For a true taste of Celtic culture, people should consider taking an autumn holiday to Scotland.

Although a visit at any time of the year is sure to be captivating, traveling to Edinburgh at the end of October offers the chance to take part in celebrations steeped in thousands of years of history and tradition.

While it may be more associated with Halloween, October 31 also sees the Scottish capital’s Samhuinn Festival, bringing in the Celtic New Year in a riot of dancing, music, and fireworks.

Marking the start of the colder months, the Celtic festival sees a dramatic retelling of the Winter King’s victory over the Summer King, signaling the end of summer and the beginning of cold winter.

To grasp the full story, visitors may need to be on their toes as it is told via procession through the streets of Edinburgh. Starting at Castle Esplanade, the parade ends two hours later in West Parliament Square, before the new year begins with an impressive fireworks display.

With this traditional fable told through music, street theater and folk dance, viewers will find that their hearts will warm at the colorful performances, even if their hands won’t as the nightly festivities continue.

Warm clothing is recommended and visitors may want to keep this in mind when packing luggage to take to their Scottish holiday homes, which may include self-catering castles and other types of accommodation.

And as revelers may have to brave typical Scottish weather to take part in the festivities, you’ll be happy to know that there are several street stalls available to serve up refreshments such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Of course, choosing to rent a castle in Scotland could allow visitors to return to a comfortable indoor setting after the festivities are over, as well as giving them a base from which to enjoy the rest of the stunning city.