Christmas at The Botanics – The NEN

Reset this holiday with a winter walk through shimmering lights at Christmas at the Botanics

With the New Year just around the corner, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is welcoming visitors to enjoy the last few days of the season with a trip to Christmas at the Botanics.

Running over 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 December, the trail provides families and friends a chance to slow down, step outside and reset in between Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

This refreshing escape invites visitors of all ages to embrace moments of calm while walking through the Garden’s illuminated landscape.

This year’s trail is inspired by transformation and renewal, making it the perfect place for a post-Christmas pause. Water Lilies float radiantly across the pond, their reflections shimmering in the night and reminding us of the growth that can emerge even in darkness.

Further along the trail, The Seeds, featuring five glowing sculptures that symbolise restoration and new beginnings, offer a spot for visitors to reflect on what they want to carry forward into the new year.

Alongside these installations, the trail provides a place for visitors to reconnect with the natural living world that resides in the heart of the Capital.

Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “Gardens are a place of discovery, connection and reflection.

“The period between Christmas and New Year’s offers up the chance to breathe, get outdoors and reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones and with nature. And here at the Botanics, it’s also a chance to be surrounded by the Garden’s beauty and the joy of festive lights.

“The trail is designed to be uplifting and calming, and we encourage visitors to experience it before another festive season comes to a close.”

Tickets for the remaining dates are on sale now. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred timeslot.

For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas at the Botanics 2025 brings Light and Life to Winter Nights

As the evenings turn frosty, Christmas at the Botanics returns to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the 2025 festive season. Running for 36 nights on selected evenings from 20 November to 30 December, the trail will illuminate the beauty and resilience of nature during winter.

The popular after-dark trail will once again transform the Garden into a glowing wonderland of light and sound, showcasing both homegrown talent and international artists.

Visitors can enjoy an array of spectacular installations that explore the theme of transformation and renewal – paying homage to the natural cycles of change that sustain our planet. New installations for 2025 include:

Papillons: Making its UK debut on this year’s trail, the installation by French design studio Pitaya will see a breathtaking display of hundreds of multi-coloured butterflies taking flight among the trees, inviting visitors to step into a vision of springtime in the depths of winter. The installation serves as a joyful tribute to biodiversity.

The Seeds: These internally lit, stand-alone white sculptures are equally impressive during the day as they are when illuminated at night and are powerful symbols of restoration and new beginnings.

Water Lilies: Five large, self-illuminated water lily flowers gracefully float along the surface of the Pond. As their incandescent petals reflect off the water, these flowers serve as a reminder of growth and transformation.

As well as the well-loved Christmas Cathedral, which has become a popular selfie spot over the years, visitors can also capture the love of Christmas under the new Heart Arches. Emitting a vibrant red glow, this installation adds another great location to capture picture-perfect moments with loved ones.

Designed to complement the Garden’s landscape, with 98% of the lights being energy-efficient LEDs, the trail combines art, sustainability and storytelling in the uniquely atmospheric setting of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist destinations.

Beyond being a visual treat, the trail plays a vital role in supporting the Garden’s important work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. Ticket sales help fund crucial plant research, conservation and education programmes, helping to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.

Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail celebrates transformation – in nature, in art and in how we experience the winter season.

“We’ve refreshed much of the route to reflect the beauty and resilience that define both nature and our work at the Botanics – and the importance of protecting it.

“Christmas at the Botanics has become a highlight of Scotland’s winter tourism calendar, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Edinburgh at its most magical and celebrate the creativity that Scotland is known for.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now, with the addition of three quiet nights to offer a more relaxed and accessible experience. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.

For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Nature shines brightly as artists from around the world transform Christmas at the Botanics 2025

As summer draws to a close, the organisers of one of Edinburgh’s most beloved winter trails are preparing to open the gates to the magical Christmas at the Botanics, with a spectacular line-up of installations set to illuminate the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh like never before.

Running from 20 November to 30 December, this year’s trail will run for 36 nights. Visitors can look forward to experiencing nature in a whole new light as a host of UK and international artists transform the Garden into an enchanting wonderland of beauty and brilliance.

Fan favourites will once again delight visitors, from Santa himself to the trail’s most Instagrammable installation, the Christmas Cathedral, which makes a dazzling return this year with a brand-new twinkle effect.

