The world of plants takes centre stage at this year’s ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ opening this evening, Thursday 16 November with new installations and a reimagined route around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The illuminated after-dark trail runs for 37 nights on selected evenings during November and December, weaving through 72 acres of the Botanics. Visitors are invited to enjoy awe-inspiring plant-inspired installations of up to 2,000 White Roses, a grove of colourful Pampas and a spectacular Rainbow Hedge.
A fantastic night out for friends and family, visitors will also enjoy firm festive favourites including Christmas Cathedral, a tunnel of thousands of twinkling lights, and Santa who is on hand to greet everyone along the way.
This year, with the introduction of off-peak tickets, it is the most affordable, accessible and inclusive trail yet. Profits from ticket sales support the Botanics’ plant research and conservation efforts in Scotland and beyond.
New installations for 2023:
• Crocus Lawn: Like the familiar spring-time flowers, these one-metre-high crocuses are bursting with light and colour.
• Light A Wish: These suspended lights celebrate the moment when dandelion seeds disperse.
• Neon Flowers: Inspired by the world of natural light, giant glowing flowers sparkle against the night sky.
• Rainbow Hedge: The Botanics’ 165-metre beech hedge is awash with the colours of the rainbow.
• White Roses: 2,000 illuminated white roses will be displayed in spectacular style by the Rock Garden and East Gate.
• Inverleith House Show: A fun, animation projected onto the façade of Inverleith House is inspired by plants, from holly and ivy to mistletoe and vines, and from sage to thyme.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, says: “Christmas at the Botanics is a fantastic way of introducing our visitors to the Garden landscape after dark, a chance to experience what might be familiar from a whole new perspective, and to enjoy a spectacular and fun trail.
“I’m delighted that this year’s trail is inspired by all things botanical, acknowledging the amazing conservation work undertaken by the Garden around the world and our vision to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.”
Christmas at the Botanics is one of eleven outdoor illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
Over 90% of the lights used for Christmas at the Botanics are LED and the trail designers are skilled at working in environmentally sensitive ways in heritage and landscape settings.
Tickets for this year’s show are available to buy now. Attendees are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.
For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
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