Set within the surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), new installations specially created for the annual trail by world-renowned artists and designers have been unveiled

These will feature alongside festive favourites on the one-mile trail, including the poignant projection on Inverleith House and the captivating Christmas Cathedral.

New for the 2022 trail are 12 illuminated flora called Lilies. With each luminous lily measuring 1 metre tall, the installation which will feature on the Botanics pond has been created by world-renowned artist Jig Cochrane, founder of Jigantics.

This will be the first time that his designs have been on display in Scotland, after showing them at venues around the globe for the past 20 years.

Lilies makes use of low LED lights to help the efficiency of the art. Similar lights are being used in both the whimsical Feathers installation as well as the twinkling Northern Lights.

The Fire Garden will make a triumphant return to the trail this year. Including 120 glowing cans of light creating a warm and cozy illusion and taking the edge off the crisp Edinburgh air, this installation will be accompanied by 11 lanterns of various sizes as provided by Mandylights. Also, along the route, will be 14 giant wicker presents, created by the talented Woody Fox.

Last year, the trail proved to be one of the capital’s most popular festive events, attracting 90,000 people over its six-week run. This year’s spectacular trail opens on 17 November through 30 December.

Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said:

“Now in its sixth year, Christmas at the Botanics has become a milestone moment in the public’s festive calendar. Set against the beauty of the Garden, the newly confirmed light installations will bring something fresh to the trail.

Seeing the Garden’s environment as they wouldn’t normally, brings a whole new sensory experience to the trail. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the giant lilies, but as ever, there is something for everyone to enjoy during their visit after dark.

“The trail will mirror a similar route to last year, as our Biomes project continues at pace and reinforces RBGE’s commitment to avoiding the loss of valuable plant species and vital research into plant conservation. All of this is helped by ticket sales to the trail which contribute significantly to our conservation efforts.”

Jonathan Marks, Director at Raymond Gubbay, the division of Sony Music promoting the event, said:

“Bringing new installations to the trail is exciting – particularly for visitors who come back each year. With many festive favourites also returning, visitors can be sure their evening will be an illuminating adventure.” ■

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only available to book at:

www.rbge.org.uk/christmas



Prices in advance

Adult £21.50

Member £18.50

Family £70

Child (4-16) £15

Carers/Infants (0-3) Free*



Prices on the day

Adult £23.50

Member £20.50

Family £78

Child (4-16) £17

Carers/Infants (0-3) Free*

* Free tickets must be booked in advance

Two new installations, Lilies and Feathers

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