A popular Christmas light trail is returning to the Scottish capital this festive season and is set to create a sparkle with new installations.

Christmas at the Botanics will return to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh this November and last all the way through to new year it has been confirmed.

The popular attraction will open to the public on November 21 and run until December 30

The outdoor trail plans to immerse visitors in a winter wonderland, with three new installations.

It will once again transform the Garden with an array of new and fantastical installations that have been custom-designed especially for the Botanics by a selection of international and UK-based artists.

The three new installations are called Candles, One Small Thing, and Firework Trees. They will be accompanied by the returning installations along the one-mile illuminated trail.

Returning attractions will be accompanied by new installations.Returning attractions will be accompanied by new installations. (Image: Phil Wilkinson)

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Simon Milne said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the new installations on the trail, which is promising to be innovative, imaginative and entertaining. 

“Visiting the Garden after dark is a special experience and Christmas at the Botanics offers the chance for visitors to see our botanical collection of plants from a very different perspective.


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“The trail brings significant benefits to us.  We are a Scottish charity, and ticket sales from Christmas at the Botanics help to fund our international plant research, conservation work and education programmes.  So please come along to the trail, bring your friends and family, have some festive fun and help to support our vital work.”

The Candles installation designed by French creative studio, Pitaya, will give visitors the feeling of the world of wizardry which is often linked to Edinburgh. Candles will drift over visitors as they flicker and cast their undulating light to create a warm and festive atmosphere. The installation is designed to be just like the magic of Hogwarts’  Great Hall from Harry Potter.

The candles attraction is designed like the floating candles from Hogwarts' Great Hall in Harry Potter.The candles attraction is designed like the floating candles from Hogwarts' Great Hall in Harry Potter. (Image: Oliver Dixon)

Designed by NOVAK, One Small Thing projects a combination of wildlife imagery and winter foliage with impactful environmental messaging onto a pathway for visitors to interact with as they walk past. This innovative installation will incorporate the Garden’s mission to protect the planet's biodiversity by encouraging visitors to do one small thing and make space for nature.

Firework Trees will shower shoots of light through tree branches, bringing them to life with vibrant bursts of colour that bounce from branch to branch. It was created by Thiaca Studios.

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. Organizers are encouraging visitors to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.

Timeslots are available between 4 pm and 8 pm. Ticket prices start at £22 for adults and £17 for children over 4 depending on the time slot. Children under 3 go free, and family package deals are available on the event's website.