Christmas lights at the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens

It's always a whirlwind when the family comes to town. In this case we had some relatives briefly staying in Edinburgh before going home to the Philippines for Christmas, and we came up to see the sights with them for a weekend. And luckily it was Christmas at the Botanics!

We were greeted by a massive Christmas tree right at the entrance.

Trees hung with lights were everywhere, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Tall pines made giant, living Christmas trees, more beautiful and imposing in their natural habitat.

Many of the lights were even shaped like trees!

Every element appeared in balance. Carefully maintained fire trees stood by eerily lit waterfalls and bubbling ponds.

We wandered the long paths through tunnel after tunnel of lights, guarded by hedges as high as castle walls.

Classical music played as we moved under the glittering canopies. It was like entering Wonderland, or a fairytale.

The main showpiece was the Botanics tropical greenhouse, lit up by moving projections dancing in time to the Nutcracker Suite.

The Inverleith House Gallery also delighted younger visitors with a brightly projected pantomime.

We drifted out of this magical experience to bid goodbye to the waving nymph at the entrance to the gallery - one last vision to take with us into the Scottish winter night.