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, and this time, hosting an Edinburgh premier of global artist Jig Cochrane, founder of Jigantics amongst other world renowned artists.
Secret Edinburgh got the chance to visit the trail as it opened, and here’s a first look of what to expect.
The one-mile trail is running between November 17 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.
For the dreamers out there, the 12 enchanting illuminated floral creations called Lilies is the most talked about so far. With each luminous flower measuring one metre tall, the installation located on the Botanics pond is a debut creation by the world-renowned artist Jig Cochrane, founder of Jigantics.
Along the route, visitors will also find 14 giant wicker sculptures of Christmas gifts, created by talented artist Woody Fox. Additionally, the Fire Garden made a glorious return to the trail this year, including 120 glowing cans of light. Creating a warm and cosy illusion surrounded by the brisk Edinburgh air, the fiery design is accompanied by irregularly sized lanterns.
Christmas at the Botanics has 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.
Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said:
“Christmas at the Botanics has increased in popularity each year and has become one of the city’s most popular festive traditions. Its opening is a milestone moment in the capital’s festive calendar that kicks off the holiday season feeling for so many people. Part of the joy of the trail is that it is a chance to be in the Botanics after dark and to experience the Garden from a whole new perspective. Our trail designers have been appointed on the strength of their experience of working in environmentally sensitive ways in heritage and landscape settings. This year’s trail is the best yet.“