It isn’t just Christmas shopping you can get up to this year in Lincoln. The city is set to host some fabulous festive events, that are not to be missed.

Lincoln High Street, full for the Christmas lights turn-on. Photo: Alice Eagle
Lincoln’s Christmas light switch-on in 2013 (Photo: Alice Eagle)

Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday November 19, 3:30 – 7:30pm

Join in on the fun as Lincoln gets its magical festive feel once again this Thursday. Gear yourself up for the countdown to Christmas by joining St Mark’s Shopping Centre and Lincoln High Street as they light skies with their sparkling lights.

Festivities begin at St Marks with a Select Lincolnshire food market, including local produce and hot food and drink. On stage entertainment is to follow at 5:30pm, with Lincs FM and JJ the Entertainer kicking things off. Lights will be switched on an hour later by the cast of Sleeping Beauty and Gary Barlow tribute act, Dan Hadfield.

If you have the power to split yourself in two, you might also want to have a walk up to the High Street to get a slice of their (mince) pie. Starting a little later than St Marks, entertainment from BBC Radio Lincolnshire and Christmas Carols will definitely get you into the festive spirit, before Celebrity guests, and Lincoln panto stars Vicki Michelle and Martin Daniels, will do the honours of officially switching the lights on at 7:10pm.

Shops along the High Street and in St Mark’s Shopping Centre will be open till late too, helping you to get some super early and organised Christmas shopping done!

Our rating: 4/5

Lincoln Christmas Market
December 3-6

christmas-marketThe Cathedral Quarter is taken over by Christmas spirit when the market comes to town. More than 280 stalls are set to crowd the streets and castle grounds making this an event you simply cannot miss! It really has something for everyone, from unusual gifts, to food and drink from near and far. Be tempted by the aromas of mulled wine and freshly cooked food, listen out for carols and merry music, and perhaps venture up to the sky on the Big Wheel – taking in the real scale of this stunning, historic city.

Our rating: 5/5

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
December 7, 2015 – January 10, 2016

A family friendly fairytale treat, what more could you ask for? Lincoln’s Theatre Royal present the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty this year, with an all star cast. Starring Vicki Michelle (Allo, ‘Allo! and survivor of the Jungle, “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here”), Emmerdale bad boy Peter Amory, together with comedian, magician and all round entertainer, Martin Daniels.

The show boasts a new script which will re-tell the old classic like never before, against a backdrop of new sets, special effects, gorgeous costumes, and along with a great supporting cast.

Our rating: 4/5

Light Up a Life Parade
Tuesday November 24, 6:15 -9pm

St Barnabas Lincolnshire are inviting everyone along to the most meaningful and moving event in their calendar, the Light Up a Life Parade.

Remember a loved one by lighting a light on the Tree of Life, and go along to the Light Up a Life celebration and torchlight procession. The parade will finish at Lincoln Cathedral, where the Tree of Life will be lit during a special Celebratory Service, followed by refreshments in Castle Square.

The beautiful event is open to everyone, not just those who have experienced hospice care, and will be a stunning service to attend.

Our rating: 5/5

Reindeer Display
Thursday November 26, 6-8pm

A real treat this Christmas – we’re definitely excited for this one! Witness a parade of festive reindeer lead Santa and his sleigh from the cathedral and through the city centre, and even get your photo taken with Santa’s furry, faithful friends too.

The reindeer will be resting at St Marks Shopping Centre in the early afternoon for those who can’t make the parade to get a chance to meet the lovable animals.

Our rating: 4/5

Lincoln Ice Rink
November 28, 2015 – January 3, 2016, 10am–9pm

Get your skates on, the ice rink is back for its tenth year!

The outdoor ice rink was still open in the winter weather. Photo: Charlotte Reid
The Lincoln Ice Rink in City Square, pictured here in 2010 (Photo: Charlotte Reid)

Twirl and glide on the outdoor rink, which is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. However, don’t worry if you’re not quite Torvill or Dean, penguin-shaped aids are available to help steady your balance, making the rink truly accessible for all.

Enjoy an evening with friends or a fun day out on the authentic real ice – just remember to wrap up warm!

Our rating: 3/5