.
• Keep the Address short if your guests are new to it.

Frequently asked questions

When is Burns Night?

25 January every year, the birthday of Robert Burns.

What is served at a Burns supper?

Haggis with neeps and tatties, usually with a whisky, often after cock-a-leekie soup and followed by cranachan.

Do you send Burns Night cards?

Not typically — it is a supper rather than a card occasion. Most people send an invitation instead.

What is a good example of what is Burns Night? The date, the supper and the poetry?

"25 January, the birthday of Robert Burns." 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.

Where to shop next

• Funny birthday card messages
• Thank you card messages
• All cards
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Burns Night Card Messages
• Good luck cards
• All guides

Funny cards for friends

For the guest who always gives the speech.