Friday November 21st 2025
Entrance to the Botanic Gardens light trail
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
As the evenings turn frosty, Christmas at the Botanics returns to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the 2025 festive season.
Running for 36 nights on selected evenings from 20 November to 30 December, the trail will illuminate the beauty and resilience of nature during winter.
The popular after-dark trail will once again transform the Garden into a glowing wonderland of light and sound, showcasing both homegrown talent and international artists.
Visitors can enjoy an array of spectacular installations that explore the theme of transformation and renewal – paying homage to the natural cycles of change that sustain our planet.
New installations for 2025 include:
– Papillons: Making its UK debut on this year’s trail, the installation by French design studio Pitaya will see a breathtaking display of hundreds of multi-coloured butterflies taking flight among the trees, inviting visitors to step into a vision of springtime in the depths of winter. The installation serves as a joyful tribute to biodiversity.
– The Seeds: These internally lit, stand-alone white sculptures are equally impressive during the day as they are when illuminated at night and are powerful symbols of restoration and new beginnings.
– Water Lilies: Five large, self-illuminated water lily flowers gracefully float along the surface of the Pond. As their incandescent petals reflect off the water, these flowers serve as a reminder of growth and transformation.
As well as the well-loved Christmas Cathedral, which has become a popular selfie spot over the years, visitors can also capture the love of Christmas under the new Heart Arches. Emitting a vibrant red glow, this installation adds a great location to capture picture-perfect moments with loved ones.
Christmas Cathedral display at the light rail
Designed to complement the Garden’s landscape, with 98% of the lights being energy-efficient LEDs, the trail combines art, sustainability and storytelling in the uniquely atmospheric setting of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Beyond being a visual treat, the trail plays a vital role in supporting the Garden’s important work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. Ticket sales help fund crucial plant research, conservation and education programmes, helping to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said:
“This year’s trail celebrates transformation – in nature, in art and in how we experience the winter season. We’ve refreshed much of the route to reflect the beauty and resilience that define both nature and our work at the Botanics – and the importance of protecting it.
“Christmas at the Botanics has become a highlight of Scotland’s winter tourism calendar, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Edinburgh at its most magical and celebrate the creativity that Scotland is known for.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now, with the addition of three quiet nights to offer a more relaxed and accessible experience. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, click here.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.
Watch a video of the experience below alongside an interview with organiser, Emma Henderson, Senior Producer for Culture Creative.
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