Where is Lincoln Christmas Market held?

The traditional, large-scale Lincoln Christmas Market, famous for its stalls around the Cathedral Quarter, Castle Square, and Lincoln Castle grounds, has been permanently cancelled by the city council due to financial and overcrowding concerns, replaced by smaller events, though some smaller-scale medieval markets might still occur. While there's no main city-wide market, look for smaller, independent events or themed markets, such as medieval markets, happening in various parts of Lincoln during the festive season.

Where is the Lincoln Christmas Market?

The ever-popular Lincoln Medieval Christmas Market returns to the city in December 2025. Held over four days, it takes place at two locations: the historic St Mary le Wigford Church in the city centre and the 12th-century St Mary's Guildhall on the lower High Street.

Why has Lincoln Christmas Market stopped?

Councillors have rejected plans to bring back one of the UK's longest-running Christmas markets. Lincoln Christmas Market was axed in 2023 by the city's Labour-led council due to concerns about overcrowding.

Is Lincoln Christmas Market on this year 2025?

The Lincoln Christmas Market 2025 remains cancelled after City of Lincoln Council shelved the event.

What is replacing Lincoln Christmas Market?

The UK's oldest Christmas market has been axed for 2024 and replaced with an ice adventure. The Lincoln Christmas Market has been mothballed by the City of Lincoln Council and has been replaced with an ice sculpture trail.

Places to see in ( Lincoln - UK ) Lincoln Christmas Market

What's on in Lincoln in December 2025?

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

• Lincoln Castle Illuminated. 21st November to 23rd December 2025. ...
• Lincoln Christmas Lights Switch-On. Thursday 27th November 2025. ...
• Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair. ...
• New Theatre Royal Pantomime. ...
• The Lincoln Ice Adventure. ...
• Christmas At Lincoln Cathedral. ...
• Thor's Tipi Bar, The Cornhill.

Is Lincoln Christmas Market any good?

Very pretty, but very expensive. The market has a good variety of stalls. However, due to the very large mass of people being forced into some relatively small spaces, you couldn't see the stalls very well or access some at all. The pricing on the stalls themselves was quite expensive.

Where is the best Christmas Market in 2025?

Europe's top Christmas markets for 2025 feature traditional favorites like Strasbourg (France), Vienna, and Cologne, alongside rising stars like Gdańsk (Poland) and Tallinn (Estonia), offering festive charm, artisan crafts, and local delicacies like vin chaud, with options ranging from grand city-wide events to cozier, historic settings. Expect magical lights, ice rinks, and unique cultural experiences, with major hubs like Berlin, Prague, and Budapest also consistently ranking high.
 

Where is the oldest Christmas Market in the UK?

The oldest Christmas market is in Lincoln.

Set against the backdrop of Lincoln's stunning cathedral, it feels like stepping back in time. The market was inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and has grown to feature over 200 stalls.

How many stalls are at Lincoln Christmas Market?

Visitors to Lincoln's famous Christmas Market will be sure to soak up the festive atmosphere across this large market site, with more than 280 stalls nestled in and around the Castle.

Why was Christmas cancelled?

When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid the country of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. After Cromwell's death, Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

Is Lincoln Christmas Market coming back?

There is no Lincoln Christmas Market scheduled for 2025. City of Lincoln Council cancelled the event in 2023 and, despite public calls for its return, has doubled down on smaller city-wide activities instead of reinstating the traditional uphill market weekend.

What is the easiest Christmas market to get to from the UK?

Brussels Christmas market

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels' Winter Wonders is the perfect choice for a festive family getaway or a weekend shopping trip — and it's just 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.

Why was Lincoln Christmas Market cancelled?

In a statement to The Independent, he said: “We understand some people's disappointment that Lincoln Christmas Market is no more. The decision was announced nine months ago on the basis that we simply could not continue delivering an event that had been deemed a significant risk to public safety.

What time is Lincoln Christmas Market open?

A Medieval Christmas market is returning to Lincoln.

The market opening times are: Thursday 4 December, 12:00 to 21:00 GMT. Friday 5 December, 10:00 to 19:30. Saturday 6 December, 10:00 to 19:30.

What is the nicest town in Lincolnshire to live in?

The "best" town in Lincolnshire depends on your priorities, but Stamford (Georgian beauty, schools, independent shops) and Lincoln (history, amenities, good transport) consistently rank high; other top contenders include Louth (Wolds charm, independent shops), Woodhall Spa (woodland, golf, cinema), and Sutton on Sea (traditional seaside, community). For vibrant community with amenities, consider Lincoln or Stamford, while coastal or Wolds villages offer quieter, picturesque living.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

What is the largest one day Christmas market in the UK?

The UK's largest one-day Christmas market is widely considered to be the Beverley Festival of Christmas in East Yorkshire, which transforms the historic town centre with over 120 Victorian-themed stalls, entertainment, Santa, and reindeer, attracting thousands of visitors for a free, festive event.
 

Where is the most famous Christmas market?

Dresden, Germany. There are actually eleven different Christmas markets sprinkled throughout this festive city, but the Striezelmarkt is by far the largest and most famous.

Is Lincoln worth visiting at Christmas?

Lincoln is magical at Christmas. From historic streets illuminated with twinkling lights to seasonal attractions and family-friendly activities, the city comes alive during the festive season. Whether you're visiting for a day or spending the holidays in Lincoln, there's plenty to see and do.

Is there a winter Wonderland in Lincoln?

Visitors can step inside a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights and festive cheer as Lincoln Castle's Illuminated event returns bigger and brighter from Friday 21 November 2025.