Amongst the new artists for this year’s illuminated spectacle is Chicago-based Michael Young, creator of the Night Birds installation.

Commenting on his involvement in this year’s trail, Michael said: “The Garden is a wonderful place to contemplate the value of nature, with the Christmas trail providing a chance to appreciate its resilience and allure during winter.

“With Night Birds, I imagined playful creatures exploring this haven, portraying a celebration of light, life and the magic that connects us to the natural world.”

Closer to home, the trail also features installations by acclaimed creative studio NOVAK, which has been involved in previous years. Known for its large-scale projection artworks, the UK-based studio has created a bespoke light display that will transform the historic Inverleith House into a vibrant celebration of colour and festive spirit.

Adam Finlay, Director of NOVAK, said: “Being from Scotland myself, it’s a real privilege to bring our work to one of the country’s most beautiful gardens.

“This year’s projection paints Inverleith House with a wash of colour and movement, reflecting the joy and tradition of decorating our surroundings at Christmas, while honouring the Botanics’ natural setting.”

This year’s trail has once again been carefully designed with low-energy installations to complement the Botanics’ natural landscape and set the Garden’s vast collection of plants from around the world centre-stage.

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne, said: “We’ve got a fantastic line-up of installations for this year’s trail. Each one spotlights a unique aspect of the Garden’s landscape and celebrates the vital connection between people and nature.

“From creative interpretations of biodiversity to dazzling displays that enhance our remarkable plant collections, visitors will be captivated by the wonder of the Garden.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. With limited slots and popular dates expected to sell out, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please visit:

https://www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-the-botanics.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 12 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.

For more details, visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas at the Botanics returns, promising new lights, enchanting sounds and a touch of romance

Festive fans can get a head start on the season as tickets go on sale for one of Scotland’s most popular winter attractions – Christmas at the Botanics!

Now in its ninth year, the beloved light trail will once again bring winter magic to the season, transforming the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh into an immersive world of light, colour, and festive cheer.

Last year, the trail welcomed over 92,000 visitors – confirming its status as a must-see festive experience in Scotland’s capital.

Running from 20 November to 30 December, this year’s trail will run for 36 nights, featuring three dedicated quiet nights. These offer a more relaxed and accessible environment for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, allowing everyone to experience the wonder.

This year’s after-dark spectacle invites visitors to explore both new bespoke installations and returning fan favourites. Among them are the cherished Santa sightings and iconic Christmas Cathedral, which will feature an enchanting new twinkle effect.

New installations confirmed for 2025 include:

Night Birds – featuring a flock of five oversized birds that spread their brilliant neon-lit feathers wide to illuminate the night sky. Created by Michael Young.

Heart Arch Walk – a tunnel of love made from large LED hearts that set the Christmas mood with a jolly red glow, creating another perfect picture spot on the trail. Created by ArtAV.

Laser Lights – displaying thousands of slowly rotating coloured laser beams that burst through an atmospheric fog, this installation brings a truly immersive experience to the trail. Created by Culture Creative.

Each piece has been curated not only for its visual impact but also for its low-energy design and environmental sensitivity to the Botanics’ historic surroundings.

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne said: “Each year, our trail organisers work tirelessly to transform our Garden into an exciting nocturnal showcase, and this year is no exception.

“Visitors can experience the Garden from a fresh perspective, discovering new artistic installations and cherished favourites amongst our incredible collection of plants.

“Every ticket sold for Christmas at the Botanics supports our vital work in conservation, research and education, helping us to protect the world’s plants for future generations. If you’re looking for outdoor fun with friends and family this winter, join us on the trail and immerse yourself in the festivities while making a difference.”

https://www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-the-botanics.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Keep your festive spirits high with a trip to Christmas at the Botanics

As New Year approaches, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh encourages visitors to make the most of the festive season by taking a trip to this year’s magical Christmas at the Botanics.

Running over 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 December, the trail offers a ‘Twixmas’ treat for family and friends looking to fill the festive gap between Christmas and New Year.

Transforming the Garden with new installations and spectacular illuminations, the trail has been designed and assembled to complement the Botanics’ existing landscape, with nearly 95% of the lights on the trail being LED.

