Official Guide To Christmas In Lincoln 2022

Christmas in Lincoln

Top tips

Visitor Information Centre

Festive events

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Christmas light switch on Page 9

Pantomime Page 10

Lincoln Castle & Lincoln Cathedral Page 11

Christmas Light Trail Page 12

Christmas shopping

Christmas Market pull out

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Late night shopping Page 19

Taste Lincolnshire

Christmas beyond Lincoln

Meet Father Christmas

Competition

Travel tools

City map

Return to Lincoln in 2023

Please note that all information was correct at the time of printing and Visit Lincoln are not responsible for any inconvenience caused by subsequent changes. Please check our website for latest news, updates and events. Visitlincoln.com

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Front cover illustration: Chris Gallop

Meet Bailey, the official guardian of Lincoln Christmas Market. Page 18.

festive season CELEBRATE THE lincoln IN

With so many events and attractions to experience, Lincoln is the perfect place to start your Christmas celebrations.

Whether you prefer to soak up the festive atmosphere in the vibrant city centre, or spend time exploring the historic cobbled streets, this beautiful city has everything you need.

Start your Christmas journey in the heart of Lincoln, in the Cathedral Quarter. Explore the independent shops that line the famous Steep Hill, before following the twinkling lights into Bailgate. There’s no better place to soak up all the sights and sounds of the season, as the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air.

You will discover even more festive fun in the city centre, where you can drink, dine and shop ‘til you drop. With a unique mix of independent and high street retailers, Lincoln is the ideal Christmas shopping destination. It doesn’t matter if you’re here for a day, or planning an extended stay, you’re sure to find the spirit of Christmas in Lincoln.

Lincoln Cathedral

top tips

Take in the twinkling lights from above on Lincoln Castle’s Medieval Wall Walk. Enjoy spectacular views along the illuminated walls as the sun goes down over the city.

Enjoy a festive meal and sample some local produce at one of our many independent restaurants, cafés or pubs.

Stop off at the Visitor Information Centre for tips on where to go and what to do during your stay – you can get a great Lincoln souvenir here too!

Pop into the independent shops along Steep Hill and Bailgate for the most unique gift ideas.

Gather around the fire at Thor’s Tipi Bar and warm up with a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Find your favourite illumination in the city centre for the ultimate festive photo – don’t forget to tag us in your pics @visitlincoln!

Attend a carol service at Lincoln Cathedral and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

Take advantage of Lincoln’s late night shopping hours and get a head start on your Christmas to-do list.

visitor information centre

If you’re in need of help or advice during your stay, stop by the Visitor Information Centre. Situated in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, in a beautiful 16th century building, this awardwinning hub has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Lincoln. If you have any questions, the friendly team here can help with:

• Visitor enquiry service 7 days a week in person, by phone and by email

• Maps for the city, cycling and walking information

• Event information

• Lincoln gifts

• Official Christmas Market souvenirs

• Accommodation advice

01522 545458

visitorinformation@lincoln.gov.uk

9 Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA

festive events

There’s a range of events taking place throughout the festive season, across Lincoln and beyond for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Bauble Barn at Doddington Hall

1st October – 24th December

Thor’s Tipi Bar

4th November – 1st January

The Real Christmas Experience at Rand Farm Park selected dates from 26th November –

24th December

Winter Wonderland at Gunby Hall

3rd – 23rd December

Santa’s Grotto at The Waterside selected dates from 26th November – 24th December

Cinderella at Belvoir Castle

5th December – 8th January

Carols at the International Bomber Command Centre

9th December

Lincoln Free Walking Tour

15th & 22nd December

Rapunzel at The Drill

9th December – 2nd January

A Ceremony of Carols at Lincoln Cathedral

17th December

For more events and information, head to: visitlincoln.com/whats-on

Lincoln Christmas Light Switch On

17th November

Lincoln Castle Illuminated Wall Walk

1st – 4th December

Christmas at Belton House

24th November – 1st January

Cinderella at The New Theatre Royal

5th December –

8th January

Lincoln Castle Illuminated

10th – 23rd December

Lincoln Christmas Market

1st – 4th December

Lincoln Santa Fun Run

18th December

christmas light switch on

Thursday 17 Nov 4.30pm – 7pm Lincoln High Street

In partnership with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, City of Lincoln Council is hosting the official launch of the festive season in the city.

This year, celebrity guests and New Theatre Royal pantomime stars Kerry Katona, and her daughter Lilly McFadden, will be switching on Lincoln’s Christmas lights.

