OFFICIAL
INCLUDING CHRISTMAS MARKET & LIGHTS TRAIL
Please recycle this guide after use
Welcome to
in
LINCOLN
Packed with restaurants, shops and attractions, 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 historic Cathedral Quarter. Explore the traditional market stalls that line the cobbled streets from the 2-5 December at the iconic Christmas Market, before following the twinkling lights into Castle Hill. 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. Follow the festivities down into 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.
Lincoln Cathedral
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VisitLincoln.com/Christmas
Whether you’re here for the day, or planning an extended stay, you’re sure to find the spirit of Christmas in Lincoln.
TOP TIPS
Experience the city lights along Lincoln Castle’s 360° illuminated Wall Walk and enjoy spectacular views across the market and over Lincolnshire.
Take our vibrant street culture: enjoy live entertainment from talented buskers along the city streets and market routes.
Gather around the fire at Thor’s Tipi Bar and warm up with a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Make lasting memories at some of the city’s most iconic buildings; take a picture by the Castle, Cathedral or Big Wheel.
Listen to magical harmonies from a choir service or concert inside Lincoln Cathedral.
Discover the most Instagrammable spots in the city by following the light trail map on page 14.
Stop off at the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a Lincoln souvenir, or a bauble to decorate your tree.
Post your letters to Father Christmas in the giant post box at St Paul in the Bail, or write and decorate a letter to send later at home.
Take advantage of Lincoln’s late night shopping hours and get a head start on your Christmas to-do list.
@VisitLincoln #ChristmasInLincoln
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THINGS TO DO LINCOLN CASTLE Saturday 11 – Thursday 23 December, 5pm – 9pm Find your festive sparkle with the return of this special Christmas experience. Wander through light displays, explore Christmas tree lined pathway and enjoy warm winter drinks within the castle’s festive grounds. Alternatively, take in the spectacular cityscape from up high, by purchasing an Illuminated Wall Walk ticket. The castle’s medieval walls will be alight with twinkling lights from 4pm to 9pm on 2 - 4 December, and until 6.30pm on 5 December. Explore with paws on the castle’s Dog Friendly days! If you would like your furry companion to enjoy Lincoln Castle Illuminated, then make sure you book a ticket for one of the Dog Friendly evenings on 15 and 22 December. Tickets are limited, book now at LincolnCastle.com. Ticket prices: Illuminated Grounds - £2 per head Illuminated Wall Walk and Grounds - adults £10, concessions £9, children £5.50, family £25.50. Free entry for under 5’s and annual pass holders.
Lincoln Castle, Illuminated Wall Walk
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL For information on Christmas carol services and other events taking place at Lincoln Cathedral over Advent and Christmas, please visit the Cathedral website. It is recommended to arrive early to find a seat. Lincoln Cathedral
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VisitLincoln.com/Christmas
LincolnCathedral.com.
MEET SANTA 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 throughout the festive season. Every child will receive a gift and there will be an opportunity to pick up personalised presents at the elves’ magical workbench. Pre-book your tickets online or scan the QR code outside the Grotto to book your contactless tickets at Waterside Shopping Centre. Saturday 27 November – Thursday 24 December Monday – Saturday: 11am – 5pm Sunday: 10.30am – 4.30pm Christmas Eve: 11am – 4pm
JOY AT THE CORNHILL
ST MARKS’ WINTER WONDERLAND
Lincoln city centre will be aglow from the Monday 1 November, as the illuminated JOY lights return to the Cornhill. Kick off the festive season with a selfie by the giant glowing letters!
The festive celebrations begin at St Marks Winter Wonderland with the switching on of their brand-new Christmas light decorations on Thursday 18 November, from 4.30pm until 6.30pm. Shoppers can enjoy music from Lincs FM, meeting characters from The Drill’s Aladdin pantomime, rides for children and lots of Christmas selfies for that all important Instagram pic! In partnership with Lincs FM, St Marks will also be the official drop off location for Mission Christmas. Mission Christmas is a project by the charity Cash For Kids and is the largest gift appeal for children in the UK.
JOY at the Cornhill
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH-ON Thursday 18 November 5.30pm - 7.30pm Lincoln High Street With special guests: Jake Quickenden (X Factor) Chris Johnson (CBBC), and Zoe Hanna May (The Voice).
On Sunday 28 November and Saturday 11 December, characters from The Drill’s Aladdin Christmas pantomime will be at St Marks to meet shoppers and take some selfies. To find out more visit StMarks-Lincoln.co.uk.
@VisitLincoln #ChristmasInLincoln
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GETTING AROUND BUS SERVICES
7 & 8 (stand G at the Transport Hub) will take you between the bus station and the Christmas Market. Thursday 2 - Saturday 6 December: Every 10 minutes from 9:40am - 6:10pm Every 15 minutes from 6:30pm - 9:45pm Sunday 5 December: Every 15 minutes from 9:30am - 5:45pm.
