St Andrew's Day

St Andrew's Day falls on the 30 November and you'll be able to enjoy a varied programme of events and festivals, featuring uniquely Scottish line-ups of music, dance, culture and more.

The Big Hoolie

Join St Andrews for Scotland’s patron saint’s day in true style. Enjoy a lively torchlight parade, live music stage and outdoor ceilidh, community festive markets, and delicious local treats. End the celebrations with spectacular fireworks over West Sands, lighting up the skies for an unforgettable day.

Find out more about The Big Hoolie

The Dundee Hooley

This event boasts free family fun for all with street theatre, live music, and a sparkling torchlight procession. Take part in lantern-making workshops and a lively ceilidh at the end of the night, with face painting and fire performances to keep wee ones entertained too.

Find out more about The Dundee Hooley

Soundhouse Winter Festival 

From 26 – 30 November 2026, this new 5-day music festival is taking place in Edinburgh and will see elaborate performances by some of the most talented musicians from across Scotland, as well as showcasing exciting up and coming artists, in a jam-packed programme.

Find out more about the Soundhouse Winter Festival

What is St Andrews Day?

St Andrew's Day is the feast day of Andrew the Apostle and is celebrated every year in Scotland on the 30 November. In 1320, St Andrew officially became the patron saint of Scotland when the country's independence was declared with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.

Is St Andrews Day a public holiday?

Yes. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament declared St Andrew's Day a bank holiday. Although it is not law, most Scottish employers are left to decide whether to give their staff a day off and close for the day. If the 30 November falls on the weekend, staff are given the Friday or Monday off work.

What are the most common St Andrews Day traditions?

St Andrew's Day celebrates the very best of Scottish culture with lots of delicious food and drink, music and ceilidh dancing, with parties going into the wee hours of the night.

What food should you eat on St Andrews Day?

Scotland’s food and drink plays a big part on St Andrew’s Day.

• Starter – the traditional soup dish, Cullen Skink, is often served and is made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.
• Main – many people celebrate Scotland’s patron saint with haggis, neeps (turnip) and tatties (mashed potato). Whether you decide to cook up a storm at home and buy from your local butchers or choose to dine out, you’ll find a wide variety of dishes across Scotland’s pubs and restaurants.
• Dessert – is a dish best served hot especially on a cold winter night, so round off your feast with clootie dumpling and custard – a traditional Scottish dessert made of dried fruit, spices, oatmeal or breadcrumbs, flour and beef suet. The word "clootie" derives from the Old Scots word "cloth", where the dumpling was traditionally boiled.