This Christmas, a brand new festive event for all the family will be launched at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Christmas at the Botanics will take place between 23 November – 30 December, allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy an illuminated trail that winds its way through the world famous Garden providing a magical after dark experience.
Working with Raymond Gubbay Ltd, a concerts and event company that has a successful track record of producing well received Christmas light trails at Kew Gardens, Blenheim Palace and the Berlin Botanic Gardens, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is planning an even bigger, brighter and more spectacular illuminated event than the Garden has previously seen.
This year, the new 2017 winter trail is a botanical wonderland inspired by the Garden itself. As visitors enter, greeted by the sights and sounds of Christmas, they can wander beneath the tree canopies bathed in seasonal colour.
Visitors can follow the path through the enchanting Crystal Lawn and stop for a moment to change the colour of the trees. As they subsequently head down the hill, the hypnotic beauty of a flickering, scented Fire Garden will mesmerise all.
© Christmas at the Botanics
As the path narrows, visitors can enjoy the sight and sounds of the Choir of the Trees, a woodland grove of singing conifers and then continue towards glittering trees festooned with giant baubles. They can stroll along a fairy tale avenue of giant glowing structures rising high into the night sky, pause at the magnificent Beech Hedge illuminated by flashes of sparkling light and watch out for Santa and his elves along the way.
Visitors can complete their Christmas treat under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy other traditional fare before browsing the Garden’s festive gift shop.
Heather Jackson, Director of Enterprise at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “Christmas at the Botanics is shaping up to be one of our most exciting events yet. It will be a magical experience for everyone, and will really show off the splendour of the Garden. We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors to Christmas at the Botanics and creating a new must-attend festive event for Edinburgh.”
Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Officer of Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “For Christmas at the Botanics, we will bring to Edinburgh work which has wowed people all over the world, alongside new installations created for the occasion. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh site is extraordinarily beautiful, with a spectacular story to tell and unique elements that will make it all the more special to bring a Christmas trail to the Capital. Visitors can experience the joy of Christmas away from the hustle and bustle of the shops and the city centre.”
Entry is by ticket only, priced from £14 – £18 for adults, with discounted offers for members, and £8 – £12 for children under 16. Family tickets are available from £38. Under 4’s and carers go free, but still require an event ticket. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, please visit www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/home/christmas
Take a first look at Christmas at the Botanics …
