Lincoln Christmas Market started in 1982 with just eleven stalls. Today it is a thriving traditional market with over 250 stalls attending and drawing in visitors of over 150,000 from all over the country.
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas it is the perfect opportunity to get in the festive spirit and get all your Christmas shopping done. There is so much to see, try and buy, from handmade jewellery, toys, paintings, glassware and ceramics to the delicious food halls where you can sample some of the local specialities and enjoy a glass of mulled wine.
There is a strong German influence on the market as the town is twinned with Neustradt an der Weinstrasse in Germany. It has a strong friendship and alliance which has been in place since 1969. Lincoln is steeped in history with the Gothic Cathedral and Norman Castle located in the popular Uphill area. It is always worth allowing time to explore the cobbled streets and take in all the amazing architecture that the city has to offer.
Be sure to wear sensible footwear to get around the bustling steep cobbled streets, though. It is always advisable to wrap up warm as it is often very cold with temperatures dropping in the evening. Last year the event was cancelled at the last minute due to severe weather conditions. Already this year due to its popularity all the stalls have been booked and there is a waiting list for stallholders.
Lincoln is just as stunning by night as it is by day. With the fully lit Cathedral and Castle towering above the city; this magnificent sight can be seen for miles around. The Christmas decorations twinkling and glistening in the winter air and the smells of roasting chestnuts makes for a truly romantic, warming and festive start to the month.
If you have time to spend the weekend in the city there are lots of other things to do and see including – Brayford Waterfront, the theatre, museums, boat trips, as well as lots of well established places to eat and drink. The market is open from Thursday 1st December to Sunday 4th December. Thursday 4pm-9.30pm; Friday and Saturday 10am -9.30pm and Sunday 10am-7pm. There will be park and ride locations around the city for easy access.
