Going for the annual Christmassy visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has been a tradition for many, and this year will be no different. The experience transports guests into another fairy-tale-like world, sparking that magical feeling of childhood wonder to everyone who enters. Christmas at the Botanics is back for one more year with some festive favourites at its finest once more.
The one-mile trail is here between November 21 and December 30, taking guests on a magical journey filled with festive cheer. On top of Christmas at the Botanics favourites such as the tunnel of sparkling lights, the colourful projection onto the front of Inverleith House and the captivating Christmas Cathedral, brand new light installations will be unravelled throughout.
Some new installations will be revealed for the dreamers out there, like the enchanting gravity-defying Sea of Light (Root Network) covering the ground with thousands of individually controlled LED lights, as well as the magical Firework Trees with colourful light bursts through their roots and branches.
Other new installations this year include the sparkling Robins and the Pealit Tree with thousands of LED lights illuminating the massive Turner oak.
Christmas at the Botanics attracted around 90,000 visitors last year, and the trail will certainly remain a hit this year. However, it is open on selected days, so be sure to book well in advance as usual.
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, says: “It’s my first Christmas at the Botanics as Director of Learning and Engagement, and I’m excited to share the experience with the public to bring to light the amazing stories about the Garden’s diverse collection of plants.
“The trail offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the important conservation work we do year-round. Each installation depicts a story about the inspiration taken from the natural world, encouraging visitors of all ages to think more deeply about protecting our planet.”
Plus, this year, Christmas At The Botanics has introduced off-peak tickets on selected evenings in November and December, allowing more people to enjoy the festive fun without breaking the bank.