January breaks in Scotland

Things to do 

Experience island life this January and step back in time to Shetland’s roots. 

Scalloway Fire Festival 

This is the first fire festival to kickstart the new year. Taking place on the second Friday each year, the Scalloway Fire Festival is a celebration of all things Norse and Viking heritage across the islands. During the day, the Jarl Squad visit local schools across the community before an evening filled with entertainment. Guisers lead the way in a torchlight procession through the village before setting alight a Viking Galley on the sea at Port Arthur. The fun doesn’t stop there though, carry on the celebrations at one of the five local halls – Bridge End, Hamnavoe, Tingwall, Scalloway Hall, Scalloway Legion and Scalloway Boating club. Get ready to dance the night away with lots of delicious food and drink to be had. 

See the Scalloway Fire Festival in all its glory

Lerwick Up Helly Aa 

We’ve got another fire festival to lighten up your winter nights. Up Helly Aa is nothing short of spectacular and you can catch this annual phenomenon on the last Tuesday of January. Similar to the Scalloway Fire Festival, you can expect all the usual fire antics with the Jarl Squad marching through the streets in the morning to throwing flaming torches into a Viking Galley at night. Afterwards, get ready to dance the night away where the The Guiser Jarl’s Squad will keep you entertained into the wee small hours. In true tradition, a Guiser must dance with at least one of the ladies in each of the community halls and drink a dram of whisky. 

Attend Lerwick Up Helly Aa 

Things to do

If you’re looking to learn more about Scotland’s National Bard, you’ve come to the right place. See where it all began for Burns’ literary career, immerse yourself in nature with a woodland walk and get the opportunity to see the world’s oldest working camera obscura.

Big Burns Supper 

It’s celebrations all round with a Burns Night extravaganza. Held annually, watch Dumfries come alive with a dazzling array of events. Head to Rabbie’s Winter Village and watch local artists take centre-stage as you dig into delicious food and drink. See the local community come together for the Dumfries Carnival as they flaunt their fabulous costumes with a different theme every year. Of course, it wouldn’t be Burns Night without concluding the last day of the festival without a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties. 

Get involved at the Big Burns Supper 

Dumfries Burns Town Centre Trail 

Get a fascinating insight into Robert Burns’ life with this fantastic walking trail. It’s a great way to learn more about one of Scotland’s greatest literary figures. A must-visit is The Robert Burns Centre. This gem is a treasure trove where you’ll find some of Burns’ famous memorabilia and hear tales of his time spent in Dumfries. You’ll also find Midsteeple along your Burns expedition. This is where Robert Burns’ body lay in state for locals to pay their last respects before he was laid to rest. Of course, there are plenty more surprises to uncover but this is just a wonderful taster of what to expect. Please be mindful that some attractions may be closed for the winter season. Before you go, always make sure to double check attractions seasonal opening times to avoid disappointment. 

Follow the Dumfries Burns Town Centre Trail 

Things to do 

Get ready to explore Glasgow's vibrant music scene and amazing star attractions.

Celtic Connections 

Get ready to dance your way through January at Celtic Connections. The award-winning festival showcases the best of trad, folk and Celtic music. In recent years, the event has even opened the invite to artists who cover a range of different genres from blues and soul to jazz and electronic. The camaraderie and buzz of the festival will be sure to brighten up your winter. 

Check out what’s on at Celtic Connections 

Merchant City Trad Trail 

Your musical journey around Glasgow doesn’t stop there. As part of Celtic Connections, enjoy a two-hour tour which celebrates the very best of Celtic and folk music. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a dram of whisky at The Scottish Music Centre where you’ll unearth lots of Scottish music material from decades gone by. Then, it’s time to wrap up warm and set off into the streets of Glasgow. Your expert guide will share tales of songwriters and storytellers who shaped the city’s folk culture, depicted through iconic venues and impressive art murals. 

Book your place at the Merchant City Trad Trail tour 

Things to do 

Enjoy a feast of activities to keep you on your toes throughout the day and night.

Borders Abbeys Way 

Say goodbye to the winter blues and embrace the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders. This long-distance walking route is the perfect mix of seeking outdoor adventure followed by an in-depth history lesson into Scotland’s four Borders abbeys - Kelso, Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh. The 107 km route can be started at any point and is a fairly straightforward trail to navigate through. For the best experience, we recommend taking 5-6 days to complete where you’ll enjoy riverside walks along the Tweed and Teviot, discovering Robert the Bruce’s ties to Melrose Abbey, the impressive medieval architecture of Jedburgh Abbey and much more. 

Discover more trails along the Borders Abbeys Way

Discover Scotland’s dark sky town, Moffat 

Let us introduce you to Scotland’s very own dark sky town, Moffat. During the winter nights, it welcomes people in their droves to experience the spectacle of the night sky. Begin your stargazing quest at the Moffat Observatory, whether you’re a beginner or experienced observer you’ll get a closer look at the stars, constellations and galaxies with the professional telescope housed in a three-metre dome. Make sure to book far in advance as spaces are limited. If that’s not enough to fulfil your love of the night sky, brave the cold and see the sky come to life at the Moffat Dark Sky Discovery Site. You may be lucky to view the Milky Way, constellations and planets on a clear night. 

Experience Moffat