With the return of Christmas classics, this is the last chance for visitors to snap a picture in the iconic Christmas Cathedral or catch a glimpse of Santa before he sets off for the North Pole to prepare for next year’s festivities.

The magical after-dark event is not only an unmissable winter activity for families and friends but also allows visitors to support the Garden’s wider work to address biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.

Ticket sales help fund the Botanics’ international plant research, conservation work and education programmes, strengthening their commitment to building a positive future for plants, people and the planet.

Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “The days between Christmas and New Year can often feel like a tricky gap to fill for families looking to keep the kids entertained during the holidays.

“Christmas at the Botanics offers the perfect way to make the most of this time with a chance to see the Garden illuminated like never before and support the important conservation work we do.

“Every ticket sold helps us address global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change, making it a meaningful and memorable way to end the year.”

As many manage the costs of the holidays, the event offers a low-priced off-peak ticket as well as reduced-pricing family tickets, making this the most affordable, accessible and inclusive trail yet.

Tickets for this year’s show are still on sale with visitors encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Local Edinburgh artist set to dazzle with new Christmas at the Botanics installation

With only 77 sleeps until the opening of Christmas at the Botanics, fans of seasonal festivities can look forward to a host of new and spectacular botanical-themed installations which will create this year’s awe-inspiring after-dark experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Running from 16 November to 30 December, Christmas at the Botanics will once again transform the Garden with a reimagined trail featuring new installations created by artists both local to Edinburgh and from around the world.

The latest new installations confirmed for the 2023 trail include:

Dragonflies will appear to defy gravity as they are suspended over the serene Botanic Pond. This installation of six dragonflies measuring almost two metres in length has been created by local artist, Martha Ellis, who has a studio in Edinburgh. Martha’s work takes inspiration from pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Fire Dancers will be part of this year’s Fire Garden and has been created by artist Maria Hingerty, previously associate director ofThe World Famous, one of the leading firework and pyrotechnic performance companies in the world. This unique installation takesinspiration from Maria’s own joyful memories of celebratory gatherings, representing the ideas of unity and hope that are associated with the festive period.

Also new for 2023 is the introduction of off-peak tickets. Available on selected evenings in November and December, these tickets enable visitors to make savings on their ticket purchase.

All the new and returning installations along the one-mile illuminated trail are low in energy and have been selected to complement the Botanics’ environment.

Simon Milne, the Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s transformed Christmas at the Botanics trail promises our visitors a new and impressive nocturnal Garden exploration and will be a fabulous festive outing for friends and families. I am very proud of our team’s artistic and fun creations that bring together Christmas, plants, light, and creativity.

“The introduction of off-peak tickets will enable more people to join us this year, and it is important to note that all profits from Christmas at the Botanics will help advance our national and international plant research, conservation, and education programmes.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of nine 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.

The 2022 trail at the Botanics attracted its biggest audience, welcoming more than 95,000 visitors over its six-week run.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Get into the festive spirit at Christmas at the Botanics

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh opened its gates to ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ this evening, Thursday 17 November, with an awe-inspiring trail of new installations.

The Garden, full of Christmas cheer, is inviting the people of Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond to embrace the festive season and to support the trail. A visit to the magical, botanical illuminated trail is a way of helping to fund the Garden’s important plant conservation work.

Director of Enterprise and Communication at the Garden, Kari Coghill 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.

“Bringing new installations to the trail is exciting and we are also bringing back much-loved favourites this year too, such as the light projection on the front of Inverleith House and the ‘Christmas Cathedral’, a tunnel of sparkling lights which has provided so many fantastic Christmas images for visitors in recent years.

“Visitors to the light trail contribute directly to our wider work because our profits from ticket sales support the Garden’s plant research and conservation efforts in Scotland and around the world.”

New Installations:

· Lilies by Jigantics, 12 one-metre high LED illuminated lilies floating on the Botanics Pond.

· Aurora by Ithaca, recreating the famed visual tones of the stunning Aurora Borealis.

· Christmas Gifts by Woody Fox, 14 giant wicker sculptures of Christmas presents.

· Feathers by Pyrite Creative, a display of UV feathers up to two metres in length which appear to float in the trees.

· Floraison by French artistic collective Pitaya features 240-red-lit flowers.

· Edison Trees includes 60 reproductions of the filament bulbs made popular by London’s historic Edison Electric Light Company at the turn of the century.

