-
After-dark festive fun in a botanical world
Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned as unmissable within Scotland’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at the Botanics has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
Discover flickering candles floating high into the night sky, batons of colour-changing light dancing in time, a sparkling flock of jolly robins and a sea of light that stetches out into the distance filled with all the colours of the rainbow.
Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special.
Your very merriest Christmas starts here. A visit to the trail is a great way of helping to fund the important plant conservation work of the Botanics, a registered Scottish charity.
Limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.
*separate charges apply.
-
21 Nov – 30 Dec 2024
(running selected evenings between)
Become a Member and enjoy a discount
Become a Member of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and receive a £3 discount on all adult tickets for Christmas at the Botanics.
Become a Member
Trail Information
For information about the illuminated trail, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
- For all event ticketing enquiries and information please visit Customer Service at Ticketek.
Please refer to the support centre 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
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.
Christmas at the Botanics is an outdoor illuminated trail. If the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, any decision to cancel the illuminated trail will be taken by 2pm on the day of the illuminated trail. You will be notified by email and text message and you will be informed of the re-booking process. We advise you to check the website for the latest updates and before you travel.
If you have not heard from our customer service team regarding a cancellation, the event will go ahead as scheduled. No refunds will be offered simply if the weather is inclement.
We are pleased to offer a limited number of complementary tickets for community groups to attend Christmas at the Botanics this year. We are running a ballot from September 3 to ensure these are distributed fairly. Tickets are available for our opening night on 21 November and each randomly selected group will receive a maximum of 10 free tickets.
To enter the ballot please fill in this form by 5pm on Wednesday 9 October. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the ballot by Wednesday 23 October.
Please contact community@rbge.org.uk if you have any questions
Watch highlights from the 2024 show
Time | Description |