Enjoy a host of live entertainment with performances from New Theatre Royal’s Cinderella, Georgia Hayes-Cowley.

Christmas light switch on

St Marks Lincoln

St Marks Square and Gardens will be transforming into a winter wonderland for the festive season. There will be entertainment and family fun from 4.30pm, followed by the light switch on at 6.30pm.

Waterside Shopping Centre

Waterside will be celebrating with late night shopping hours from 5.30pm8pm. Enjoy a full evening of festive entertainment, followed by Lincoln’s Panto stars switching the centre’s lights on at 7.20pm.

panto season is upon us!

This year, Lincoln will be hosting two Christmas pantomimes - at two iconic venues.

The New Theatre Royal will be presenting the Fairy Godmother of all pantos, with their production of Cinderella. This year’s show will feature the biggest celebrity cast to date, welcoming back some familiar faces and opening the doors to some new performers! newtheatreroyal.co.uk

At The Drill, Rapunzel will be letting her hair down at the wonderful ‘Tangled’ pantomime. A story made famous by the recent Disney movie, this fabulous show will feature well-known songs, slapstick routines and some of your favourite panto characters lincolndrill.co.uk

lincoln castle

10th – 23rd December, 5.30pm – 9pm

Lincoln Castle will be sprinkling some festive sparkle over the city this year, with the return of their magical Illuminated experience. Visit on selected dates in December and you can enjoy the castle’s beautiful grounds after dark, as they are brought to life with Christmas lights and decorations. Soak up the atmosphere in the tranquil grounds, before warming up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the café.

Explore with paws on the castle’s Dog Friendly days! If you would like your furry companion to enjoy Lincoln Castle Illuminated, there will be dog-friendly evenings on 14 and 21 December.

Illuminated Wall Walk

1st – 4th Dec, Thurs-Sat 5pm to 9pm, Sun 5pm-6.30pm

Over the Christmas Market weekend, the castle walls will also be lined with twinkling lights. Take a walk along the medieval walls and you can enjoy the most spectacular views across the city – including an incredible perspective of Lincoln Cathedral.

Tickets are limited, book at lincolncastle.com

lincoln cathedral

For information on Christmas carol services and other events taking place at Lincoln Cathedral over the festive season, please visit the Cathedral website. lincolncathedral.com

lincoln free walking tour - christmas edition

15th & 22nd Dec 5:30pm

Explore history and architecture on this special edition of the Lincoln Free Walking Tour. Starting from the Cathedral, this festive walk will follow the line of the Christmas lights into the city centre - with plenty of photo opportunities along the way! Alongside this seasonal offering, Lincoln Free Walking Tours will also be hosting their usual schedule of tours throughout December. lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk

Lincoln Castle, Illuminated Wall Walk

festive fun

christmas lights trail

The entire city of Lincoln will be aglow with light installations from 17th November onwards.

Follow the Christmas Lights Trail to capture the perfect festive snap. Track down some of your favourite displays from previous years – and look out for some new installations too!

Remember to share your photos on social media, using #ChristmasInLincoln

glimpse the imp

Can you find 16 little Christmas Imps in shop windows? You can buy your own Imp from the St Barnabas Hospice Shops at 265 High Street and High Street South (just past the railway crossing), as well as Lincoln Visitor Information Centre* which you can take home and paint yourself!

the digital advent calendar

Calling all festive shoppers! Make sure you check the Lincoln BIG digital advent calendar this Christmas for your chance to get access to a number of deals and prizes from a number of Lincoln businesses. To find out more, visit lincolnbig.co.uk

waterside visitor information centre

st barnabas ‘tree of life’ at The Cathedral

brayford wharf

stonebow

christmas shopping in lincoln

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be a chore, especially in a city like Lincoln. Small enough to explore with ease, but big enough to incorporate all your favourite brands, Lincoln is the perfect shopping destination.

For unique independents, head to the Cathedral Quarter. You will discover an array of beautiful shops around this historic area, all packed with wonderful gift ideas. It’s almost impossible to leave empty handed!

If you’re looking for big name brands, head to the city centre. For the

perfect party outfit, try the stylish Cornhill Quarter, where you’ll find luxury stores like Whistles, Hobbs and Seasalt. For homeware, cosmetics and everything in between, you’ll find all your favourite shops along the High Street, and even more in the Waterside Shopping Centre.

