Lincoln Christmas Market 2023 – Region East Midlands, UK
Visitors are welcomed to this beautiful city and the traditional Lincoln Christmas Market, where you will enjoy cultural entertainment and stroll around over 200 stalls nestled with in the medieval square and surrounding area. A contemporary cathedral city with over 2,000 years of history, Lincoln is the perfect place to visit over the festive period.
Stalls, performers, and festive cheer take over Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter for four days of festive entertainment, shopping, and food and drink. Visitors to the famous Lincoln 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 Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, and many other venues and streets along the way.
The Origin Of Lincoln Christmas Market
The inspiration for the Christmas Market came from Lincoln’s twin town of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, a small town in south-western Germany. Every year, Neustadt held a traditional Christmas Market throughout December, selling gifts, food and drink (gluwein, the German version of mulled wine, was especially popular to keep the cold at bay!). Three council representatives from Lincoln visited the Neustadt Christmas Market and were so impressed by what they saw that they thought such a market would be perfect for Lincoln.
Hence, in December 1982, Lincoln’s first Christmas Market was held with just 11 stalls. Nestling between the cathedral and the castle in Castle Square, the market had the most spectacular backdrop. Stamford-based artist John Bangay had one of the original 11 stalls and has been a regular at the Christmas market ever since. Selling greetings cards, prints and calendars of local scenes, John is a Lincoln Christmas Market institution!
Another of the original stallholders is Neustadt, Lincoln’s twin town and the inspiration behind the Christmas Market. The Neustadt stall showcases its local wines, beers, bratwurst and gifts, and is a highlight of the market. You’re sure to receive a very warm welcome when you visit the Neustadt stall!
Lincoln Christmas Market Today
Is one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Britain, attracting over 200,000 visitors every year. Still held in and around Castle Square, it has one of the loveliest settings of any Christmas Market and has a fantastic atmosphere. Stallholders travel from across Britain and Europe to sell their goods.
There is also a Medieval Christmas Market held in the grounds of the nearby Bishop’s Palace. In 2010, Lincoln Christmas Market was cancelled due to extreme weather conditions – the first time in its history that it had been cancelled. From its starting point of just 11 stalls, there are now over 200, selling a huge variety of fantastic gifts, food and drink, plus fairground rides and attractions to keep the kids amused.