With Burns Night approaching in January, you may be wondering how you can celebrate the life and legacy of famous poet Robert Burns and get involved with this Scottish event.

There are many traditional ways to celebrate Burns Night such as organising a Burns Supper with haggis, neeps and tatties, and whisky - in true Burns fashion! Other celebrations in Scottish culture include reading Robert Burns' poems or songs, as well as hosting a ceilidh. Whether you’re a Scot looking for inspiration or a student living in accommodation wondering how to celebrate this year, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll be discussing the 8 best things to do for Burns Night so carry on reading! Burns Night 2023

Who Was Robert Burns?

Burns Night is a tribute to the best loved Scottish poet Robert Burns, it celebrates his work and impact upon Scottish culture. Scotland’s national bard was born on the 25th January 1759, which is the reason why this national holiday is celebrated on the same date every year. Although, many suppers and get-togethers take place all across Scotland throughout January not just on Robert Burns birthday. The first Burns Night dates back more than 200 years ago to 1801 when Burns' closest friends gathered in memory of him at Burns Cottage. Nowadays, the event is still a huge celebration across Scotland and other parts of the UK with millions of people getting involved. It’s safe to say, Robert Burns is still as iconic and valuable to Scottish history today as he was back in the 18th century!

Things To Do For Burns Night

Stuck with things to do for Burns Night? Don't worry, we have a full guide here with 8 activities to keep you busy and get involved with the Scottish celebration - aren’t you lucky! It might be a cold and gloomy January, but that doesn’t mean you can’t liven things up and get involved with this national day, carry on reading to find out more. Things To Do For Burns Night 2023

1. Throw A Burns Night Supper

Well, it wouldn’t be Burns Night without throwing a supper now would it? Get together with your flatmates or other students and host your own meal. Traditionally, a Burns Night supper starts with cock-a-leekie soup followed by haggis, neeps and tatties and plenty of whisky or port. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, finish off your Burns Night supper the right way with a Scottish trifle or cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert consisting of oatmeal, cream, raspberries and whiskey. Be sure to greet others at Burns Suppers with the phrase "Sláinte Mhath!" which means "Good Health!". There are plenty of online recipes for you to use if you’ve never hosted a Burns Night supper before, with a wide range of easy to follow dishes on BBC Good Food.

2. Go Out For A Meal

If your cooking game is pretty weak, or perhaps you’re unsure how to cook up some of the traditional foods eaten on Burns Night, why go out for a meal and support a Scottish business? There will be many restaurants and bars across all parts of Scotland offering different food and drink menus to celebrate the Scottish national day. So, go out and see what's on offer in your uni city or town to get a taste of Scotland. After all, who wouldn’t want to try classic Burns Night dishes, it gives you a chance to try the best Scottish cuisine and indulge in something new! Burns Supper meal

3. Attend An Event

A Burns Supper is a huge part of this traditional Scottish event, but there are many other ways that people celebrate. Some different ways include speeches, performances of Burn’s poetry as well as listening and dancing to Scottish music. With a plethora of events taking place across Scotland to celebrate Burns Night, have a look at what activities are taking place near you. The Scottish Capital, Edinburgh has an abundance of different things to do to mark the occasion. You can even host your own get-together for Burns Night this year using our residents app, KLIQ. Have a Burns Night supper and let the fun commence and of course, cheers to the good times with a glass of whiskey! Burns Night event

4. Get Dancing At A Burns Night Ceilidh

To celebrate this Scottish event in true student style, be sure to attend a Burns Night ceilidh. If you’re not sure what we mean by ceilidh don’t worry, it comes from the Gaelic word for 'gathering' or 'party’. A Ceilidh on Burns Night often combines traditional folk music, dancing, comedy, poetry and bagpipe performances - sounds like fun, eh? It’s always good to finish off a Burns Supper with dancing, or bring the end to any night with your dancing shoes on. You won’t have experienced anything like this before, so go out and get on the dancefloor to see what it's all about! Burns Night ceilidh

5. Experience Whiskey Tasting

Burns Night is the perfect time for whiskey lovers to come together and try some of Scotland’s best varieties of whiskey, also known as 'Scotch'. If you’ve ever wanted to try Scotch then wonder no longer, book yourself in for a whisky tasting experience for a nice day out with your pals. Once you had a few tipples, we’re sure you’ll be in the mood for some traditional ceilidh dancing. After all, it’s a celebration of the legacy and life of Robert Burns and he was known to love whiskey. So, it’s only right to raise a toast to the legendary poet! If you don’t fancy heading out to go whiskey tasting, make your own Burns Night drinks recipes at home. whisky tasting burns night

6. Get Involved With Poetry Readings

If you’re looking for a proper traditional way to celebrate Burns Night then this is it. A staple of this Scottish celebration is reciting the famous and beloved poems of Rabbie Burns before and after the Burns supper is over. Some of the most notable poems which are read out to mark the celebrations are Address to a Haggis, Auld Lang Syne and The Selkirk Grace to name a few - go on read a wee poem or two! Better yet, attend a poetry performance if there’s any happening in your local area! poetry reading burns night

7. Wear Burns Night Attire

If you’ve never celebrated Burns Night before you may be wondering what on earth you wear, don’t worry we’ve got you sorted. If you’re well and truly committed to celebrating Burns Night, you should wear some traditional Scottish attire especially if you’re heading to a formal event. People across Scotland choose to wear kilts, tartan skirts and dresses, bowties, and other traditional Scottish clothing. It’s all about dressing to impress, so put on your best fit and go all in for the occasion this year. Although, don’t worry about dressing up if you’re attending a less formal Burns Night celebration at uni. You can still take part in a more subtle way as it doesn’t matter too much what you’re wearing! Burns Night Attire

8. Have A Burns Night Film Night

For more of an informal Burns Night, host a film night and watch the best Scottish movies and TV shows with your mates. Grab some Scottish foods and drinks (not forgetting a can of Irn-Bru) and watch some Scottish faves with the likes of Trainspotting, Highlander, Braveheart and so on! If you’re wanting to learn more about Robert Burns himself, there are plenty of documentaries and films out there. You can discover the life and legacy of the national poet of Scotland, by watching the likes of Red Rose and In Search Of Robert Burns. Burns Night Film Night

There you have it, we've collated the best things to do for Burns Night - the countdown is on until January! Whether or not you’re studying in Scotland, there’s an abundance of activities to get involved with to celebrate Scotland's national poet. We hope you have the best time this Burns Night, don't forget to tag us in your pictures @_homesforstudents. Are you looking to study in Scotland for the next academic year? We have first class properties across the country, take a look at our properties today! Read next: 2023 Valentines Day Presents For Her To Fall More In Love.

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The 8 Best Things To Do For Burns Night