January breaks in Scotland

Shetland is guaranteed to bring you some extra warmth this winter. Up Helly Aa, is the star event this January, bringing together local communities to celebrate the end of the Yule season. It’s not just fire festivals set to turn up the heat, get ready to fill your boots with lovely winter walks and brush up your knowledge on the island’s long lasting Viking heritage.

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 (8 January 2027). 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 (26 January 2027) 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 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 

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement 

Brush up on your knowledge of Scotland during its neolithic era. At Jarlshof, you’ll be able to explore the archaeological wonders that Shetland has to offer from Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch to Norse long houses and a medieval farmstead. Make sure to check out the Interpretation Centre which is home to a collection of materials including wool, stone, slate and bone which were originally used on site by locals. Jarlshof has strong connections to the Vikings who once inhabited here from the 9th to the 14th centuries where many Norse artifacts and materials including line weights for deep water fishing and loom weights for creating wool are found here. 

Check out Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement 

Eshaness Cliffs 

Enjoy a winter walk up the Eshaness Cliffs this January. Only an hour’s drive from Lerwick, the volcanic trail takes in the rugged beauty of the island’s geological past. The peninsula which was originally formed about 360 million years ago once lay close to the equator with the cliffs showing signs of lava flows. A few highlights include walking along Calder’s Geo, Britain’s largest sea cave, da Grind o’ da Navir, a breathtaking natural amphitheatre carved out by the waves of the sea and the Broch of Houlland, a 2,000-year-old Iron Age round tower. Before you set off on your walking adventure, make sure to wrap up warm and wear sensible walking boots as the ground can get very slippery when open to the elements. 

Check out NorthLink Ferries guide to the volcanic trail 

25 January marks a very special day in the Scottish calendar, Burns Night. Follow the humble beginnings of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns in Dumfries. Discover local attractions associated with Burns including historic castles, museums and nature trails for a brisk countryside walk.

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. Watch Dumfries come alive with a dazzling array of events in January, with the Dumfries & Galloway Carnival, Northern Lights, Dumfries Community Choir and Producers of the Future.

The Globe Inn – Traditional Burns Night Celebration 

Raise a toast to Robert Burns by visiting his favourite pub or ‘howff’ as he liked to call it. Held on the closest weekend to Burns Night, the pub commemorates his birthday by hosting a special evening filled with food, music and poetry. Start off your evening with a complimentary cocktail on arrival before tucking into a delicious 5-course tasting menu. Throughout the evening, you’ll be treated to music from acclaimed piper Callum Watson and readings of Burns’ most famous works including ‘Toast to the Lasses’ and ‘Address to the haggis’.  

Book your tickets for a traditional Burns Night celebration

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 

With hundreds of live music events covering a range of different genres, from pop and country to Celtic and rock, it's no surprise that Glasgow was the first city in the UK to be named UNESCO City of Music. You'll find lots of arts and culture events and the chance to explore one of the coolest streets in Glasgow's West End.

Things to do 

Explore Glasgow's vibrant music scene.

Celtic Connections 

Get ready to dance your way through winter at Celtic Connections (14 – 31 January 2027). 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

Ashton Lane

Let us introduce you to one of Glasgow’s coolest neighbourhoods, Ashton Lane. With it’s great mix of bars, independent shops and restaurants, it’s a great place to spend some quality time with friends and family. The street is also home to Ubiquitous Chip; this restaurant is renowned for its take on delicious Scottish cuisine and have kept rumbling tummies at bay since the 1970’s. Enjoy a hearty meal this January from venison and mackerel to scallops. 

Get ready to explore Ashton Lane

The south of Scotland is well known for its dark sky spots. Thanks to its low levels of light pollution, Moffat (Scotland's dark sky town) is on hand to keep you entertained with its organised stargazing events. You don't have to wait until darkness falls though; you'll find lots of fun attractions from Abbotsford House to Borders Abbeys Way.

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

Abbotsford 

Visit the home of Sir Walter Scott to discover the legacy behind one of Scotland’s literary greats. Once you arrive, you’ll be blown away by the home’s significant exterior design, heavily influenced by Gothic architecture. Inside, a whole world of discoveries awaits. Browse through his most famous literary work in Scott’s Study, view historic artefacts which feature battlefield relics from Culloden or learn more about his life at the visitor centre. Outside, you'll come across Regency Walled Garden, this beautiful oasis is home to three secluded garden rooms, filled with fragrant flowers and wonderful views of the house. For the kids, let their imaginations run wild at Witch Corner. This Scottish folklore and sculpture trail explores the secrets behind Scott’s writings with lots of clues and quizzes along the way to keep the young and the young at heart entertained. 

Follow in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott

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