Just a short walk from the High Street, St Marks Shopping Centre will be transforming into a winter wonderland for the festive season. Twinkling with Christmas lights, this outdoor retail park has plenty to explore - and even more opportunities to shop.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE

pullout lincoln

christmas market

LINCOLN-CHRISTMASMARKET.CO.UK

Lincoln Christmas Market first began in 1982, with just 11 stalls. Lincoln was the first city to host a traditional German Christmas market in the UK, as part of its twinning with the picturesque town of Neustadt in Germany.

40 years on, the Christmas Market has continued to grow annually, with a plethora of stalls now hosted across the Cathedral Quarter. This beloved event attracts thousands of visitors to Lincoln, many of whom return year after year.

Although the market continues to evolve, the German origins of the first ever event are still honoured, with stallholders from Neustadt bringing their crafts, food and drink to Lincoln. Whether you come to shop, dine or simply soak up the atmosphere, the Lincoln Christmas Market is the perfect place to make magical memories with friends and family.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Christmas Market, City of Lincoln Council, in partnership with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, will be introducing some brand new features to this year’s event, alongside the usual delights we have all grown to know and love. There will be a special opening ceremony to launch the 2022 Christmas Market, which will take place at midday on the 1st December.

Visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of live entertainment, before the traditional celebrations begin at 6pm at Lincoln Cathedral. St Barnabas are the official charity partner of Lincoln Christmas Market.

MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE WESTGATE WATER TOWER

the lawn

Explore the Christmas Bazaar, the Christmas Pantry and a huge variety of food and drink – including freshly roasted Stokes Coffee.

CarlineRoad

TOILETS

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

COACH DROP OFF POINTS & COLLECTION Easy access drop off and collection points for coaches.

ATM In addition to the ATMs in the city centre, cash points will be located throughout the market for your convenience. We recommend taking out cash before you arrive, to prevent queuing.

YarboroughRoad

PARK & RIDE Drop off and collection outside the Museum of Lincolnshire Life to/from Lincolnshire Showground.

VISITOR INFORMATION Talk to the expert team who are ready to help you.

FAMILY MEETING POINT We suggest you use Lincoln Cathedral as a family meeting point

SAFETY ADVICE As this is a busy event, please be aware of your own safety and keep your belongings with you at all times. If you need any help, there will be a number of official stewards on duty throughout the market. They will be able to answer any questions you have and offer assistance where needed. To get in touch with the event team, please call 01522 873400.

lincoln castle

Browse authentic market stalls stocking arts, crafts, gifts and more.

THE LAWN

LINCOLN CASTLE

St Martin’s

Drury Lane

Motherby

Designed, illustrated and printed by Ruddocks

westgate

uphill lincoln

Enjoy a mulled wine from the Cathedral Café whilst you explore the stalls in the shadow of this incredible building.

TENNYSON STATUE

MEDIEVAL BISHOP’S PALACE

Eastgate

Nettleham Road

Danesgate

Bailgate

Coach A & B

High Street this way

Bus Service 7 & 8 –Drop off for Transport Hub

Family Meeting Point

Bailgate Independent Shops

lincoln cathedral

meet bailey

Meet the official guardian of the Christmas Market – Bailey the Polar Bear! Bailey will be out and about throughout the weekend, so look out for his furry face during your visit. Pop by the Visitor Information Centre and you can even purchase your own cuddly polar bear to take home!

park & ride

A dedicated Lincoln Christmas Market Park & Ride service is operating from Lincolnshire Showground LN1 2ZF (this postcode is approximate therefore please remember to follow directions/signs when approaching the venue) on the A15 just north of Lincoln. For prices and advance tickets, visit the Park & Ride section on lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk

Times:

Thurs: 11.30am – 10pm Sat: 9am – 10pm Fri: 9am – 10pm Sun: 9am – 7.30pm

accessibility

As Lincoln is a historic city, many of the streets here are cobbled and uneven. In areas such as the Castle grounds, there will be boards down to level the ground out as much possible, and there will be ramps in place. If you are in need of assistance, there will be official stewards on hand to help.

The Christmas Market takes place at the top of Steep Hill, which at its steepest point is a 1:7 gradient. If you are unable to make the climb, there is a Walk and Ride service which runs from the town centre to the Cathedral. There are also public bus services that follow the same route.

Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the Christmas Market.

christmas shopping in lincoln

late night shopping

To make Christmas shopping easier, a number of businesses will be extending their opening hours for the festive season. Selected shops across the city will be open until 8pm on:

• Thursday November 17th (light switch-on)

• Thursday December 8th

• Thursday December 22nd

free parking during late night shopping hours

Enjoy free parking from 4.00pm – 9.30pm at Lincoln Central Car Park and when using the PayByPhone app at City of Lincoln Council car parks. Terms and conditions apply, find out more: lincoln.gov.uk/parking

Free parking is not available during the Christmas Market.

spot bailey whilst you shop!

