St. Andrew's Day in Scotland: How To Celebrate This Historic Holiday

St. Andrews Day is a celebration rooted in history that brings together the people of Scotland every November. It’s a simple occasion that is celebrated across the country in many different ways. There are no long shopping lists or stressful travel plans for this holiday, just a sense of community and national pride.

If you’ve ever wondered why Scotland is so vibrant on 30th November, the short answer is that the spirit of the day takes over. It’s an already welcoming country that feels even more homely on this special day. You don’t need to be Scottish to celebrate, just make sure you get involved with the traditions.

What is St. Andrew’s Day, and Why is it Celebrated?

St. Andrew’s Day honours Scotland’s patron saint, Andrew. He has been linked with the country for hundreds of years. It is believed that his connection to Scotland comes from medieval times, when Scottish communities adopted him as a symbol of identity and protection. This is why Saint Andrew’s Cross became the flag of Scotland.

How St. Andrews Day is Celebrated in Scotland Today

Traditional Food and Drink

Food is the easiest way to immerse yourself in the day. On St. Andrews Day, you’ll see traditional dishes like Cullen Skink, haggis, neeps, tatties, and fresh oatcakes on menus across Scotland. Some cafés offer student-friendly pricing, which makes it a good time to try something new.

The Ceilidh Brings Everyone Together

A ceilidh is a social dance with live folk music. If you’ve never seen one, imagine a room of people laughing as they try to remember which hand to hold and which foot to move. It’s fast, funny, and a great workout. Beginners are always welcome as the locals love to share their national dance with newcomers. Each step is explained at the start, and the crowd bounces with encouragement!

Torchlight Events Light the Way

Cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow often host winter festivals that overlap with St. Andrew’s Day. These include torchlight processions, outdoor light installations and open-air concerts. Students often remind newbies to check event timings early and dress for cold weather. In Scotland, the wind likes to make an appearance!

How Scottish Cities Celebrate St. Andrew’s Day

Wherever you’re studying or visiting this year, each city has its own ways of celebrating. They all stay true to tradition and feel like community events.

Edinburgh

The capital usually hosts a mix of family-friendly events, shows, and market stalls.

Glasgow

Glasgow’s music scene comes alive with folk gigs and late-night ceilidhs. Several venues near the city centre offer low-cost tickets for students.

Aberdeen

Community halls host dance nights, and the city often runs storytelling sessions that explore Saint Andrew’s history.

Dundee

The Dundee Hooley is a special event featuring traditional music, theatre, and dancing.

St. Andrews

Being the home of the university and town named after the main himself, St Andrews hosts chapel services, concerts and outdoor gatherings that feel steeped in history.

Stirling

As the gateway to the Highlands, celebrations here feel rooted in the heritage of the clans. The city’s landmarks make it a great backdrop for torchlight photographs.

You can explore all of our options for student accommodation in Scotland and join us for the celebrations next year.

Reddit Reveals: What Students Say About St. Andrew’s Day

Unlike some public holidays, the common theme surrounding St. Andrew’s Day is that it feels cosy rather than overwhelming.

Here are a few insights that we’ve seen mentioned:

• Scottish students feel like it’s an easy holiday to join in with because nothing about it is formal.
• The ceilidhs are often mentioned as something worth trying, even if you arrive alone.
• It’s one of the first cultural events of the academic year, and many international students feel it helps them settle into the culture.

Tips for Enjoying St. Andrew’s Day as a Student

We’ve got a few bonus ways you can make the most of the celebrations this year.

• Pick a local event to connect with the people in your community.
• Join a ceilidh, try not to watch on for too long.
• Use it as a chance to explore a new city.
• Learn the tales of Saint Andrew, and explore why Scotland is so proud of its national history.

How to Celebrate St. Andrew’s Day on a Budget

As we’ve already touched upon, St. Andrew’s Day isn’t supposed to be an expensive holiday. It’s a tradition that revolves around community spirit, not spending money. This is helpful for students looking to save.

If you’re happier staying at home to celebrate, try cooking a traditional Scottish recipe with your flatmates.

Is St. Andrew’s Day Different to Burns Night and Hogmanay?

Burns Night focuses on poetry and speeches. Hogmanay is the main New Year celebration with fireworks and late-night parties. St. Andrews Day is the traditional start of Scotland’s winter season, and celebrates the country as a whole.

St. Andrew’s Day Outside of Scotland

It may be rooted in Scottish history, yet the event isn’t exclusive to the country. As a patron saint, other nations have cause for celebration.

Below is a list of some other regions that mark the occasion:

• Romania
• Ukraine
• Barbados
• Tenerife
• Greece

You can learn more about the individual celebrations on the BBC’s website; it’s a fascinating read that helps you better understand the meaning of a patron saint.

Slàinte Mhath

If you’re in Scotland on 30th November worth stepping into the celebrations even for an hour. You will learn something new, meet new people and get a taste of what makes Scotland feel like home to so many students who arrive from all over the world.

Enjoy the celebrations. Keep warm, and if you hear a fiddle tune calling you across the room, you should follow it. That is the real spirit of St. Andrews Day.