Lincoln Christmas Events for 2023

With Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market being cancelled people we’re all looking for something new to do this winter. Luckily, this list is all you need to fill your time with festive cheer.

It all starts with the Christmas Light Switch-on in late November and runs until the light trail is turned off on New Year’s Day.

Lincoln Christmas Lights Switch-on:

The festivities begin on Thursday, November 23^rd, when Lincoln switches-on its lights.

In the city centre, the lights will be turned on by the cast of the New Theatre Royal’s Aladdin performance – Olympic gold medallist and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Louis Smith MBE, former-Strictly professional, Ian White, and West End performer Roger Wright.

The switch-on will be at 7pm.

Lincoln Christmas Lights Trail:

After the lights are switched on, you can follow the trail around Lincoln from November 23^rd until New Year’s Day.

Visit Lincoln has given the low-down on the trail: “Track down some of your favourite displays from previous years, and look out for some new installations too.”

There will be 20 giant nutcrackers scattered across the city, giving everyone their chance to grab the perfect Christmas photo.

Alternative Christmas Markets:

Without the world-famous Christmas market, which was cancelled because of health and safety issues, attention turns to some other markets.

On November 26^th, Lincoln’s Amnesty International branch hosts their Christmas Market. It will feature charity, fair trade and craft stall, as well as a good fit of festival bric-a-brac.

Elsewhere, on December 14^th to 17^th Lincoln will host its Medieval Christmas Market at the St. Mary le Wigford Church. You will be able to find artisan crafts, lots of stalls and plenty of handmade products.

Lincoln Ice Trail:

As well as the lights trail, this Christmas will see an Ice Trail spread across the city. It will be on display the weekend of December 9^th.

Six ice sculptures will be dotted around Lincoln, depicting both traditional Christmas items and bespoke-Lincoln creations, like the famous Imp.

If that’s not enough, you can even go along to an ice carving demonstration in the Lincoln Cathedral.

Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair:

Finally, the Lincolnshire Showground’s festive offering, on November 25^th and 26^th.

It’s a popular event that promises Christmas treats and festive joy for everyone who goes along.

It will have plenty of unique gifts and treats, food from the Lincolnshire Kitchen and a smattering of hot food stands, and arts and craft stalls (and even Santa’s Workshop!).

You can even learn how to make Christmas themed table arrangements and wreaths courtesy of the Lincolnshire Co-op.

So, there it is! Our list of the big events going on across Christmas this year. There might not be the traditional market to light-up the winter, but there are plenty of events to keep the festive cheer going.