FIRST LOOK: Christmas at the Botanics new showstoppers set to dazzle record 100,000 visitors
DAZZLING, breathtaking and magical - prepare to be wowed by the most enchanting Christmas At The Botanics after-dark light show yet, writes Graham Walker.
This year’s spectacular, back for a ninth outing at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - now open until December 30 - has turned up the winter wonderland wow factor as it goes all out to attract a record 100,000 visitors.
BUY TICKETS: Timed entry slots are on sale now and if past years are anything to go by, early evenings and weekends will disappear fast - visit at www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-the-botanics.
Leading this year’s highlights, by world renowned artists, is Vertical Rays, shooting shimmering beams of colour into the night, dancing in rhythm to a stirring musical score.
Night Birds, making its unforgettable UK debut, is a mesmerising flock of giant, neon-feathered bird-like creatures appearing to glide silently through the treetops.
The mile-long trail unfolds like a festive storybook.
Wander beneath a canopy of super-sized butterflies, sytoll past meadows of glowing orbs, stop for a photo under arches of glittering hearts, marvel as pixel-lit trees dance to festive music, enjoy a heart-warming moment at the flickering Fire Garden, the otherworldly Laser Garden and step inside the giant tunnel of lights, as Christmas Cathedral returns with a brand-new twinkle effect.
Inverleith House is again transformed with a new projection, bursting with colour, featuring Santa flying in.
The great man himself pops up at the end of the trail to see families on their way.
With over one million low-energy LED lights and 30 kilometres of cabling, the trail dazzles sustainably and every ticket sold supports the venue's vital global conservation work.
This is a festive fairy tale, where the night sparkles, Christmas songs drift through the trees, and the air is filled with the scent of toasted marshmallows and mulled wine as light and nature entwine in harmony.
It is again brought by Raymond Gubbay Live, part of Sony Music, presented in partnership with the RGBE and creative producer Culture Creative.
Emma Henderson, Culture Creative senior producer, said: “We aim for about 100,000 visitors and there's no reason why we can't do that this year, because the show is just fabulous."
She added: “Show stoppers this year include Vertical Rays, which comes towards the end of the trail, a big finale piece, these amazing rays of light shooting up into the sky, all the colours of the rainbow.
“Another new highlight is Night Birds, a UK premiere by a Chicago based artist. It fetures five big birds that look like they're flying across the sky, all lit up in various shades of neon.
“We've got three returning pieces, Christmas Cathedral, which is even more magical this year; completely sparkling. There’s the fire garden, which has its own flame shaped Christmas trees. And the other thing that's returning is the Laser Garden.
“My favourite part is always when we go up into the Chinese Hillside and this year, we've got a wonderful installation by our French artist Pitaya called Papillons - these big butterflies that are floating just above your head.
“Where we place each of the installations is o complement the background. It's about using the landscape to its best advantage. Every ticket sold also supports the conservation that's done here year round, and this year over 98% of the trail is LED powered.”
Christmas At The Botanics 2025 details revealed
Exclusive chat with Culture Creative's Zoe Bottrell.
LISTEN: In our exclusive podcast - listen above or click here - Culture Creative’s creative director Zoe Bottrell reveals behind the scenes secrets and magical highlights of this year’s after-dark trail.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.