How to Celebrate St Andrew's Day 2025 - Scotland Events & Stays

Taking place every year on 30th November, St Andrew’s Day is a celebration of Scottish culture, traditional food and music. With so many events taking place across the country, from ceilidhs to arts and crafts sessions, it’s the perfect time to escape to Scotland, embrace the celebrations and discover more about the wonderful culture.

What is St Andrew's Day and how is it celebrated?

St Andrew's Day takes place on 30th November and is a day dedicated to celebrating the country's patron saint. Despite a whole day dedicated to him, not much is known about St Andrew, but he's believed to have been born between 5 AD and 10 AD and, according to Christianity, was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. 

There are many stories about why St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, including one saying that Scots are descended from an ancient population named Scythians who lived on the shores of the Black Sea and were converted to Christianity by St Andrew. He became the official patron saint of Scotland in 1320 when the country's independence was declared. 

There are many ways people celebrate St Andrew's Day, usually involving food, drink and dancing. The day was declared a bank holiday by the Scottish Parliament in 2006, so people go all out with parties and festivals to celebrate the very best of Scottish culture. Some of the most common ways to celebrate are hosting a ceilidh, wearing blue kilts and enjoying plenty of Scottish delicacies such as cullen skink, haggis and black pudding. 

What's going on near Edinburgh this St Andrew's Day?

St Andrew's Day Ceilidh with Bahookie

Join Scotland's No. 1 Rock Band, Bahookie, for the ultimate St Andrew's Day celebration. With a drink on arrival, a 3 course Scottish Fayre and a night of traditional ceilidh dancing, it's the perfect way to embrace Scottish culture. 

Blazin' Fiddles with Julie Fowlis

The Scottish super group, Blazin' Fiddles, is returning to Edinburgh to celebrate St Andrew's Night. They will be welcoming Julie Fowlis as their guest of honour for a one-off collaboration to bring Scotland's finest musicians and most celebrated singers together. 

St Columba's Hospice Care Ceilidh 

For those looking to dance the night away, be sure to head down to the St Columba's Hospice Care Ceilidh. Kicking the evening off with a dram of whisky, followed by music, dancing and even the chance to win some fabulous prizes, it's sure to be a fantastic night full of fun and fundraising for a great cause. 

St Andrew's Day at the Tolbooth Tavern

If you're interested in sampling some traditional Scottish delicacies, the Tolbooth Tavern is the place to be this St Andrew's Day. With an evening of Scottish flavour and music planned in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, you're sure to have a St Andrew's Day you'll never forget! 

St Andrew's Day special offers

There are also various special offers available to help you celebrate St Andrew's Day, from half price tickets to free talks. 

Stays near Edinburgh

If you fancy celebrating St Andrew's Day in Edinburgh this year, we have a few parks close by to give you a fantastic Edinburgh experience while also escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. With coastal and countryside settings, your dream getaway is right on the horizon. 

Thurston Manor, East Lothian: 33 miles/52 min drive to Edinburgh 

Pease Bay, Berwickshire: 37.7 miles/59 min drive to Edinburgh 

Scoutscroft, Berwickshire: 46.8 miles/1 hour 12 min drive to Edinburgh 

Coldingham Bay, Berwickshire: 46.1 miles/1 hour 13 min drive to Edinburgh 

What's going on near Glasgow this St Andrew's Day?

Celebrate St Andrew's Day at Mharsanta

Indulge in a night of Scottish tradition with scrumptious food, marvellous music and warm hospitality at Mharsanta. With a welcome dram of Craigellachie, a three course dinner and live traditional music, you're in for a fabulous evening of making wonderful lasting memories. 

St Andrew's Day Ceilidh 

If you fancy an afternoon of traditional dancing, live music and plenty of good food, the Dockyard Social's annual St Andrew's Day Ceilidh isn't an event to be missed! Step into a buzzing atmosphere, delicious street food and guided routines sure to put you in the festive mood. 

St Andrew's Day Event at Gael & Grain

One for all the foodies, the St Andrew's Day event at Gael & Grain is the perfect way to enjoy a slice of Scottish culture. You'll be welcomed with a dram of Aberfeldy before settling in for a three course dinner, amongst a warm, friendly atmosphere and traditional music. 

Stays near Glasgow

If you're heading to Glasgow this St Andrew's Day, Viewfield Manor is the perfect place to enjoy a fabulous break. With stunning surroundings, fantastic facilities and a wonderfully warming welcome, you'll have a cosy getaway you'll never forget. 

Viewfield Manor, Ayrshire: 26.8 miles/46 min drive to Glasgow

What's going on in Perthshire this St Andrew's Day?

Dundee Hooley

Taking over the city centre of Dundee, this free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate St Andrew’s Day this year. Marvel as the city is brought to life with live music, street performers, delicious food and a spectacular torchlight procession and parade, a fabulous mix of tradition and today. With so much to see and do, it’s sure to be an evening to remember!

St Andrew’s Day at St Andrew’s Heritage Museum

To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, the St Andrew’s Heritage Museum is offering free entry all day. Step inside and explore 7 galleries with interactive craft activities, a wonderful pop-up shop and delicious drinks and biscuits in the Garden Gallery.

Stays in Perthshire 

If you’re heading to Perthshire this St Andrew's Day, we have two parks that are perfect to enjoy a cosy break. The forest surroundings and tranquil atmospheres are ideal for relaxing, and there are plenty of attractions, walking routes and places to explore nearby. 

Ballintuim: 16.2 miles/32 min drive to Pitlochry
Erigmore: 13.5 miles/26 min drive to Perth

What's going on in Dumfries and Galloway this St Andrew's Day?

At Dumfries Museum, there's an exciting array of activities to celebrate St Andrew's Day for all to enjoy. Their current exhibition, 'Standlines' focuses on the local coast and unusual things washed up on nearby beaches. As well as this, there are lots of drop-in activities including a feely box, gallery trail, quizzes and colouring sheets. 

On 27th November, you can come along for 'a day at the seaside' where you can drop in for seaside inspired arts and crafts, running from 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm. 

Stays near Dumfries and Galloway

Set on the edge of the stunning Powfoot Beach, Queensberry Bay is the ideal park for a relaxing break this St Andrew's Day. with glorious views, a tranquil atmosphere and charming towns nearby, it's the perfect spot to sit back and unwind or explore the lovely local area. 

Queensberry Bay, Dumfriesshire: 15.7 miles/28 min drive from Dumfries