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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.
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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
Have a question about Christmas at the Botanics? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Christmas at the Botanics is an outdoor illuminated trail. So, please wear cosy and warm outdoor clothing and footwear for winter weather conditions.
We monitor the weather extensively every day to ensure that our trail can operate safely. 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.
When the weather presents a safety hazard to our visitors and staff, a decision to cancel will be made by 2pm latest on the day of the trail. If this 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. Be sure to check your junk/spam folders to ensure you haven't missed any important communications. If you have not received any updates within 48 hours, please contact Ticketek customer service for assistance.
We recommend checking this webpage for the latest updates before you travel.
Remember that if you ever wish to transfer your tickets to another date, then you can do this up to 24 hours before your visit by downloading the Ticketek UK app.
To transfer your booking to an alternative date (subject to availability):
1. Download the latest version of the Ticketek UK app at App Store for 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'.
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
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, 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.
Watch highlights from the 2024 show
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