Enjoy the festive spirit of Lincoln with our holiday event guide. Whether you're familiar with Lincoln or seeing it for the first time, our guide brings the holiday spirit to life.
The Lincoln Christmas Market transforms the city's historic streets into a bustling wonderland of stalls and entertainment. Experience the serene charm of the season with the melodious hymns and stunning architecture at the Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Services. And the Lincoln Ice Skating Rink is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful activity for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Lincoln
- Lincoln Christmas Market
- Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Services
- Lincoln Ice Skating Rink
- Lincoln Castle Illuminated Walk
- Stokes at the Lawn Christmas Grotto
- Lincoln Performing Arts Centre Christmas Shows
- Lincolnshire Showground Christmas Events
Lincoln Holiday Light Displays
Lincoln Castle Illuminated Walk
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in a medieval castle
Description:
Lincoln Castle's Illuminated Walk transforms the ancient fortress into a canvas of light and color. Cutting-edge projections and interactive light installations bring the castle's walls and towers to life, revealing hidden stories from its 900-year history. As you stroll along the medieval walkways, you'll encounter illuminated art pieces that respond to your movements. The event highlights the castle's role as a center of power and justice throughout the centuries, including its time as a Victorian prison. Visitors can climb the observatory tower for a panoramic view of the illuminated city below.
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Lincoln Castle Illuminated Walk
Lincoln Holiday Markets and Shopping
Lincoln Christmas Market
What to Expect:
One of the largest Christmas markets in Europe
Description:
Lincoln Christmas Market transforms the city's medieval quarter into a bustling hub of over 280 stalls. Artisans and vendors from across Europe showcase their wares, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to local delicacies. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air as you explore the cobblestone streets. This four-day extravaganza dates back to 1982, inspired by Lincoln's twin town of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse in Germany. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the market's rich history and its impact on the local community.
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Lincoln Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Lincoln Performing Arts Centre Christmas Shows
What to Expect:
Diverse range of Christmas-themed performances
Description:
Lincoln Performing Arts Centre's Christmas shows offer a diverse array of holiday entertainment. From contemporary dance interpretations of classic tales to innovative puppet shows, the centre pushes the boundaries of traditional Christmas performances. The state-of-the-art theatre hosts both local and international acts, showcasing a blend of cultures and artistic styles. You can attend a workshop to learn about the behind-the-scenes magic of stagecraft. The centre, established in 2008, has quickly become a cultural hub, fostering emerging talent and bringing world-class performances to Lincoln.
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Lincoln Performing Arts Centre Christmas Shows
Lincoln Other Holiday Activities
Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Services
What to Expect:
Services held in a 900-year-old Gothic cathedral
Description:
Lincoln Cathedral's Christmas services blend centuries-old traditions with contemporary worship. The soaring Gothic arches and intricate stained glass windows provide a breathtaking backdrop for these spiritual gatherings. Choral performances echo through the vast nave, filling the space with harmonious melodies. You can participate in the candlelit procession, a tradition that dates back to medieval times. The cathedral, completed in 1092, has witnessed nearly a millennium of Christmas celebrations, making these services a unique connection to England's religious heritage.
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Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Services
Lincoln Ice Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating with views of Lincoln Castle
Description:
Lincoln's outdoor ice skating rink offers a frosty adventure against the backdrop of the historic Lincoln Castle. Glide across the smooth ice surface, feeling the crisp winter air on your face. The rink accommodates skaters of all skill levels, with special sessions for beginners and families. You can join a skating lesson to improve your technique or simply enjoy leisurely laps. This seasonal attraction revives the Victorian tradition of outdoor ice skating, which was popular in Lincoln during the 19th century when the nearby Brayford Pool would freeze over.
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Stokes at the Lawn Christmas Grotto
What to Expect:
Santa's grotto in a historic Georgian building
Description:
Stokes at the Lawn Christmas Grotto brings holiday cheer to a beautifully preserved Georgian building. The Lawn, once a lunatic asylum in the 19th century, now hosts this charming yuletide experience. Children can meet Santa in his cozy grotto, surrounded by twinkling lights and vintage decorations. The event pays homage to Lincoln's rich coffee-roasting heritage, with Stokes offering specially crafted holiday blends. You can explore the building's elegant rooms, each decorated to represent a different Christmas theme, while learning about its fascinating transformation from a medical facility to a beloved community space.
