< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN © stock.adobe.com/iamtomlewisLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 LINCOLN W hen winter sweeps across Lincolnshire, the City of Lincoln becomes something out of a storybook. Its cobbled lanes, Roman walls and Gothic towers seem made for candlelight and carols, and each year the city leans into that charm just enough to make December feel both nostalgic and new. By the time dusk settles, the cathedral glows like a lantern above the city, and you can almost hear the hum of excitement drifting down Steep Hill. The season begins early this year, and you don’t need to wait until Christmas week to feel the magic. The festive season takes off with a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on 28th November, hosted by Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Visitors can enjoy a cosy, hands-on afternoon led by an expert florist, crafting their own fresh wreaths from seasonal foliage and ribbon. The workshop takes place right at the charity’s headquarters, offering a unique front- row view of the helipad while hearing more about the life-saving work the crews carry out across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. It’s a heart-warming start to the season. As December approaches, the city itself begins to sparkle. The highlight this year is the Lincoln Ice Adventure, taking place on 6th and 7th December. The weekend-long event transforms Lincoln into a winter wonderland with intricate ice sculptures displayed across key locations, including Lincoln Cornhill, Steep Hill and Lincoln Cathedral. Families can follow the festive trail through the city’s most beautiful streets, pausing to shop, snack, and snap photos along the way. With live entertainment and seasonal food on offer, it’s a celebration that captures the magic of Lincoln at Christmas. Lincoln Castle Illuminated enchants visitors from 21st November to 23rd December. The From candlelit cathedrals to glowing castle walls, Lincoln turns into a storybook each December, where history, lights and local charm make every corner feel festive. 22 Á A Christmas spell over Lincoln 22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN event has become a cornerstone of Lincoln’s Christmas season, drawing visitors from across the country. As darkness falls, the ancient castle walls are bathed in light, the grounds filled with projections, performances, and the scent of seasonal food drifting through the air. Walking through the illuminated grounds offers something both grounding and otherworldly, an experience that connects the past with the present in the most dazzling way. The rest of the city hums with life. The cathedral hosts candlelit concerts and carol services that fill its vaulted ceilings with sound and spirit, while Steep Hill and The Strait become a winter shopper’s dream. The small boutiques and independent shops that line these narrow streets offer everything from handmade ornaments to gourmet treats, often staying open late on Thursdays throughout December. There’s no rush, no sterile high-street repetition, just the slow joy of finding gifts in places where owners still know their customers by name. Wander further down into the city centre and you’ll find the Cornhill Quarter draped in festive lights, the cafés along Brayford Waterfront twinkling with reflections on the water, and the hum of buskers and market stalls filling the air. Lincoln’s Christmas calendar has shifted in recent years, favouring a series of smaller, more intimate events instead of one enormous market. It’s a change that suits the city: less crowded, more personal, and easier to savour. If you arrive in time for the city’s Christmas light switch-on, held in late © stock.adobe.com/Connor © stock.adobe.com/ANDREW NORRIS© stock.adobe.com/ANDREW NORRIS LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 LINCOLN November, you’ll see Lincoln at its most atmospheric, a place where old and new blend seamlessly. Spend the afternoon exploring the castle and cathedral, pause for tea on Steep Hill, then linger as the lights come to life and the city takes on its festive glow. By evening, as you stroll past the illuminated spires and the smell of roasted chestnuts drifts from the square, it’s hard not to feel that Lincoln was built for this time of year. Lincoln at Christmastime isn’t about spectacle for its own sake. It’s about warmth, the glow from a cathedral window, the smile from a shopkeeper, the laughter echoing through castle walls. This December, Lincoln offers not just an escape, but an experience, festive without frenzy, historic without heaviness, and every bit as welcoming as the season itself.24 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION From party dresses to cosy coats, Lincolnshire Today shares some new looks to adorn this festive season. Festive glam & winter warmersLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 FASHION Joe Browns From its rich floral print and devore fabric to its high neck, this tunic dress from Joe Browns is both elegant and eye-catching. 26 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Left: Rhoen In a dark navy satin, this voluminous dress from Rhoen offers a modern yet timeless piece exuding opulence. Middle: Busby & Fox In a deep plum colour, this soft, satin dress from Busby & Fox presents attractive texture with its raw- hemmed frill detail to the V neckline and shirring. Right: Marc Cain This glamorous, flowing maxi dress from Marc Cain, with its vibrant red hue and contrasting leaf print, is ideal for special occasions this Christmas. Opposite: Joe Browns Whether heading out for date night or to a winter wedding, this bold, pink velvet dress from Joe Browns with its V neckline and floating sleeves is sure to flatter.28 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Above: Cotton Traders Stay fabulous all winter long in this stylish checked coat from Cotton Traders. Top right: Darlin London Elevate your knitwear with this fitted cashmere sweater from Darlin London featuring elegant, ribbed detailing and ruffle shoulders. Oliver Bonas This chocolate brown and blue mini dress from Oliver Bonas is sure to add a sweet touch to your winter wardrobe. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 FASHION Top left: Laura Ashley With a matching blouse and skirt, Laura Ashley brings forth a charming, checked look. Left: Lakeland Leather Protect against the elements in style with this long leather coat in a striking tan colour from Lakeland Leather featuring a detachable faux-fur trimmed hood. Above: Threadbare Threadbare presents a cosy finish for your outfits with this borg coat in a trendy berry-burgundy hue. Next >