Every year on January 25, Scots and fans of all things Scottish celebrate the country's national poet Robert Burns. A traditional Burns Night includes lots of food (think traditional Scottish dishes, especially haggis, which is mandatory at a Burns supper), poetry, toasts and singing ("Auld Lang Syne," which Burns wrote, is just as mandatory as the haggis.)
While cities all over the world host Burns Nights, there's something extra-special about honoring Rabbie (as he is affectionately called by fans) in Edinburgh itself. Scotland's capital has plenty of events going on later this month for Burns Night--courtesy of Edinburgh Tourist, here are just a few suggestions:
Supper with Burns at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (January 22 – 24 )
Prestonfield House Hotel Burns Supper (January 23)
St Columba’s Hospice Burns Supper at the Corn Exchange (January 24)
Burns Night Big Scottish Ceilidh at Ghillie Dhu (January 24 & 25)
Whiski Rooms Burns Supper (January 25)
Burns Night Ceilidh at Centotre (January 25)
Ceilidh at The Counting House (January 25)
Lauriston Hall Burns Night Ceilidh (January 25)
Burns Night at Carberry Tower, Musselburgh (January 25)
True devotees, of course, may want to host their own Burns Night--Visit Scotland has an app for that (including a database of Burns' poetry, facts about his life and tips for hosting a traditional dinner), and hotels like the Fairmont St. Andrews have suites with private dining rooms for hosting a proper celebration.