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Stokes at the Lawn Christmas Grotto
Lincolnshire Showground Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Large-scale Christmas events in a versatile venue
Description:
Lincolnshire Showground's Christmas events utilize the vast space of this agricultural venue to host a variety of large-scale holiday attractions. From indoor winter markets to outdoor light trails, the showground transforms into a hub of seasonal activities. The events often incorporate elements of Lincolnshire's farming heritage, with local producers showcasing their holiday specialties. Visitors can participate in workshops on traditional crafts like wreath-making or attend talks on sustainable Christmas practices. The showground, which has been hosting agricultural events since 1869, continues to evolve, blending rural traditions with modern holiday celebrations.
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Lincolnshire Showground Christmas Events
Nearby Events
Christmas at Doddington Hall (Doddington)
What to Expect:
Elizabethan manor house decorated for Christmas
Description:
Christmas at Doddington Hall showcases the splendor of an Elizabethan manor adorned for the holidays. Each room of this 16th-century house is lavishly decorated with a unique theme, blending historical accuracy with contemporary flair. The Great Hall comes alive with a towering Christmas tree, while the Long Gallery hosts an exhibition of antique toys. Visitors can join a guided tour to learn about Christmas traditions from the Tudor era to the present day. The hall's kitchen gardens supply fresh ingredients for seasonal treats served in the estate's café, offering a true farm-to-table experience.
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Christmas Family Fun Day at Rand Farm Park (Rand)
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration on a working farm
Description:
Christmas Family Fun Day at Rand Farm Park offers a unique rural holiday experience. This working farm transforms into a winter playground, where families can feed reindeer, take tractor rides through festively decorated fields, and watch live nativity scenes with farm animals. The event highlights the importance of agriculture in Lincolnshire's history and economy. Children can participate in hands-on farming activities with a holiday twist, such as making Christmas wreaths using materials from the farm. The park's 18th-century barn hosts a traditional Christmas feast featuring locally sourced produce.
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Christmas Family Fun Day at Rand Farm Park
Christmas at the Burghley House (Stamford)
What to Expect:
Tudor-inspired Christmas in a 16th-century stately home
Description:
Christmas at the Burghley House immerses visitors in a Tudor-inspired holiday celebration. This grand Elizabethan house, built in the 16th century, showcases opulent decorations that reflect its rich history. Each room tells a story of Christmas past, with period-accurate adornments and displays. The State Rooms glitter with candlelight, evoking the atmosphere of a Tudor feast. You can join a costumed guide for a tour that brings to life the Christmas traditions of the nobility during the reign of Elizabeth I. The event also features a sculpture garden illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a stark contrast to the historic interiors.
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Christmas at the Burghley House
Louth Christmas Market (Louth)
What to Expect:
Traditional market in a historic market town
Description:
Louth Christmas Market captures the essence of a traditional English holiday celebration in a charming market town. The event takes over the town's Georgian streets, filling them with stalls offering locally made crafts, artisanal foods, and unique gifts. Louth's rich history as a trading center, dating back to the medieval period, is evident in the market's layout and atmosphere. You can sample Lincolnshire specialties like plum bread and haslet while exploring the town's independent shops. The market also features performances by local choirs and brass bands, echoing through the narrow alleys and adding to the convivial atmosphere.
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Christmas at Belton House (Grantham)
What to Expect:
National Trust property with themed Christmas rooms
Description:
Christmas at Belton House brings the splendor of a country estate holiday to life. This National Trust property, dating back to the 17th century, opens its doors for a unique Christmas experience. Each room of the mansion is decorated according to a different theme, blending historical accuracy with creative flair. The estate's extensive grounds host an illuminated trail, where ancient trees are bathed in colorful lights. Visitors can explore the servant's quarters to learn about below-stairs Christmas traditions. The event also features a display of vintage toys and games, offering a glimpse into Christmases past.