A contemporary cathedral city with over 2,000 years of history, Lincoln is the perfect place to visit over the festive period. Take a trip back through time and stroll along the cobbles the cultural quarter of the city. The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market.
Visitors are welcomed to this beautiful city and the traditional Christmas Market, where you will enjoy cultural entertainment and stroll around 300 stalls nestled with in the medieval square and surrounding area.
Lincoln Christmas Market has developed dramatically since it began as the UK’s first German-style traditional market with just 11 stalls. The Christmas Market gives visitors and residents a truly festive experience, with a traditional, high quality event for all the family.
The Dean of Lincoln Cathedral and the Right Worshipful, the Mayor of Lincoln will officially open the Christmas Market on the impressive West Front steps of the Cathedral after evensong on Thursday 3rd December, with greetings being made by a representative from Lincoln’s twin town of Neustadt in Germany.
Evensong is programmed to take place at 5.15, with the Traditional opening between 6pm – 6.30 pm.
Parking in the city
From Monday 30th November to Monday 7th December, car parks in the Bailgate area of Lincoln will be closed so that we can build the marquees needed for the market.
For anyone wishing to shop in the Bailgate in the days before the Christmas Market opens, the Lincoln Hotel is kindly offering alternative car parking on a morning, afternoon or daily basis. The Lincoln Hotel is located next to the cathedral on Eastgate and is just a few yards away from the Bailgate shops.
Many of the local shops in the Bailgate area are family owned and provide a warm welcome and great ideas for that special gift so do take the opportunity to use the parking available at the Lincoln Hotel.
Park and Ride
Many of the streets and roads close to the market will be closed and car parks will be very busy with shoppers, so for visitors to the Christmas Market we don’t recommend driving into the city.
Instead, the Park and Ride offers secure and convenient parking and coach pick up and drop off at the Christmas Market.
The Park and Ride is located at the Lincolnshire Showground north of Lincoln on the A15 and will be well signposted from the A46. We do advise to allow plenty of time to make your journey to the designated car park.
The last busses are scheduled to leave the market 30 minutes after closing time.
Payment for the Park and Ride will be taken on arrival at the showground. Concessionary bus passes may not be used, as payment is to cover the parking space; not the bus fare. Prices will be confirmed at a later date. Prices will be confirmed at a later date.
There will be designated areas available for blue badge holders.
Coach information
Recently voted as a top coach-friendly destination by Coach Monthly, Lincoln welcomes coaches to the Christmas Market each year. Many coach tour operators come back year after year and enjoy all the attractions that the Christmas Market has to offer.
A visit to the Lincoln Christmas Market is an ideal day out during the festive period. Enjoying wonderful sights, sounds and smells of Christmas, groups can buy gifts from the various stalls, pick up something a bit different from the foreign stalls and visit the very popular Lincolnshire Larder, where many local producers will be selling high quality food and drink.
To book a place at this year’s event:
- Call 01522 703344
- Email kelly.odam@totallincoln.co.uk
- Visit www.tssevents.co.uk/xmas-market.php