Don’t forget to look out for Bailey whilst you’re out and about shopping for a chance to win your very own Bailey Bear. There will be a number of Bailey stickers placed in Lincoln’s shop windows. Count all of the Bailey stickers, then head to the Visitor Information Centre to discover Bailey’s story and enter the prize draw, for a chance to win your own Bailey.

• Thursday November 24th

• Thursday December 15th

CHRISTMAS AT STOKES

Find

Instore & online

www.stokescoffee.com

COFFEE SELECTION

A superb selection of our freshly roasted coffees!

£25.00

CHRISTMAS COFFEE

Combining the aromatics of winter spices with rich Columbian coffee.

£8.95

TEA SELECTION

A selection of our famous fine tea blends!

£25.00

CHRISTMAS TEA

Packed full of winter spices & orange peel. Perfect for the festive season.

£5.00

CAFÉS

Enjoy a festive Afternoon Tea at our Lawn & High Bridge Cafés in Lincoln.

COFFEE CLUB

The perfect subscription for true coffe lovers. FROM £14.50

ORIGINAL

CHRISTMAS BLEND

Wonderful winter warming coffee with bold notes of nuts & cacoa.

£9.50

THE BLUE ROOM

Enjoy festive entertainment with 2 Acts & 2 Courses. Get tickets for The Vicar of Dibley.

Visit: stokescoffee.com

As the home of Poacher Cheese, Plum Bread and of course, the Lincolnshire Sausage, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about food around here. Our local producers are some of the best in the world, and we are immensely proud of our county’s heritage.

If you’re keen to try some of our delicious homegrown produce this Christmas, there are a number of fantastic independent eateries you can try during your stay. Whether you’re organising a family meal or planning

local, seasonal cuisine. Christmas is the perfect excuse to try somewhere new, or revisit an old favourite.

End your evening with a drink at one of our cosy pubs, or stylish wine bars. As there are a number of breweries and distilleries in Lincolnshire, you will find most places in Lincoln offer a selection of locally produced gins, vodkas and ales. If you like our local brews, you can always purchase some to take home. After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a cocktail or two!

visitlincoln.com/foodanddrink

Step into a Winter Wonderland

at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens

Saturday 3 - Friday 23 December 2022

10am - 2pm

Experience 'A Winter's Night' inside Gunby Hall, featuring themed rooms full of festive cheer. Find out more on our website.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gunby-hall

christmas beyond lincoln

As a county, Lincolnshire is home to some fantastic attractions - many of which are just a short drive from Lincoln itself.

Doddington Hall A spectacular Elizabethan mansion on the outskirts of Lincoln. Discover spectacular Christmas displays inside the house, or simply spend time exploring the beautiful gardens outside. Doddington’s award-winning Farm Shop will be stocked with delicious seasonal treats, whilst the incredible Bauble Barn has decorations galore!

Gunby Hall & Gardens Nestled at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Gunby Hall is an impressive country house, surrounded by acres of immaculate grounds. Perfect for picturesque winter walks, there is always something beautiful blooming in the Gunby gardens. Visit on a crisp, clear day and you can enjoy the most magical views.

Gainsborough Old Hall Experience a medieval Christmas at Gainsborough Old Hall. Dating back to the 15th century, this iconic building is one of the best preserved, timber-framed manor houses in the UK. Learn more about how a Christmas feast would’ve been prepared in the historic kitchen, before heading up to the tower for the most amazing view across the Lincolnshire fens.

Tattershall Castle One of the finest surviving examples of medieval brickwork, Tattershall Castle is a striking addition to the flat fens of Lincolnshire. Step inside and you’ll discover huge Gothic fireplaces, rich tapestries –and some intriguing hidden gems. This Christmas, the castle will be filled with all the sights, sounds and smells of the season – come and experience a regal celebration!

Discover the magic of Christmas like never before! The Real Christmas Experience at Rand Farm Park is packed with festive fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Alongside the usual winter activities on offer at the park, visitors will be able to enter an incredible immersive experience, with singing, dancing, baking and more!

