This year marks the 250th birthday of Robert Burns, the Scottish poet famous for the song "Auld Lang Syne" and infamous for his "Address to a Haggis" — which forms the centerpiece of annual Burns Dinners across Scotland each January. And on such an auspicious anniversary, even more celebrations than usual are planned for the weekend of January 24th and 25th, with plenty near the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

Haggis is, of course, a traditional Scottish dish consisting of a sheep's stomach (or, these days, just a casing) stuffed with a mix of sheep heart, liver and lungs, onion, oatmeal, suet and spices, which is stitched up and boiled for about three hours. It's increasingly popular in the UK thanks to its low cost, and both vegetarian and haute versions abound. Even if you're not keen on this unique dish, you're welcome to raise a glass of scotch in the bard's honor.

On the 24th, kick off the celebration at the Burns Belter, featuring musicians and dancers in a range of styles, food, drink and of course a Toast to the Haggis. Or, help Children 1st, a local charity, by attending the black tie Burns Reloaded party at the Corn Exchange.

On the 25th, the Whiski Bar will offer a three-course dinner and a dram of Talisker, while the Hard Rock Cafe offers a haggis burger with a side of Bowmore. Meanwhile, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society will hold several Burns-related events, including an "alternative traditional" Burns supper (I honestly don't know what that means, but they promise "surprises"!) and a "Brilliant Burns Ceilidh" to be served with a special single cask malt.