Christmas at the Botanics is one of Edinburgh’s busiest winter nights out, and the garden has no car park of its own. The good news: most of the streets around it are free in the evening if you know where to look. Here’s where to park, which gate to use and what to avoid.
⏳ 14 days Got a ticket? It’s £100 — or £50 if you act within 14 days. My pay-or-appeal guide, incl. a free personal verdict on whether yours is worth fighting →Christmas at the Botanics 2026 at a glance
| Dates | 19 November to 30 December 2026 |
|---|---|
| Times | Timed entry each evening, from about 4:15pm to 8pm. The trail takes 60 to 90 minutes |
| Tickets | Book in advance through the Royal Botanic Garden. Off-peak and family tickets available |
| On-site parking | None |
| Drivers’ gate | West Gate, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ |
| Bus and walking gate | East Gate, Inverleith Row, EH3 5LP |
Event details from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Edinburgh247, checked November 2026. Always check your ticket for your entry gate and time.
Where to park
| Street | Zone | Evening parking |
|---|---|---|
| Arboretum Place | Uncontrolled | Free, but fills first. Outside the West Gate |
| Arboretum Road | Uncontrolled | Free, alongside Inverleith Park |
| Inverleith Place | Uncontrolled | Free, a few minutes’ walk |
| Fettes Avenue | N3 | Free after 5:30pm weekdays, all weekend |
| Inverleith Terrace | N2 | Free after 5:30pm weekdays, all weekend |
| Inverleith Row | N2 | Free after 5:30pm weekdays. Main road, watch for bus stops and yellow lines |
In Zones N2 and N3, the pay & display and permit bays charge only Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, at £4.20 an hour or less. So if your slot starts at 4:15pm on a weekday, either pay until 5:30pm or park on the free uncontrolled streets.
Blue Badge holders
The garden has had a small number of Blue Badge bays outside the West Gate on Arboretum Place, which in past years had to be booked by phone. Check with the Botanics when you book. Blue Badge holders can also use pay & display bays in the controlled zones nearby while displaying the badge. Blue Badge rules in Edinburgh →
Not driving?
The East Gate on Inverleith Row is the gate for buses and walking. Lothian buses run along Inverleith Row from the city centre, and other routes serve the West Gate side via Stockbridge. Check the current routes on the Lothian Buses app before you travel. From Princes Street it’s also a pleasant 25 to 30 minute walk down through Stockbridge.
Quick answers
Is there parking at Christmas at the Botanics?
No car park, but plenty of free street parking. Use the West Gate on Arboretum Place (EH3 5NZ). Arboretum Place, Arboretum Road and Inverleith Place are free, and the nearby N2/N3 streets are free after 5:30pm on weekdays and all weekend.
Which gate should I use for Christmas at the Botanics if I drive?
The West Gate on Arboretum Place (EH3 5NZ). The East Gate on Inverleith Row is better for buses and walking. Check your ticket too.
Is parking free near the Botanic Gardens in the evening?
Mostly yes. The uncontrolled streets are free any time, and the N2/N3 bays only charge Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm. Double yellows still apply at all times.
When is Christmas at the Botanics 2026?
19 November to 30 December 2026, with timed entry each evening from about 4:15pm to 8pm. Book in advance.
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