A magical weekend of frozen fun with festive and Lincoln-themed ice sculptures, as well as a host of Christmas entertainment is coming to the city this December.

 

Organised by City of Lincoln Council’s Events in Lincoln team, the Lincoln Ice Trail will take place on 9 and 10 December from 10am-4pm each day, with further entertainment into the evening.

 

Visitors will have the opportunity to soak up all the festivities the city has to offer as they wander Lincoln’s streets to discover 20 ice masterpieces.

 

Live ice-carving demonstrations of the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral will also be taking place on both days – giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to see how it’s done!

 

Locations for the first ever Lincoln Ice Trail include:

1. Brayford Viewing Platform – Swan 
2. St Marks Shopping Centre – Reindeer 
3. Lower High Street – Stars 
4. High Street – Gingerbread Man, sponsored by Nationwide
5. Lincoln Bus Station – Bus, sponsored by Stagecoach
6. Transport Hub – Lincolnshire Red Arrow 
7. Cornhill Square – Viking with Hammer, sponsored by Thors Tipi
8. Sincil Street – Turtle, sponsored by Turtle Bay
9. City Square – Tractor 
10. Lincoln Guildhall – City Crest (Fleur De Lis) 
11. Central High Street (outside House of Fraser) – Presents 
12. High Street (near Eqvvs) – Mulled Wine
13. Top of the High Street/ Straight and Narrow – Sleigh 
14. Christ Hospital Terrace – Steampunk Cogs 
15. Lincoln Castle – Dragon, sponsored by Lincoln Castle
16. Castle Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre) – Polar Bear 
17. St Paul in the Bail – Lincoln Imp
18. Outside Duke William – Santa 
19. Lincoln Cathedral Dean’s Green – Lincoln Cathedral (Live carving 12pm-3pm each day)
20. Cathedral Westfront – Christmas Tree 

This year, a number of generous, local businesses have sponsored some of these fantastic sculptures in the trail. 

 

These include: Lincoln Castle, Thor’s Tipi, Turtle Bay, Stagecoach and Nationwide. To find out more about the Lincoln Ice Trail and future sponsorship opportunities, email: events@lincoln.gov.uk  

The incredible sculptures are currently in the process of being created by Icebox, Europe’s leading ice sculpture specialist.

 

Extra Christmas entertainment

Alongside Lincoln Ice Trail, visitors can experience a traditional Christmas in Lincoln this festive season with some extra magic.

 

During the Lincoln Ice Trail, visit Castle Square where you will find a fantastic festive atmosphere filled with the smells, tastes and sights of a Lincoln Christmas. 

 

During 9 and 10 December, FFN Lincoln will have traditional Glühwein for sale in Castle Square.  The perfect treat to keep you warm as you wander the city to view the stunning ice sculptures.

 

Roasted chestnuts, music from a steam organ and a Christmas themed steam engine will also be located in Castle Square, giving visitors the sights, smells and tastes of Christmas in Lincoln. 

 

As evening falls each day, there will be stilt firewalkers at St Paul in the Bail at 5pm, followed by a closing show at Lincoln Cathedral at 6.45pm on both days of the ice trail.

 

As part of the trail, visitors will also have the chance to meet Frozen stars Anna and Elsa. Elsa will be casting her magic over the city all weekend, with a special appearance from Anna on Sunday. 

 

Christmas in Lincoln throughout December

New for 2023, the city council has invested more than £140,000 in brand new festive lighting for the city, which will see lights from Newport Arch, all the way down to St Mark’s Street, with some ‘wow’ displays – including a dazzling fairy-light display within Exchequer Gate Arch and a 16-metre illuminated comet in City Square. 

For the first three weekends in December, from Friday – Sunday, visitors can also experience traditional festive fun with views of the magical Lincoln Cathedral as you ride on the traditional carousel. This fairground favourite will bring you back to your childhood, with fantastic views of our magnificent cathedral and sounds of laughter and enjoyment from all.

 

Christmas in Lincoln can be enjoyed throughout the festive period, with seasonal entertainment from carollers to light performers booked on select dates throughout December. 

 

To find out more and plan your festive trip to the city, visit visitlincoln.com/Christmas for a full and up-to-date schedule. 

 

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said:

 

“Christmas is a special part of the year for everyone, and Lincoln is the perfect backdrop for celebrations.

 

“Having seen the ice sculptures in other cities bring in the crowds, we have teamed this trail with some fantastic, and traditional Christmas entertainment throughout the festive season so there really is something for everyone. 

 

“We have significantly invested in our Christmas lights this year and alongside the Ice Trail, mulled wine, carollers, the gallopers and extra festive entertainment, December will definitely be one to remember in Lincoln!”

 

For full details of the Lincoln Ice Trail and to download the map, click here.