Christmas at the Botanics

We monitor the weather closely every day to ensure the trail can operate safely.

Inclement weather

When there is inclement weather, the trail may go ahead if it is safe to continue. On these occasions we cannot offer refunds to our customers. 

Unsafe conditions

If the weather presents a safety risk to visitors or staff, a decision to cancel will be made by 2pm at the latest on the day of the trail.

If cancellation occurs:

• you will be notified by email and text message from Ticketek, our ticket provider, along with instructions on how to rebook or request a refund.
• Ticketek app users will also receive a push notification.
• Please check your junk/spam folders to avoid missing updates. If you have not received any communication within 48 hours, please contact Ticketek customer service or visit My light trail has been cancelled, what are my options? 

For the latest updates, we recommend checking this webpage before you travel.

Ticket exchanges

If you wish to exchange your tickets for a different date, you can do so up to 48 hours before your visit via the Ticketek UK app. See below for further details.

Visitor reminder

Christmas at the Botanics is an outdoor illuminated trail, so please dress warmly and wear suitable footwear for winter conditions.

We know cancellations are disappointing. As soon as a show is cancelled, our ticket provider Ticketek will notify all ticketholders, along with instructions on how to rebook or request a refund.

Ticketek’s Customer Service team will be happy to help you with refund and re‑booking options. You can find full details here: Ticketek Help Centre.

If you’d like to exchange your tickets for another date (subject to availability), you can do so up to 48 hours before your visit using the Ticketek UK app. Here’s how: 

1. Download the latest version of the Ticketek UK app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store for Android, and log into your account.
2. Select 'Tickets' to locate your order, scroll to the bottom and select 'Exchange Tickets'.

Christmas at the Botanics is designed for all ages and welcomes visitors whatever their specific requirements.

• Quiet sessions will be held at 4pm on 30 November, 3 December and 10 December.
• Pamiloo’s changing places toilet will be available on 20 November, 3 December and 10 December.

If you have specific accessibility queries, including mobility scooter or wheelchair bookings please contact us at  visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk

For full details about accessibility and event support, please visit our support centre.

For all event ticketing enquiries and information please contact Customer Service at Ticketek.

Alternatively, please read our frequently asked questions by visitors.

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, 9, 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.

Christmas at the Botanics is created with sustainability in mind.

• We do not use generators; the trail and installations run off mains power direct from the grid, making it more energy efficient.
• The event has been designed to be delivered as efficiently as possible; our power loadings are kept to a minimum and we use low-wattage lighting units where appropriate.  98% of lights on this year's trail are LED
• Continuous lighting of trails and paths is avoided and audience area lighting is only used when necessary for public safety.
• In 2023, 55% of waste from the trail was recycled.