Christmas at the Botanics

The Christmas season throws up a number of attractions of varying quality. Christmas at The Botanics is one worthy of your attention.

Basically, it is a series of light shows around the gardens only a few minutes from the centre of Edinburgh’s world-famous Princes Street.

However, that description does not do justice to the experience. OK, it is weather dependent. Twelve months ago we walked round the park in driving rain.

This time it was a still, crisp winter night and we derived maximum impact from the light and sounds.

The one-mile walk through the illuminated trail, which winds its way through the world-famous gardens, is not arduous and we noted a number of wheelchair guests enjoying the spectacle. There are stalls selling sweet attractions and even mulled wine.

And there is even a wee Santa show. The night we visited it was a bubbly actress from the West of Scotland who was on duty and she did a great job of whipping up the audience.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7j90oypGM]

One guest was not amused and was heard to say to one of her party: “Pity she was from the west.” What a sad comment.

Thousands visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh by day, but this botanical outdoor trail of light celebrating Christmas is ideal for all the family.

Take your camera to relive the memory of your children running through the light show at home.