Doddington Hall

Tattershall Castle

meet father christmas

belvoir castle

18th November – 23rd December

Experience a Cinderella Christmas at Belvoir Castle this year. See the famous Belvoir Elves hard at work, listen to a story told by Mrs Claus and meet the jolly man himself, Father Christmas! Every child will also receive a gift to take home. For more information, visit belvoircastle.com/cinderella-at-belvoir

waterside shopping centre

26th November - 24th December (selected dates only)

Make this Christmas extra special with a trip to Santa’s grotto. Santa and his Elves will be in residence at the Waterside Shopping Centre on selected dates throughout December, meeting children and handing out gifts. There will also be an opportunity to pick up a personalised present from the elves’ workshop. Pre-book online to secure a space watersideshopping.com

rand farm park

26th November – 24th December (selected dates only)

Take a trip to Rand Farm’s immersive Christmas experience and you can meet all of Santa’s hardworking team! You will have the chance to make biscuits with Mrs Claus, take a stroll with the Elves and meet some real-life reindeers. Complete your experience with a trip to Santa Claus, who will be waiting for you to hand over that all important Christmas list. Advance booking is essential, visit randfarmpark.com/christmas

uncle henry’s

17th – 23rd December

For an exclusive meeting with Santa and his elves, head to Uncle Henry’s. After a warm welcome from one of the head elves, you will get the chance to visit Santa in his grotto - and find out if you’re on the naughty list! If you’ve been good, you will receive a special golden ticket to be used in the Uncle Henry’s toy shop! Book your visit unclehenrys.co.uk

win a break for two win

To celebrate Christmas in Lincoln, we have teamed up with three amazing local businesses to give you the chance to win an unforgettable experience in Lincoln.

One lucky winner will have the chance to win:

Two day tickets for Lincoln Castle

Afternoon tea for two at Stokes High Bridge Café

An overnight stay at the White Hart Hotel

To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply submit your details online at:

VisitLincoln.com/Christmas-Competition

As an additional prize, we will also be giving one runnerup a box of delicious goodies from Stokes Coffee.

Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability. Prize winner must book directly, prize valid for six months. @VisitLincoln

travel tools

Trains

Lincoln Central Railway Station is served by LNER, EMR and Northern Trains. There are regular direct trains to many major cities, including London, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Peterborough.

Buses

Just a short walk from the city centre, you’ll find Lincoln Central Bus Station on St Mary’s Street, LN5 7FD. For bus times, visit the Stagecoach website, or download their app for live updates.

Park & Ride

Park for free and save the hassle of finding a parking space with Lincoln’s Park & Ride. This service runs from Monday - Saturday (excluding bank holidays) from Waitrose, Searby Road, LN2 4DS. Buses run every 15 minutes, check times before travelling.

Taxis

There is a large taxi rank outside Lincoln Train Station, and you can find a number of local taxi companies in the city centre:

Direct Cars

35 Silver Street, Lincoln LN2 1EW 01522 567567

Handsome Cabs

27 Corporation Street, Lincoln LN2 1HL 01522 545352

dial-a-ride shop mobility

parking

There are a number of car parks across Lincoln, with prices starting from just £1.50 per hour.

You can find accessible parking and electric charging points across the city and almost all of Lincoln’s car parks offer the option to pay online or via a mobile app.

To find a full list of car parks and payment information, visit lincoln.gov. uk/parking

ShopMobility, which is located in the Central Carpark on Melville Street, provide powered wheelchairs and scooters as well as manual equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, and sticks for hire. Unfortunately, they cannot offer powered equipment for hire to use at the Christmas Market.

To allow people to take advantage of late-night shopping, ShopMobility will be offering extended hours for equipment hire. This will be offered on a ‘appointment only’ basis. All equipment must be pre-booked by the end of the previous working day. For more information, call 01522 544983 or visit lincolndialaride.co.uk

return to lincoln in 2023

Cycling Grand Prix – May The world-famous Rapha Grand Prix will be returning to Lincoln, attracting hundreds of cycling enthusiasts to the city. The steep hills of the cobbled Cathedral Quarter offered an exciting and challenging route for riders.

Lincolnshire Show - June Join us in celebrating the county’s agricultural heritage. Indulge in the finest Lincolnshire produce, sample our local brews and support some brilliant small businesses.

1940s Weekend - July Experience a weekend of nostalgia, with live music, family entertainment and vintage shopping, all in Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter.

Steampunk Festival - August A neo-Victorian futuristic extravaganza! Explore the weird and the wonderful at the world’s largest Steampunk gathering.

Coming

Steampunk Festival

INDULGE IN SEASONAL CLASSICS WITH A MARCO’S TWIST. FESTIVE LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER INCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY, BOXING DAY AND NEW YEAR’S EVE.