Up Helly Aa is a fire festival held in the Shetland Islands, far north of mainland Scotland, to mark the end of the Yule season and the return of longer days. Its centrepiece is a torchlit procession of costumed Vikings, known as guizers, who march to a field and set fire to a full-sized galley, a replica Viking longship. It is loud, theatrical and entirely community-run. It is also one of the most unusual winter trips in Europe, and one that needs real planning because Shetland is remote and the festival sells out early. This guide explains the dates, the schedule, how tickets work, how to get there and how to dress.
Up Helly Aa 2027 Dates
The largest festival, in Lerwick, is always held on the last Tuesday of January, which makes it Tuesday, January 26, 2027. Several smaller Up Helly Aa festivals are held in other Shetland communities between February and March, for example in Nesting and Girlsta around early February, in Northmavine and Uyeasound in mid-February, in Cullivoe in late February, and in Bressay, South Mainland and Delting through March. Dates follow the pattern of a particular Friday of the month, so confirm the schedule on the official Up Helly Aa website before booking. The smaller festivals are less crowded and some welcome visitors, which makes them a good alternative if Lerwick accommodation is sold out.
What Happens on the Day
- Morning: the Guizer Jarl and his squad, dressed as Vikings, parade through the town, and there is a Junior Up Helly Aa procession on the same morning. The Jarl and squad visit public buildings and schools.
- Evening procession: at dusk, hundreds of guizers in costume, carrying flaming torches, march in formation through the streets of Lerwick behind the galley.
- The burning: at the end of the route, the torches are thrown into the galley, which burns in a dramatic fireworks and fire display. This is the moment most visitors come to see.
- The halls: after the burning, the squads visit a series of halls around the town, performing short comic acts and joining local parties that last through the night. Entry to the halls is by ticket, and these are usually limited.
The exact times are confirmed by the organisers in the weeks before the festival. Arrive early to secure a spot along the route, and be prepared to stand in the cold for a long time.
History in Brief
The festival's modern form took shape in the nineteenth century. The first torch celebration on Up Helly Aa day was held in 1881, and the first galley was built and burned in 1889. Over time it grew into the highly organised event it is today, led by a committee and a Guizer Jarl chosen for each year. Traditionally, the main Lerwick squads were all male, but restrictions on women's participation in Lerwick squads were removed from 2023 onwards, and some rural festivals already included women and a female Jarl. It is not a Viking reenactment in the strict historical sense, but a Shetland tradition with its own character.
Tickets: What Visitors Need to Know
- Watching the procession and the burning is public, with no ticket needed, but the crowds are large.
- Hall tickets for the evening parties are limited and are typically sold or allocated locally. Check the official website and tourism sources for how visitors can obtain them.
- Be wary of unofficial sellers, and do not pay for tickets through unknown channels.
- Some tour operators sell packages that include hall access, accommodation and transfers. Compare these with doing it yourself.
How to Reach Shetland
You can fly to Sumburgh Airport in the south of the islands from several Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, or take the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, which takes many hours and is subject to weather. Winter weather can delay or cancel flights and ferries, so leave a buffer of a day or two on each side of the festival. Book early, since seats and cabins sell out well before January. Once there, you can use buses, taxis or a hire car. Roads are narrow, and winter conditions can be challenging, so be careful if you drive.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Lerwick and nearby areas sells out months in advance, with hotels, guesthouses and self-catering options all in demand. Book as early as possible, ideally in the summer or early autumn. If Lerwick is full, look at nearby villages and the surrounding parts of the Mainland, and plan transport carefully for the evening. Check cancellation terms, and ask your host about parking, heating and late arrival.
A 4-Day Plan for the Festival
Day 1: Arrive and settle in
Travel to Shetland, check in and walk around Lerwick's harbour and old streets. Visit the museum and archives, and have an early dinner.
Day 2: Archaeology and coast
Visit Jarlshof, a prehistoric and Norse archaeological site near Sumburgh with thousands of years of history, and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery. Winter days are short, so start early.
Day 3: Up Helly Aa
Watch the morning procession, rest in the afternoon, and secure a viewing spot early in the evening for the torchlit procession and the burning.
Day 4: Recovery and departure
Sleep late, walk along the shore and leave with a generous buffer for travel.
What to Wear and Pack
Shetland in late January is cold, windy and often wet, with short daylight hours. Wear thermal base layers, a warm middle layer, a waterproof and windproof coat, insulated waterproof boots, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Bring a head torch or small torch, a power bank and spare socks. Avoid wearing loose clothing near the torches, and keep a safe distance from the fire. Our winter packing list has a good layering system that works well here.
Safety and Etiquette
- Stand where marshals direct you, and keep clear of the torch procession and the burning site.
- Watch your footing on wet, icy pavements, and keep children close.
- Respect the guizers' privacy, and ask before photographing people up close.
- Do not bring open flames of your own, and do not interfere with the procession.
- Drink responsibly, since the cold, crowds and late hours add risk.
Northern Lights and Winter Wildlife
Shetland is far enough north to see the aurora on clear nights, though there is no guarantee. It also offers winter wildlife such as seabirds, seals, otters and Arctic hares in their white coats, depending on conditions. If you want aurora as part of the trip, keep a few flexible nights and check the weather forecasts. For a more dependable aurora trip, compare with our Rovaniemi vs Tromsø guide.
Budget Planning Without Guesswork
Costs vary widely. Build a list of transport to Shetland, accommodation for at least three nights, meals, local transport or car hire, tickets, winter clothing you need to buy and a buffer of 10 to 15 percent. Compare flights with ferry-and-cabin options, and book early for the best rates. Package tours may seem expensive but can save time and stress.
More Questions Visitors Ask
Can anyone watch Up Helly Aa?
Yes. The processions and the burning are public, though the hall parties are ticketed and limited.
Is it suitable for children?
The morning events and the early part of the evening can be enjoyed by families, but the crowds, fire and late hours are demanding. Keep children close and dress them warmly.
Is the festival cancelled for bad weather?
It is rarely cancelled, but the weather can alter plans. Keep flexible travel and check updates from the organisers.
Can I see a smaller Up Helly Aa instead?
Yes. The smaller festivals run through February and March, and some welcome visitors, though arrangements differ.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking accommodation or transport late.
- Underestimating winter weather and delays.
- Wearing inadequate boots and waterproofs.
- Assuming hall tickets will be easy to get at the last minute.
Final Checklist
- Festival date and schedule checked on the official website.
- Transport and accommodation booked, with flexible terms and a buffer day.
- Waterproof clothing, boots, torch and power bank packed.
- A plan for the evening, including where you will watch and how you will get back.
Comparing winter festivals? See our Hogmanay in Edinburgh guide and Quebec Winter Carnival guide. If you want help planning Shetland around your dates, use the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Up Helly Aa 2027?
The main Lerwick festival is on Tuesday, January 26, 2027. Smaller festivals run in other communities through February and March.
Do I need a ticket to watch Up Helly Aa?
Watching the procession and burning is public, but hall parties are ticketed and limited.
How do I get to Shetland?
By flight to Sumburgh Airport from Scottish cities or by the overnight ferry from Aberdeen. Winter weather can cause delays.
When should I book accommodation?
As early as possible, ideally months ahead, since Lerwick sells out.
What should I wear?
Thermal layers, a waterproof and windproof coat, insulated waterproof boots, gloves and a hat.
Can women take part now?
Restrictions on women's participation in Lerwick squads were removed from 2023, and some rural festivals already included women.
