Historic illustrations from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s archive collection will be brought to life in a new way this winter as Christmas at the Botanics returns for its landmark 10th anniversary.
Running from 19 November to 30 December, the much-loved trail will celebrate its milestone year by bringing together the Garden’s rich history and living collections. Historic illustrations will be brought to life through art and animation, while 10 remarkable trees from the living collection will be highlighted along the trail to mark 10 years of Christmas at the Botanics.
Returning favourites will also feature, including the iconic Christmas Cathedral and the man of the moment, Father Christmas himself.
At the heart of this year’s trail will be a breathtaking projection across Inverleith House, created by innovative design studio NOVAK. The installation will incorporate botanical illustrations from the Garden’s archive, reimagining the images as luminous forms at scale through light and animation.
The projection will feature illustrations from the work of Pierre-Antoine Poiteau and Joseph Jacob von Plenck, offering visitors a chance to experience part of the Garden’s rich botanical heritage in an entirely new way.
Adam Finlay, Director of NOVAK, said: “Working with the Botanics’ archivist team to source the illustrations for this year’s projection has been a fascinating and hugely rewarding experience.
“Through our experimental creative process, we’ve discovered new techniques to present the illustrations in a memorable way for the audience that complements Inverleith House and celebrates the winter season.”
Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Professor Julia Knights, said: “This year’s trail is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 10 years of Christmas at the Botanics while shining a light on the extraordinary plants, collections and stories that make the Garden so special.
“From seeing historic botanical illustrations brought to life across Inverleith House to discovering some of the remarkable trees growing here, visitors will be able to experience the Garden from a completely different perspective this winter.”
Visitors who have made a trip to the Botanics during the festive season a tradition over the last decade will also be excited to see several reimagined ‘crowd-pleaser’ installations, including:
- Pealit Tree – Embellishing the Garden’s impressive Japanese Wingnut, in frosty white pea lights that glisten against the velvet winter night sky. Created by Culture Creative.
- Flowing Stream of Light – depicting a sweeping stream of dynamic colour-changing pixels that illuminate a ripple effect against the pathway. Created by Culture Creative.
- Light Sphere – With its luminous colours reflecting off the Pond, this dazzling orb will mesmerise visitors with glowing geometric shapes. Created by Studio Vertigo.
Zoe Bottrell, Managing Director of the trail’s organisers, Culture Creative, said: “Having worked collaboratively with the Garden for 10 years to create a memorable Christmas trail, it is such an honour to be a part of this milestone anniversary.
“Over that time, we’ve built a strong relationship with the Garden and the artists we work with, finding new ways each year to create a festive experience for visitors while reflecting the Garden’s important work.”
For those looking to make an evening at Christmas at the Botanics even more memorable, Signature Festive Dining Packages will also be available to book. Hosted in the Garden’s demonstration kitchen, visitors can indulge in a special festive menu before setting off to explore the trail.
Tickets for Christmas at the Botanics are on sale now. With peak weekend and pre-Christmas dates expected to sell out quickly, visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
