Discover What’s On Lincoln: Your Festive Round-Up

Published on 2026-09-13 / By Lizzie Heather

Christmas in Lincoln brings a wonderful mix of festive events, traditional markets, illuminated landmarks and independent shopping. From Lincoln Castle Illuminated and seasonal concerts at Lincoln Cathedral to Christmas celebrations at Doddington Hall, there's plenty to put in your diary for 2026. We've rounded up the dates, places and experiences worth planning around, with a few useful tips to help you make the most of your visit.

What's On Lincoln: Key Christmas Dates for 2026

If you're planning a festive day out or a few nights away, these are the Christmas events to look forward to in Lincoln and the surrounding area.

Christmas At Doddington Hall

11 November to 31 December 2026

Christmas at Doddington Hall is always a lovely way to begin the festive season. This year, the Elizabethan country house is celebrating Classic Christmas Cinema, with rooms transformed into scenes inspired by familiar festive films.

The decorations are designed and handmade by the Doddington team, volunteers, local artists and students from Lincoln College. It's an opportunity to appreciate the creativity behind the displays as you wander through the historic rooms.

The estate's Bauble Barn and shops are also worth exploring for decorations, homewares and Christmas gifts.

Our tip: Book a timed entry ticket for the Hall before travelling. Allow yourself time to browse the estate's shops afterwards, particularly if you're looking for gifts with a local connection.

Lincoln Castle Illuminated

20 November to 23 December 2026

One of Lincoln's most anticipated Christmas attractions returns as the historic grounds of Lincoln Castle are illuminated with thousands of lights and specially created installations.

Lincoln Castle Illuminated features seasonal displays, fairground rides, the Christmas Express and festive food and drink. Father Christmas will also be making appearances throughout the event.

For those who enjoy seeing Lincoln from a different perspective, a ticket upgrade provides access to a section of the Medieval Wall Walk. Due to ongoing conservation work, the full circuit is unavailable, and the accessible section involves steps.

Our tip: Plan your visit after dark to appreciate the displays, and book your preferred evening in advance. The event operates on selected dates rather than every night.

Lincoln Christmas Lights Switch-On

Thursday 27th November 2025

Ready to mark the official launch of Christmas in Lincoln in style? A highly anticipated event amongst revellers of all generations, the town’s annual lights switch-on is set to return on 27th November 2025. Make way to Lincoln High Street from 5pm (or earlier to secure the best spot and vantage point) and look forward to all sorts of live entertainment, special guests, and of course, lots of Christmas lights. Should you feel like it, you can also head over during the day to tie in your visit with some early Christmas shopping.

Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair

28 and 29 November 2026

If your Christmas preparations involve finding thoughtful presents and discovering local producers, make time for Lincolnshire Food & Gift at Lincolnshire Showground.

This two-day event brings together more than 150 exhibitor stands, showcasing artisan food and drink, handmade crafts, seasonal treats and gifts from independent businesses.

There will also be live cooking demonstrations in the Lincolnshire Kitchen, offering some inspiration for festive entertaining.

Our tip: The fair runs from 9am to 4pm each day, making it a good choice for a dedicated Christmas shopping morning or afternoon. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Market

3 to 5 December 2026

Lincoln Cathedral is hosting a Christmas market within the Cathedral and its historic grounds, bringing festive shopping into one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

Expect stalls offering seasonal gifts, food and Christmas treats, with the opportunity to enjoy the Cathedral's remarkable architecture along the way.

The market includes twilight shopping on Thursday 3 December and Friday 4 December, giving visitors the opportunity to explore in the evening.

Our tip: This is a ticketed event, and advance booking is essential. If you're hoping to combine Christmas shopping with an evening in Lincoln's Cathedral Quarter, choose one of the twilight sessions.

The Lincoln Ice Adventure

5 and 6 December 2026

Lincoln's Ice Adventure returns for a weekend of ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations and seasonal entertainment across the city.

There will be 14 hand-carved sculptures to discover, with locations stretching from the lower High Street to the Bailgate. A Makers' Market in Castle Square adds another opportunity to browse for Christmas gifts.