This year’s trail is more twinkly than ever but has been created with sustainability in mind. The installations are low in energy usage, over 90% of the trail is LED, and are lit by the Garden’s main power supply to remove the need for generators.

Continuous lighting of trails and paths has been avoided and audience area lighting is only used where it is necessary for public safety. 

Kari Coghill added: “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.”

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading scientific organisation, a globally important resource, and a charity funded by the Scottish Government and by visitor income. Visitors to the trail contribute to the Garden’s wider work which addresses biodiversity loss and the impact of the climate crisis.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 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.

Jonathan Marks, Director at Raymond Gubbay, the division of Sony Music which is promoting the event, said: “It is always exciting to open Christmas at the Botanics.

“The trail attracted over 90,000 visitors during its five-week run last year and we hope that this year’s trail will inspire even more people to come and enjoy the trail, a festive tradition for so many. Everyone involved in the production has worked hard to provide a special experience for all who attend as they explore installations old and new.”

Tickets for this year’s show are available to buy. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The trail runs for 37 nights on selected evenings from 17 November to 30 December 2022. 

For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas is back at the Botanics – and it’s brighter than ever!

New Christmas surprises unveiled on the festive trail

Christmas at the Botanics opened today [25 November] unveiling brand new sparkling light installations that will be sure to enhance the festive cheer.

Returning for its fifth year, the shimmering trail is set to be better and brighter than ever, bringing in more stunning installations and surprising us with a new festive finale.

Attendees must book their tickets online in advance of their visit and enter the trail during their allocated time slot. A one-way trail route is in place and tickets are contactless to ensure safety measures are in place.

Showcasing a dazzling display of lights, music and projections, the one mile long after-dark spectacular will also welcome back some of the Garden’s favourite installation, including ‘Christmas Cathedral’ and ‘Fire Garden’.

A new finale for 2021, ready to create a glittering spectacular display, is ‘Sea of Light’ – which is set to impress guests with an enthralling mix of sound and light technology from award-winning company ITHACA.

Used by Coldplay during their Glastonbury 2021 performance, the display cascades across the Garden’s landscape like glittering waves.

Visitors can stroll through an enchanting forest with the brand new installation ‘Fireflies in the Woods’. Produced by Electric Foundry, 100 points of LED lights tangle through the trees above, creating a twinkling hidden wonderland.

Rest assured your umbrella won’t be needed for this display: ‘Digital Rain’ by Bespoke lighting and video is an immersive installation of LED lights that ‘rain’ down on guests below to create a shimmering shower that is bound to dazzle!

Rounding off the new installations of 2021’s Christmas spectacular is ‘Aquastell’ by PITAYA, which has large looping arches with beams of light flashing along, like shooting stars across the sky.

This year, there will continue to be health and safety measures in place to ensure that visitors follow Scottish Government guidance on Covid-19 so everyone can enjoy their experience.

Reduced capacity of attendees, a one-way system, a request to make space for others and the mandatory wearing of face coverings in indoor areas. These measures will be monitored and visitors kept informed of any changes to guidance during the run.

Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail is one of the most spectacular yet.  We are really looking forward to welcom ing visitors to the Garden over the coming weeks.

“Those who attend directly contribute to our wider work, with profits from ticket sales helping to support our vital research and conservation efforts in Scotland and around the world. At a time when the impact of the climate on biodiversity is high on the agenda globally, our work is more important than ever.”

Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes the trail, added: “Christmas at the Botanics is a huge draw within the Capital’s festive cal endar.

“We are extremely pleased with the breadth of artists and installations that are part of this year’s trail and I am sure that the experience will be as magical as ever.”

Christmas at the Botanics runs for 32 nights on selected dates from 25 November – 2 January. Tickets are on sale from www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.

Tickets prices range from: Adult £20, Member £17, Child (4-16) £14, Family £66 and carers and children under 4 go free.

See booking website for calendar, prices and all ticket information. All tickets are subject to a single transaction charge.

Christmas at the Botanics unveils more surprises for festive trail

The winter spectacle, Christmas at the Botanics, has confirmed more installations for this year’s trail when it opens on 25^th November, including a new festive finale.

