From glowing fungi networks to dazzling water displays, Christmas at the Botanics has revealed some of its most-loved installations from years gone by, ahead of its landmark 10th anniversary celebrations this winter.
With just one week to go until the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, visitors have been taking a trip down memory lane to vote for their favourite installations from each year’s trail.
Through a series of polls on the Garden’s Instagram account, the public were invited to choose their favourite from a selection of standout installations from each year, with this year’s winning displays now revealed.
Among the most popular was 2022’s Floraison by Pitaya, which received the highest number of votes across the nine annual polls. The striking display of glowing red poppies narrowly edged ahead of 2019’s projection show on the Palm Houses.
Other favourites included the enchanting Cyclamens from 2020 and 2021’s Sparkly Water. Now, as the much-loved illuminated trail prepares to celebrate a decade of festive magic, take a look back at the installations that captured visitors’ imaginations over the years.
2017 – Choir of Trees
Created by ITHACA STUDIO
Using strings of colourful bulbs wrapped around tree trunks, Choir of Trees illuminated the Garden’s pathway with vibrant light that reacted to the sound of music.
2018 – Feast of Light
Created by Squidsoup
In 2018, Squidsoup’s Feast of Light, was an interactive piece which featured dangling strands of colour-changing bulbs that visitors could walk through and immerse themselves in.
2019 – Palm Houses Show
Created by Lightworks
The standout in 2019, according to visitors, was the incredible Palm Houses Show, which lit up the Garden’s Grade A Listed building with a festive projection. The installation holds particular nostalgic appeal this year, following the reopening of the Garden’s Palm Houses in October after a major five-year restoration as part of the Edinburgh Biomes initiative.
2020 – Cyclamens
Created by The Lantern Company
Cyclamens brought the Garden’s flora to life with glowing pink flowers, adding a splash of springtime wonder to the winter trail.
2021 – Sparkly Water
Created by Lightworks
This water feature transformed the Garden’s cascading stream into a sparkling spectacle, with blue and golden lights reflecting off the water.
2022 – Floraison
Created by Pitaya
In 2022, visitors basked under the warm red glow of Floraison, which used suspended poppies to create a dreamy overhead installation.
2023 – White Roses
Created by Culture Creative
White Roses by Culture Creative created a sea of glowing white flowers that stood out against a striking backlight of deep blue.
2024 – Mycelium Network
Created by Stevie Thompson
Transforming the Garden floor into a mesmerising web of multicoloured lights, Mycelium Network wove an intricate picture of the root network.
2025 – Water Lilies
Created by The Lantern Company
Last year’s Water Lilies depicted a tranquil scene on the Garden’s pond, with glowing white flowers floating along the water.
A new decade of festive memories awaits
This winter, Christmas at the Botanics returns, bringing together the Garden’s rich history, remarkable living collections and a spectacular line-up of illuminated installations.
Running from 19 November to 30 December, this year’s trail will bring nature and history to light, with a breathtaking projection across Inverleith House by creative studio NOVAK.
Historic botanical illustrations from the Garden’s archive collection will be reimagined through light and animation, while 10 remarkable trees will be specially highlighted along the route to mark the anniversary.
Visitors can also look forward to brand-new installations, including the UK premiere of Lumycena by Pitaya, alongside returning favourites like the dazzling Christmas Cathedral.
Tickets for Christmas at the Botanics are on sale now at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas/.
Visitors are encouraged to book early, with popular dates expected to sell out.