Tuesday November 4th 2025
This year's Inverleith House projection will be supplied by NOVAK
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
As the leaves turn brown and a new season begins, the organisers of one of Edinburgh’s most beloved winter trails are preparing to open the gates to the magical Christmas at the Botanics, with a spectacular line-up of installations set to illuminate the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh like never before.
Running from 20 November to 30 December, this year’s trail will run for 36 nights. Visitors can look forward to experiencing nature in a whole new light as a host of UK and international artists transform the Garden into an enchanting wonderland.
Fan favourites will once again delight visitors, from Santa himself to the trail’s most Instagrammable installation, the Christmas Cathedral, which makes a dazzling return this year with a brand-new twinkle effect.
Amongst the new artists for this year’s illuminated spectacle is Chicago-based Michael Young, creator of the Night Birds installation.
Commenting on his involvement in this year’s trail, Michael said:
“The Garden is a wonderful place to contemplate the value of nature, with the Christmas trail providing a chance to appreciate its resilience and allure during winter.
“With Night Birds, I imagined playful creatures exploring this haven, portraying a celebration of light, life and the magic that connects us to the natural world.”
Michael Young's Night Birds installation
Closer to home, the trail also features installations by acclaimed creative studio NOVAK, which has been involved in previous years. Known for its large-scale projection artworks, the UK-based studio has created a bespoke light display that will transform the historic Inverleith House into a vibrant celebration of colour and festive spirit.
Adam Finlay, Director of NOVAK, said:
“Being from Scotland myself, it’s a real privilege to bring our work to one of the country’s most beautiful gardens.
“This year’s projection paints Inverleith House with a wash of colour and movement, reflecting the joy and tradition of decorating our surroundings at Christmas, while honouring the Botanics’ natural setting.”
This year’s trail has once again been carefully designed with low-energy installations to complement the Botanics’ natural landscape and set the Garden’s vast collection of plants from around the world centre-stage.
Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne, said:
“We’ve got a fantastic line-up of installations for this year’s trail. Each one spotlights a unique aspect of the Garden’s landscape and celebrates the vital connection between people and nature.
“From creative interpretations of biodiversity to dazzling displays that enhance our remarkable plant collections, visitors will be captivated by the wonder of the Garden.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. With limited slots and popular dates expected to sell out, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please visit www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-the-botanics.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 12 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
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