Running for 32 nights at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, friends and family will be able to come together to explore 15 dazzling installations along the one-mile route and experience the outdoor twilight trail.

The latest installations confirmed for this year include Digital Rain, Fireflies in the Wood and the cascading Sea of Light (above) which will feature as the festive finale:

Digital Rain – is an immersive installation by Bespoke Lighting and Video, featuring LED pixels that ‘rain down’ on those below to create a shimmering shower of light.
Fireflies in the Woods – is an enchanting installation from Electric Foundry, containing 100 points of light that twist through the tress to create a magical woodland wonderland.
Sea of Light – brings an enthralling mix of sound and light technology, from award-winning company ITHACA, that flows across the landscape in spectacular, glittering waves.

To meet current Scottish Government guidelines, reduced capacities and a one-way system will be in place for the comfort of visitors coming together to celebrate the festive season. Health and safety measures, in place to protect visitors, will be monitored throughout the run.

Simon Milne, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail promises the arrival of new, exciting and atmospheric installations enabling visitors to enjoy the Garden landscape in a completely different way.

“As we begin our landmark restoration programme, Edinburgh Biomes, we greatly appreciate the contribution that the trail makes to funding our plant research and conservation projects. By coming to the trail, visitors help to support our important work in Scotland and around the world.

“I look forward to welcoming visitors from within the capital, Scotland, the UK and overseas to the Garden to experience this magical moment in Edinburgh’s festive calendar.”

Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes the event, added: “This year’s easing of restrictions will allow more people within Edinburgh and beyond to safely visit this enchanting spectacle.

“We are excited to welcome new artists and a brand-new festive finale that is bound to impress. There is so much to look forward to and we can’t wait for people to visit this magical winter experience.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.

A timed entry system will remain for the trail this year with visitors encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 15 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 the trail is created by Culture Creative.

For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Let there be light!

Christmas at the Botanics returns for 2021

Christmas at the Botanics – the botanical festive spectacle – will once again take up residence at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this winter.

The one-mile after-dark illuminated trail will run from 25 November to 2 January (selected evenings only) featuring a series of new installations.

The first installations confirmed for 2021 include Meadow of Light, a newly designed Fire Garden and a shimmering Field of Light.

Meadow of Light is an enchanting installation featuring thousands of fibre optic lights covering the ground which when caught by a breeze will mesmerize all who pass by.

Fire Garden returns to bring serenity and calm and is themed around pinecones this year to reflect seasonality and the environment.

Field of Light is an exciting light show containing hundreds of LED light strands set across the ground that shoot up the surrounding trees, creating a dazzling display.

As ever, the trail will feature the eye-catching Cathedral of Light and the Festive Finale projection at Inverleith House which has a new narrative for 2021.

Despite restrictions in place in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the trail attracted over 66,000 visitors during its five-week run. With the current easing of restrictions, should these continue into the winter months, it is hoped that more people than ever before will be able to attend and experience the spectacle under the stars.

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne said: “While the summer solstice may only be around the corner, planning is in full swing for our popular Christmas event. I am so pleased to announce the return of Christmas at the Botanics, a highlight of Scotland’s winter.

“Last year, more people from the city than ever before visited the event where they enjoyed a magical light show set within one of the world’s greatest plant collections. The benefits of Christmas at the Botanics go beyond the festive season as ticket sales help to maintain the garden and continue our work in plant research, conservation and education.

“This year, we look forward to even more people from across Scotland and beyond celebrating Christmas at the Botanics and experiencing a new and exciting light trail.

“At a time when the role of botanic gardens has never been more important to society – on a global scale – this event provides us with a wonderful opportunity to engage new audiences with the work we do to for nature, human health and a sustainable economy.

“Health and safety is at the forefront of our minds in planning the trail, and we will continue to have measures in place to ensure all visitors feel comfortable and to enjoy the trail safely.”

Jonathan Marks, Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes the event, added: “Christmas is a time of joy and restrictions allowing, we can’t wait to be able to extend an invitation to Christmas at the Botanics to everyone from Edinburgh and beyond.

“With new and popular returning installations, we’re aiming for the 2021 trail to be brighter than ever. We are also now able to accommodate larger groups and so we hope that more people can come to enjoy the magnificent experience.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.

A timed entry system will remain in 2021 with visitors encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment.

For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.