The event runs from 11am to 5pm on both days.

Our tip: This is a good event for visitors who enjoy exploring Lincoln on foot. Allow plenty of time to move between the displays, particularly when making your way up Steep Hill towards the Cathedral Quarter.

Christmas Concerts at Lincoln Cathedral

November and December 2026

For those who enjoy traditional Christmas music, Lincoln Cathedral has a programme of seasonal performances.

Highlights include Handel's Messiah on 21 November, Carols by Candlelight on 7 and 8 December, and The Snowman with Live Orchestra on 12 and 13 December.

The combination of live music and the Cathedral's historic setting makes these events a lovely choice for an evening out during the festive season.

Our tip: Check the performance date and start time before arranging dinner or other plans. The Cathedral's programme includes both daytime and evening events.

Christmas Drinks at Thor's Tipi Bar

23 October to 31 December 2026

After an afternoon exploring Lincoln's shops, Thor's Tipi Bar at The Cornhill offers a seasonal stopping point.

The pop-up venue returns to the city centre with its distinctive canvas setting, festive drinks and food. Its location makes it easy to include during a shopping trip around the Cornhill Quarter.

It's particularly appealing if you're meeting friends in the city or would simply like to take a break before heading home.

Our tip: Build a little time into your shopping plans for a warming drink, rather than rushing between shops and events.

Christmas Shopping in Lincoln's Independent Shops

Christmas shopping in Lincoln is about more than ticking presents off a list. The city's independent shops offer an opportunity to find gifts you might not discover on the high street.

Start in the Bailgate area, where independent retailers sit among Lincoln's historic streets, before exploring Steep Hill and the Cathedral Quarter.

For a different selection of shops, head towards the Cornhill Quarter and Lincoln's lower High Street.

There's plenty to enjoy along the way, including cafés for a morning coffee or a leisurely lunch. It's worth allowing a full afternoon if you're hoping to browse without rushing.

For guests staying at Washingborough Hall, we're making Christmas shopping a little more enjoyable with our Lincoln Shop & Drop break.

Available from 1 November to Christmas Eve 2026, the package is designed around a relaxed visit to the city, with time to enjoy the celebrations before returning to the comfort of our Georgian country house hotel.

Make Christmas Shopping a Pleasure with the Lincoln Shop & Drop

Christmas shopping should be something to enjoy, rather than another task to squeeze into a busy December.

Our Lincoln Shop & Drop break offers a choice of a two or three-night stay at Washingborough Hall, with breakfast included each morning.

To welcome you into the festive spirit, there's a mulled wine and mince pie on arrival, along with a complimentary lift into Lincoln for your Christmas shopping.

We've also arranged exclusive discounts with independent shops in Lincoln, giving you another reason to explore the city's local businesses.

After a day among Lincoln's decorated streets and Christmas displays, return to the warmth and comfort of Washingborough Hall, our privately owned, Grade II listed Georgian country house hotel, set in three acres of gardens and woodland.

With just 20 individually styled bedrooms, relaxed, friendly service and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, it's a lovely place to enjoy a little time away during the festive season.

You can find further details on our special offers page once the Lincoln Shop & Drop break is available to book.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Lincoln:

Is Lincoln Castle Illuminated dog-friendly?

Yes, selected evenings are dog-friendly, including 25 November and 2, 9, 16 and 23 December 2026. Check the event's booking information before choosing your date.

Is the Lincoln Ice Adventure free to attend?

Yes. The Lincoln Ice Adventure is a free event taking place across several city-centre locations on 5 and 6 December 2026.

Does the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair have a quieter visiting time?

Yes. The organisers have introduced a Quiet Hour from 9am to 10am on Sunday 29 November 2026.

Can I bring my dog to the Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Market?

Only assistance dogs are permitted at the Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Market.

Looking for a Winter Getaway?

If you're planning a festive visit to Lincoln, we'd be delighted to welcome you to Washingborough Hall.

Our Lincoln Shop & Drop break gives you time to explore the city, discover its independent shops and enjoy the Christmas celebrations, with a comfortable country house stay to look forward to at the end of the day.

Explore our Winter Breaks & Special Offers