TAXIS There is a large taxi rank outside Lincoln Railway Station where taxis can drive you to the Christmas Market. Other taxi companies in the city centre include: Handsome Cabs 27 Corporation Street, Lincoln, LN2 1HL, 01522 545352 Direct Cars 35 Silver Street, Lincoln, LN2 1EW, 01522 567567
A dedicated Christmas Market Park & Ride service is operating from the 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. Thursday: 11:30am - 10pm Friday - Saturday: 9am - 10pm Sunday: 9am - 7:30pm Accessibility In areas such as the Castle grounds, walkways will be made as even as possible, with ramps on to raised areas. The Christmas Market takes place at the top of Steep Hill, which at its steepest is a 1:7 gradient. A Park and Ride scheme is available for visitors to drop passengers off at the top of the hill and there are also other buses services from the town centre that will do the same. Assistance dogs are welcomed. Shop Mobility UK is a nationwide network of centres which hire out mobility equipment to the public. Lincoln shop mobility LincolnDialaRide.co.uk 01522 544983 General Manager – Penny Hardman penny.hardman@lincolndialaride.co.uk
CHRISTMAS MARKET OPENING TIMES Thursday 2 December: Midday to 9:30pm
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Friday 3 December: 10am to 9:30pm
VisitLincoln.com/Christmas
Saturday 4 December: 10am to 9:30pm
Sunday 5 December: 10am to 7pm
Lincolnshire Showground (LN1 2ZF) Park & Ride
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THE COLLECTION MUSEUM ST MARTIN’S SQUARE
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THOR’S TIPI BAR
ST MARKS SHOPPING CENTRE
TRANSPORT HUB & LINCOLN CENTRAL CAR PARK
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UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN LIBRARY
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WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE EMPOWERMENT STATUE
THE CORNHILL SHOPPING & FOOD QUARTER
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LINCOLN RAILWAY STATION
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@VisitLincoln #ChristmasInLincoln
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Park & Ride
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MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE
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WICKHAM GARDENS
THE LAWN
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The Christmas Bazaar, Christmas Pantry, and a huge variety of food and drink – including local produce, roasted nuts, freshly roasted Stokes Coffee.
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THE LAWN
Save money and use the LoyalFree App.
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LINCOLN CASTLE
TOILETS ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
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Motherby Hill
PARK & RIDE Drop off and collection outside the Museum of Lincolnshire Life to/from Lincolnshire Showground. West P arade VISITOR INFORMATION Talk to the expert team who are ready to help you.
Authentic German-themed stalls, arts, crafts, gifts and more.
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CASH Cash points are available at the market for your convenience.
Drury Lane
CASTLE HILL & LINCOLN CASTLE r Sp
FAMILY MEETING POINT We suggest you use the Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Ya rb Tree as a family meeting point. or ou gh COACH Ro DROP OFF POINTS ad & COLLECTION Easy access drop off and collection points for coaches.
Artists’ Christmas Village
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WESTGATE & FAIRGROUND
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Bus Service 7 & 8 – Pick up for Transport Hub
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Get into the festive spirit with more stalls, the Craft Marquee, fairground rides, and The Big Wheel – a great way to see the whole historic area from up high.
Family Meeting Point
Castle Hill
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Minst er Yard
UPHILL LINCOLN
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From The Strait to Newport Arch you’ll find independent shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Friendly shopkeepers will help you make the most of your Christmas Market visit to Lincoln. Save money and use the LoyalFree App. Steep Hill
THE COLLECTION MUSEUM
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High Street this way
MEDIEVAL BISHOP’S PALACE
THE USHER GALLERY
Authentic wooden chalets with the stunning Lincoln Cathedral as a backdrop.
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JEW’S HOUSE
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL WEST FRONT
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Bus Service 7 & 8 – Drop off for Transport Hub
SAFETY INFORMATION If you’re in need of assistance during your visit, there will be a number of official stewards on hand to help. They can give you children’s wristbands, offer general information and answer any questions you may have. 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 to get in touch with the event team, please call 01522 873 400. Protecting yourself and others Help to keep Lincoln Christmas Market a place that everyone can enjoy safely. • If you have any COVID-19 symptoms please do not visit the market • Remember to keep your distance from others • Cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze • Please put used tissues and any other rubbish straight into the bins provided • Where possible, please use contactless payments rather than cash • Take a test before visiting Lincoln Christmas Market to ensure you’re not carrying the virus • You are encouraged to wear a face covering in both indoor and outdoor settings if you feel more comfortable doing so • Please bring your own hand sanitiser and use sanitisation stations provided where possible.
