Last year, Birdy reviewed Christmas at the Botanics, and so it’s my turn this year!
I’ve mixed feelings about the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (aka The Botanics) Christmas lights.
I got to the festival light show on an early bird ticket. It’s not even December yet, but that’s clearly not holding people back as in places, the crowd was large enough to reduce my shambling gait to a shambling shuffle.
However, it’s hard to find a more festive path to shuffle along with artistic lights on either side of you and (mostly) Christmas tunes playing. It only takes a little while to reach the next display, and signs are announcing the title and artist this year. “Firework trees”, for example, was a favourite title and display. Where else in the world do you get to see fireworks trees? However, who doesn’t get frustrated at a slow-moving row of four people in front of you?
The Christmas lights at The Botanics once again is a two-part lap around the gardens, nipping into the main building (or at the start if you come by car), winding up to the building and courtyard in the centre for food and mulled wine (I recommend the Christmas chicken loaded fries) and a tour of cleverly illuminated trees, plants and lawns with added decorations like giant candles, origami and rocking robins.
The Botanics Xmas 2023 vs 24
“Did you prefer this year to last year’s display?” is a conversation I have had with friends for most years! Last year, I rather liked the Botanics display; I thought it was pretty epic. This year, there are more entirely new light shows, which is good, but it feels less spectacular than in 2023.
There’s less fire. It might just be that.
However, the light tour felt longer. I spent an hour in the gardens, including a stop for food, but I got served quickly and eat at speed.
The highlights for me are the previously mentioned firework trees, the floating candles and the bridge over the sea of stars.
Christmas at the Botanics 2024 vibe
Once again, the Christmas lights tour around the Botanics is well organised. There are staff at every key location, guide ropes and barricades to ensure you don’t wander off to goblin-haunted dark corners of the gardens and stick to the intended path instead.
I’ve done the Botanics Christmas lights for years and, amazingly, never ever had trouble with teens or kids running amok. 2024 was no different. There were not many kids, and the demographics edge up to the silver surfers rather than the youngsters. Suits me.
It’s a safely festive vibe.
Value for money
Ticket prices seem to change depending on whether you’re rocking up at the East (pedestrian) or West (cars) gate and when you want to visit. Right now, an adult ticket for East Gate access at 6:45 on Thursday will cost £19. I paid less with my early ticket, and I imagine if the Christmas holiday days aren’t already sold out, they’ll be more expensive.
A family of two adults and two children will cost £62 on my sample day; children are between 4 and 16 years old. Kids younger than that are free. However, it’s worth noting that carers are free to come along with a disabled person who’s bought a full-price ticket. That’s a nice touch.
On that note, I did spend an hour walking in the dark, and there are scant benches, so if you do have a mobility disability (like me) or a stamina one, then consider bringing a wheelchair, sensible shoes or taking your usual precautions.
Things to do near The Botanics
I got Birdy to recommend Krem Karamel last year. That’s still open, just not at night, and it’s still a recommendation.
I’d add Ice Angels, One Canon, Thamel and Goose73 which all open late and in the direction of Princess Street.
Overall
I preferred last year, but I liked this year too.
The Christmas light trail at The Botanics is, I think, great value for money, a fantastic start to the festive season and a chance to see (what should be) a familiar garden in a whole new way.
Christmas at the Botanics
Summary
This year’s Christmas at the Botanics may not have exceeded last year’s in my opinion, but it remains a fantastic festive experience. The light trail provides excellent value, a magical beginning to the holiday season, and an opportunity to see the familiar gardens in a completely new light.
Find an Edinburgh gift certificate in our long list. Happy hunting!
Leave a Reply