LINCOLN is gearing-up to give local families, visiting shoppers and festive tourists a Christmas experience to remember.
Lincoln BIG and its partners have lined-up some unmissable family attractions and we’ve put a new spin on late-night shopping too – giving people more opportunities to track down those special pressies in the run-up to the “big celebration.”
The Business Improvement Group has invited Thor’s Tipi back on November 8 to get the city’s festive vibe off to a flying start. The Tipi, which will be accompanied by the street market-style Cheese Cave, will be fully licensed and it will also have a welcome hot chocolate station.
The Tipi, with its twinkling lights, wooden tables, benches, furs and fire pit, provides a unique attraction – and it’s just great for work parties wanting to do a present swap. Thor’s Tipi will stay in place right up until New Year’s Eve.
Friday, November 22 (hooray, no school the next day!) sees the Switching On of the City’s Lights.
Lincoln really pushes the boat out by offering shoppers and visitors the chance to enjoy three “lighting-up ceremonies” – lights are flicked on at St Mark’s Shopping Centre at 6.30pm (following the entertainment that starts at 4.45pm); the main event follows in the Central High Street (in front of the city’s War Memorial) with the switch on at 7.10pm and the Waterside Shopping Centre switches on its lights at 7.30pm.
Fridays are also going to be extra special this year, because Friday is going to be our main Late Night Shopping night (although some shops may also open late on Thursdays, as before). We believe Fridays will be extra popular because they will get everyone’s weekend off to a great start.
Friday late night shopping starts on November 22 (Switch-On night) and continues right through until December 20.
December kicks off on a high note, on Thursday, Dec 5 at 12 noon with the opening of the City of Lincoln Council-run Lincoln Christmas Market. This continues on Friday and Saturday (Dec 6 and 7) from 10am to 9.30pm and finishes on Sunday (Dec 8) when it opens from 10am to 7pm.
On Thursday, November 28, people are being encouraged to bring the family into the city to meet some special visitors from the Cairngorms.
Yes, it’s the date of the annual Reindeer Parade, which is always a real draw for adults and youngsters alike. They will walk into the garden at 2pm.
Later in the afternoon, the reindeer will join Santa Claus for their festive parade, which starts from St Mark’s Shopping Centre at 6pm. They then travel up the High Street, past Thor’s Tipi in The Cornhill and finish up in City Square. Get your cameras ready.
Another unmissable night is Thursday, December 19, when children from Westgate School and supporters from St Mary Magdalene Church take part in Lincoln BIG’s traditional Lantern Parade.
Everyone meets up at 5.30pm, then at 6pm move off from City Square to The Cornhill, walking past Thor’s Tipi into the High Street and the Parade then wends its way up Steep Hill, finishing-up in Castle Hill for a small nativity service.
Don’t forget to check out the Christmas Shopping free parking deals, by visiting:
http://www.visitlincoln.com/blog/christmas-shopping-free-parking-2019
