Christmas at the Botanics
An after-dark illuminated trail through a festive Garden – with new installations for 2022
-
Firmly established as unmissable within Scotland’s winter calendar, over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Look forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the larger-than-life illuminations and, to make a moment to remember, don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
The crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to the tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallows shared with someone special.
Your very merriest Christmas starts here.
Limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.
*separate charges apply
Become a Member and enjoy a discount
Why not become a Member of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and receive a discount on tickets for Christmas at the Botanics? Members receive a £3 discount on all adult tickets they purchase. By joining today you will not only be supporting our vital work in plant research, conservation and education but you will also enjoy many fantastic benefits including free entry for a year to our three Regional Gardens in Scotland.
Covid-19 notice
You can book with confidence for your chosen trail. Come along knowing that the safety and wellbeing of our visitors and staff is of the utmost importance to us and we will continue to monitor and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation as it evolves.
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your chosen trail, you can transfer your ticket to the following year, or get a refund.
-
17 Nov - 30 Dec 2022
(running selected evenings between)
Book ticketsTicket Information
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available to book ONLINE ONLY.
Prices in advance
Adult £21.50
Member £18.50
Family £70
Child (4-16) £15
Carers/Infants (0-3) FreePrices on the day
Adult £23.50
Member £20.50
Family £78
Child (4-16) £17
Carers/Infants (0-3) Free ** Free tickets must be booked in advance.
Trail Information
- Trail Details
-
The trail runs on the following dates:
- Thursday 17 November - Sunday 20 November
- Wednesday 23 November - Sunday 27 November
- Wednesday 30 November - Sunday 4 December
- Wednesday 7 December - Saturday 24 December
- Monday 26 December - Friday 30 December
Time slots are available to book at the following times:
4:15pm*, 4:30pm*, 4:45pm, 5:00pm, 5:15pm, 5:30pm, 5:45pm, 6:00pm, 6:15pm, 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7:00pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm, 7:45pm, 8:00pm
* Not available for every date
This is an evening event that takes place after the Garden closes. It is an outdoor trail and does not include entry into the Glasshouses. Keep cosy by wearing warm and waterproof clothing and footwear.
- Ticketing
-
Advance tickets: adult from £21.50, child from £15, family* from £70. Children under 4 and carers go free. Tickets will be dearer on the day. See booking website for a calendar of dates and prices.
* A family ticket admits 2 adults and 2 children.
Booking fees apply. All tickets are subject to a single transaction charge: £2 per transaction per transaction for e-tickets. Bookings in person not available at this time.
Special Members Discount: Adult members can get £3 off every adult ticket they purchase. Find out about becoming a Member.
- FAQs
-
For information about the illuminated trail and details of our health and safety measures (Covid-19 section), please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
- Accessibility and Helpful Information
-
Please refer to our FAQs for more information about the event including accessibility.
The trail has been designed for all ages to enjoy and the event welcomes all visitors whatever their specific requirements.
For any specific accessibility queries, including mobility scooter and wheelchair bookings, please email visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk
- Travel Information
-
When buying your tickets, you will be able to enter from the West Gate entrance on Arboretum Place (EH3 5NZ) or the East Gate entrance on Inverleith Row (EH3 5LP).
- If you are travelling by car or taxi, please choose West Gate tickets.
- If you are arriving by bus, please select East Gate tickets. This entrance is well served by buses 8, 23 and 27. Please refer to the Lothian Buses website.
No event parking close to the East Gate, please. This entrance is intended for use only by visitors arriving by bus or on foot.
- Cancellations
-
Adverse Weather Plan and Cancellation Policy
Christmas at the Botanics is an outdoor illuminated trail. In the event of severe weather, such as strong winds or snow, the event may be cancelled. The Garden will close if the weather presents a hazard and a risk to the safety of our customers.
Any decision to cancel the event will be taken at 2pm on the day of the event. You will be notified by email and text message and you will be informed of the re-booking process. If you have not been contacted within 48 hours, you are advised to contact SeeTickets. We advise you to check the website for the latest updates and before you travel.
Full details of the adverse weather plan and cancellation policy can be found on the the SeeTickets website.
- Photography
-
RBGE welcomes photographers who capture and film their experience on cameras and smart phones for personal use and sharing via social media #christmasatthebotanics.
- Groups Bookings
-
For further information and to book, please email groups@seetickets.com
Christmas at the Botanics video
- Read video transcript
-
Time Description
Discover more
- Events Calendar
- What's On at Dawyck
- What's On at Edinburgh
- What's On at Logan
- What's On at Benmore
- What's On in the Regional Gardens
- Family Friendly
- Members
- Science
- Short Courses
- Inverleith House
- The Bonnie Botany Tour
- Art in Edinburgh Garden
- Year of Stories
- Seeing the Invisible
- Rhododendrons: Riddle, Obsession, Threat
- Yan Wang Preston