Christmas at the Botanics to return as dazzling new spectacle
and live on Freeview channel 276
It has also just been announced the one-mile after-dark illuminated trail will run for more than five weeks, on selected evenings only, from November 25 to January 2.
BUY TICKETS: A timed entry system will remain in 2021 with visitors encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.
More than a million lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun for family and friends to discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour, larger-than-life illuminations, plus moments of reflection, with mesmerising real flickering flames.
Santa will also make an appearance as the Botanics gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland.
The first new installations confirmed for 2021 include Meadow of Light, a newly designed Fire Garden and a shimmering Field of Light.
Meadow of Light is described as an enchanting installation featuring thousands of fibre optic lights covering the ground which when caught by a breeze will mesmerize all who pass by.
Fire Garden returns to bring serenity and calm and is themed around pinecones this year to reflect seasonality and the environment.
Field of Light is an exciting light show containing hundreds of LED light strands set across the ground that shoot up the surrounding trees, creating a dazzling display.
As ever, the trail will feature the eye-catching Cathedral of Light and the Festive Finale projection at Inverleith House which has a new narrative for 2021.
Despite restrictions in place in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the trail attracted over 66,000 visitors during its five-week run.
With the current easing of restrictions, should these continue into the winter months, organisers hope that more people than ever before will be able to attend and experience the spectacle under the stars.
Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne said: “While the summer solstice may only be around the corner, planning is in full swing for our popular Christmas event. I am so pleased to announce the return of Christmas at the Botanics, a highlight of Scotland’s winter.
“Last year, more people from the city than ever before visited the event where they enjoyed a magical light show set within one of the world’s greatest plant collections.
"The benefits of Christmas at the Botanics go beyond the festive season as ticket sales help to maintain the garden and continue our work in plant research, conservation and education.
This year, we look forward to even more people from across Scotland and beyond celebrating Christmas at the Botanics and experiencing a new and exciting light trail.
“At a time when the role of botanic gardens has never been more important to society – on a global scale – this event provides us with a wonderful opportunity to engage new audiences with the work we do for nature, human health and a sustainable economy.
“Health and safety is at the forefront of our minds in planning the trail, and we will continue to have measures in place to ensure all visitors feel comfortable and to enjoy the trail safely.”
Jonathan Marks, Director at Raymond Gubbay, a division of Sony Music, which promotes the event, said: “Christmas is a time of joy and restrictions allowing, we can’t wait to be able to extend an invitation to Christmas at the Botanics to everyone from Edinburgh and beyond.
"With new and popular returning installations, we’re aiming for the 2021 trail to be brighter than ever. We are also now able to accommodate larger groups and so we hope that more people can come to enjoy the magnificent experience.”
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 15 illuminated trails staged across the UK by Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
* Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas. For more details visit mychristmastrails.co.uk and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.