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VisitLincoln.com/Christmas
DO NOT VISIT IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
A high temperature
A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
A new, continuous cough
RETURN TO LINCOLN 2022 Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon: 7 - 27 February 2022 After travelling around the globe, The Museum of the Moon will be soaring into Lincoln Cathedral this February. The central tower of the Cathedral will provide the perfect backdrop for Luke Jerram’s stunning installation. Lincolnshire Show
1940s Weekend
Lincolnshire Show: 22 – 23 June 2022 A celebration of agriculture, heritage and farming alongside food, drinks, crafts and shopping. Great British Summer – various dates in 2022 Lincoln Castle will be hosting a huge schedule of events throughout June, July and August. The castle’s summer festival season will launch with the Great British Outdoor Picnic, taking place over the Queen’s Jubilee bank holiday. 1940s Weekend: 23 – 24 July 2022 Experience a weekend of live music and performances, children’s entertainment, costumed re-enactments and vintage stalls, all in Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter.
Cathedral Flower Festival
Steampunk
Cathedral Flower Festival: 3 – 8 August 2022 See stunning flower displays in every area of Lincoln’s magnificent Cathedral. The festival will celebrate the life and works of St Hugh of Lincoln, as well as many other notable visionaries whose ideas and actions have shaped the world we live in and changed our lives. Steampunk: 26 – 29 August 2022 Discover why Lincoln was voted the most Steampunk city and attend the festival which returns to the city in 2022. Witness the historical Cathedral Quarter transform into a neo-Victorian futurist extravaganza.
@VisitLincoln #ChristmasInLincoln
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LATE NIGHT SHOPPING With an array of independent, high street and designer retailers, Lincoln is the perfect place for truly unique Christmas shopping. You can also enjoy more festive markets throughout the season and late night shopping on Thursdays until 8pm. Find out more about opening times, events and car parking at VisitLincoln.com/Christmas. Thursday 18 November Thursday 9 December Thursday 16 December Thursday 23 December
The Big Wheel
PARK FOR
FREE
Park for FREE in Lincoln during late night shopping: Free parking between the hours of 4pm and 9.30pm at Lincoln Central Car Park and when using PayByPhone on our pay and display car parks (users must enter and exit between these hours).
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VisitLincoln.com/Christmas
WIN
A SHORT BREAK TO LINCOLN
In the heart of the city’s historic quarter, the White Hart Hotel offers spectacular views of Lincoln’s awe-inspiring Cathedral, with spacious, comfortable rooms and modern facilities. Submit your details for a chance to win one night’s bed and breakfast, tickets to the famous Lincoln Castle – ‘a place where kings and convicts have walked’ – and afternoon tea for two at Bell’s Tea Shop, a traditional English tea shop located at the top of Steep Hill. As an additional prize we are giving away two tickets to a performance of the Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra, at Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday 11 December. VisitLincoln.com/Christmas-Competition T&C’s – subject to availability, prize winner must book directly, valid for six months.
@VisitLincoln #ChristmasInLincoln
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Westga te
BAILGATE
LINCOLN CASTLE
THE LAWN
CASTLE HILL
St e e
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Support local businesses this Christmas and enjoy being INLincoln
Shop Lincoln #Shoplocal
THE USHER GALLERY
THE STONEBOW
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WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE
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Bray
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THOR’S TIPI BAR Str eet
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ST MARKS’ GARDEN
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UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN LIBRARY
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VisitLincoln.com/Christmas
THE CORNHILL QUARTER
St Mar y’s St reet
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TRANSPORT HUB & LINCOLN CENTRAL CAR PARK
LINCOLN RAILWAY STATION Tente rcroft
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Download the LoyalFree app for local offers in Lincoln!
Bray
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
ST BARNABAS ‘TREE OF LIFE’
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SELFIE TRAIL
STONEBOW
at The Cathedral
Follow the Christmas Lights Selfie Trail for the perfect festive photo snap and share your photos on social media using #ChristmasInLincoln. HIGH BRIDGE
GLIMPSE THE IMP Can you find 16 little Christmas Imps in shop windows? Post your photos on social media and tag #GlimpseTheImp. 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!
WATERSIDE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
CORNHILL CITY SQUARE BRAYFORD WHARF
CHRISTMAS PUDDING CHRISTMAS JUMPER SANTA RUDOLPH ANGEL STOCKING MISTLETOE HOLLY
CANDY FROSTY ELF GIFT TREE SPROUT JINGLE STAR RRP *£12.99
THE DIGITAL ADVENT CALENDAR Calling all festive shoppers! You can now get access to exclusive offers using the Lincoln digital advent calendar. You can view daily offers from your local independent shops from 1 to 24 December. Don’t miss out! Visit our site to get access: Lincoln.DigitalAdvent.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS OFFER EACH DAY! FROM 1 TO 24 DECEMBER
@VisitLincoln #ChristmasInLincoln
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Image by Andrew Scott Photography (@scotty_photos)
VisitLincoln.com/Christmas