November 19, 2018 9.57 am This story is over 74 months old

Festive events in Lincoln this Christmas

Lots of ideas for your Christmas celebrations in Lincoln

The nights are getting darker, the air is getting colder and the battle for the nation’s favourite advert has already begun. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this yuletide season that isn’t just sitting in front of the TV with a box of Quality Street, The Lincolnite have got you covered.

Check out our round-up of the best festive events happening in Lincoln over the Christmas period.


Thor’s Tipi Bar

The Viking-inspired bar has returned to Lincoln, bringing Scandinavian winter warmth to the heart of the city. The bar serves mulled wine, real ale and an array of comfort food, all of which you can enjoy in front of a roaring fire. There’s even a cheese cave serving grilled cheese with local produced Sourdough bread from Welbeck bakery.

Thor’s Tipi Bar will be on Sincil Street in Lincoln from Friday, November 9 to Monday, December 31. The opening times are Monday -Thursday, 10:30am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 10:30am-11pm and Sunday 10:30am-10pm. The bar will be closed on Christmas Day.


Lincoln Christmas Market

Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite

Christmas wouldn’t be the same in Lincoln without its famous Christmas market. For four festive days, the market commands the city’s cobbled streets with more than 250 stalls. It’s an excellent chance to support local businesses, with stalls selling locally produced goods and trinkets.

The Lincoln Christmas markets runs from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 December. The opening times are Thursday, 12pm – 9:30pm, Friday – Saturday, 10am – 9:30pm, Sunday, 10am – 7pm. Entry to the market is free.

More information on the website here. 


Lincoln Christmas Emporium

Take in the spectacular light display at The Christmas Emporium at the castle in December. Photo: Illuminos

For the first time, a spectacular Victorian inspired light show will be splashed across Lincoln Castle.

Designed to delight visitors of all ages, the light show will be complimented by Christmas stalls offering unique arts, crafts, gifts and locally sourced food and drink. Including a cosy tipi bar and quality street food vendors, the Lincoln Castle Christmas Emporium creates the perfect setting to meet friends and family.

For more details and to buy tickets, click here.


Lincoln Christmas Lights

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Former Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood and X-Factor star Amelia Lilly will be switching on Lincoln’s Christmas lights this year on Friday, November 23. There will be live entertainment from 4.45pm with a live tribute act Ariana Grande and performers from the year’s Drill Hall Pantomime Peter Pan in St Marks Shopping Centre.

On the High Street, entertainment will start at 5.30pm with Lincs FM’s Eddie Shaw hosting the event. There will also feature live music from The Salvation Army Band. At 6.40pm, the Mayor of Lincoln and this years special guests will make their way from the Guildhall before switching on the lights at 7pm.


Peter Pan at the Lincoln Drill Hall

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Jamie Marcus Productions will be returning again this year with a special performance of Peter Pan at the Lincoln Drill Hall, running from December 6 to January 5, 2019. Everybody’s favourite Dame James Campbell will also be back for another year and the show will also feature British Sign language as deaf actress Phillippa Russell will be playing Tinkerbell.

Prices start from £12 but are expected to rise as demand increases. Tickets are available from the Drill Hall website here. 


Rapunzel at LPAC

Rapunzel takes place from December 12 to December 24

Adopted from the original fairy tale, this magical musical play explores how love can bind us and help us see. The story of Rapunzel will be performed by the University of Lincoln’s graduating drama students.

It runs from December 12 until December 24 at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre on the University of Lincoln campus. Tickets cost between £10 and £22.

Find out more and buy your tickets on the website here. 


Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

There’s a star cast in the NTR panto this year

This year’s Christmas panto at the New Theatre Royal on Clasketgate is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, performed between December 4 and January 6.

The cast includes:

  • TV and West End star Amelia Lily (X Factor, Celebrity Big Brother) as The Unicorn Fairy;
  • CBBC’s Prank Patrol presenter Barney Harwood as the heartthrob Huntsman;
  • CBBC’s Yonko, Christopher Johnson, as Muddles;
  • ‘Comedian of the Year’ Joey Howard as Nurse Flossy;
  • The beautiful songbird Sophie Gaudie as Snow White;
  • Vocal powerhouse Janine Johnson as the cruel, but totally fabulous Wicked Queen

Tickets start at £16. To find out more and book a seat, visit the website here.


Carol Concerts at Lincoln Cathedral

Photo: The Lincolnite

If you’re looking for a more traditional way to spend the festive period, Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting a number of carol concerts and services. Running from November 24 all the way through to Christmas Day, services include a Christmas Eve carol service and Midnight Eucharist and the Blessing of the Crib. A full programme of events can be found here.


Lincoln Vegan Christmas Festival

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite.

For an alternative Christmas fair, why not check out the Lincoln Vegan Christmas Festival. There will be lots of vegan inspired stalls, hot food and live entertainment, as well as free entry. The festival will take place on Sunday 2 December, 10am – 4pm and will be held at the County Assembly Rooms Lincoln, 76 Bailgate, Lincoln, LN13AR.


Lantern Parade

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

On December 13 there will be a paper lantern parade led by camels through the streets of Lincoln, culminating in a nativity play held on Castle Hill.

The parade will begin at 5pm in the Cornhill and will then lead up to Castle Hill, concluding in a nativity play in St Mary Magdalene’s Church. Parking is free to make it easier for people to come to the parade.


Reindeer Parade

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The festive Lincoln Reindeer Parade takes place on November 29, when people in the city centre will get the chance to meet Santa and his faithful helpers.

After a display at St Marks from 2pm, a parade will begin at 6pm to City Square, where there will be a final display and photo opportunities.


Santa’s grotto

Santa and his reindeer were at St Marks on Thursday, November 24. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

You can join Father Christmas in the Victorian setting of Lincoln Castle.

Enjoy stories of Christmas past and find our more about the man in red himself.

Available during Christmas Emporium week on December 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

Book a place to avoid disappointment here. 


Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair

Food & Gift 2013. Photo: Emily Norton

The Lincolnshire Food and Gift fair takes place at the Lincolnshire Showground on December 1 and 2.

The indoor fair is now in its 18th year and offers shoppers the chance to buy handmade crafts, tasty treats and everything you need for your Christmas celebrations.

There will also be a Santa’s workshop and performances from the new Theatre Royal panto cast.

Tickets are on sale here for £5. 


The Snowman at Lincoln Cathedral

Photo: The Snowman Facebook Page

Lincoln Cathedral will be showing everybody’s favourite Christmas film The Snowman in six special screenings, each accompanied by a live orchestra and a soloist. The screenings will take place at Lincoln Cathedral Friday 4 and Saturday 5 January with three screenings a day; 1:30pm, 3pm and 7pm.

Ticket prices for premium seating are £12, central £10, raked £8.50 and rear £6. Tickets are available from the Lincoln Cathedral website here.