Monday, November 30, 2026 · Scotland's national day
St Andrew is Scotland's patron saint, and November 30 is his feast day. In Scotland it's an official bank holiday. Here in Canada, St Andrew's societies have hosted balls and dinners for well over a century, and most of them fall on the weekend before the day itself.
Andrew was one of the twelve apostles and the brother of St Peter. He's also patron saint of other countries, including Greece and Romania. Scotland's 1320 Declaration of Arbroath names him as the nation's patron.
Scotland's flag, a white diagonal cross on blue, is St Andrew's cross. Legend says a white X appeared in a blue sky before a battle long ago, and the Scots took it as their sign.
Scotland made it a bank holiday in 2007, but employers don't have to give the day off, and most don't. In 2026 it falls on a Monday, so most parties are on the Saturday before.
In Scottish Gaelic the day is Là Fhèill Anndrais. It's a lovely one to try on your friends at a ceilidh.
Every date below comes from the host's own page (or their ticket page), checked October 20, 2026. Tickets for the bigger balls often sell out, so book early and confirm with the host.
Polish Canadian Cultural Centre, 3015 15 St NE · doors 5:30 pm, dinner 6:30 pm · Highland dancers, pipers and a Scottish country dance
Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave · 5:00–10:30 pm
Fairmont Royal York · black tie · cèilidh-only tickets for the dancing after dinner
Marriott Château Champlain · in support of the Douglas Hospital Foundation
Scottish Cultural Centre · dinner and cèilidh, or cèilidh only from 8 pm
Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Ave · dinner with haggis, Scottish country, Cape Breton step and Highland dancing
The society holds a St Andrew's Night each November. The 2026 date isn't posted yet, so watch their page.
Looking further ahead? Burns Night is January 25, and the full events calendar runs through 2027.
Happy St Andrew's Day from the foothills! · Ceilidh 🐮