Christmas Market

Add your advice here for other visitors to Lincoln Christmas Market.

Amanda And Georgina
Fantastic day out will be there again next year. everything went like clockwork

Andy H
The park and ride this year was a complete rip off. £10 to park in a very muddy field miles away from Lincoln and we had to queue for 40 minutes in the freezing weather to get a coach into Lincoln. I will not be going again.

Jill
Wear thermals and and a warm coat and gloves, it gets really cold. The Coffee and brandy or the mulled wine helps you to keep warm.Look out for the scrummy fudge stall :-)

JULIE
Take a tip from me wrap up warm.. went last year for first time rain sleet showers all day freeezing..fantastic start of the christmas hols to get you in the spirit. nobody forces you to buy these are craft markets expect craftsmens prices. As for cathedral prices its worth a mere £2.00 donation to view this beutiful cathedral as for the singers not being outside with last years weather what do you expect??? cannot wait till weekend shop drink eat and be merry oh and dont forget to take your santa hat 100% rating well done lincoln for a fab way to open my festive season.

Andy H .(Chesterfield)
Those who are negative.They surely must be missing the mulled wine!

Wendy
We don't have anything like this in America! A friend took me my first year here. I loved it! I have gone every year and look forward to it all year. This year I am taking a van full. I tell everyone they should go. I'm surprised how many people have never been. You can't keep me away. And the food is SO good. I have been every year for three years and will be returning every year untill 2012 at least. We see everything we can in England. And I have many favorite places to visit. However Lincoln Christmas Market is the one I look forward to all year.

Notts Lassies..
Ive been for the last 3 years, with group of girls, its good fun.. Yes some of the items for sale are a bit on the expensive side, but use your own judgement. The atmosphere is gr8, very christmassy, combined with a nice meal and ya santa hat.. GIVE IT A GO !!! Lol.

Emma Lincoln
I cannot understand why some people have such a dim view of the Christmas market I think it is fantastic. Yes it is busy but isn't everywere at christmas. It puts you in the festive spirit just weeks before the big day. The prices are slightly higher than in the shops of the city but all christmas markets charge a little more for the quality of items you are purchasing. If you think it is a let down sorry, Im sure the thousands of of other visitors will have a great time.

cheryl
I go every year with my family and well all enjoy it. It has changed alot over the many years that i have attended its usually the same stalls but thats good because of the christmas spirit that it shows i feel that it isnt on long enough and it should have more stalls but over a wider area.. If you have not been go it is amazing and smells lovely. You can buy lots of nice gifts for your friends and relatives

martin kinsley
If you are a resident of Lincoln, the council have NOT thought about you, they even expect you to drive from your house to the showground to park. My recommendation is this - ensure you have enough shopping in for the duration, don't leave the house, and petition your councillor for residents of Lincoln rights! Money should not be the only interest, we have to live here!

Glen Allison from Lincoln
I like it. I like the people. And the scenery is just fabulous too. It all brings the meaning of Christmas together. x

Sarah
Lincoln is such a lovely place to visit (been before when the market wasn't on)and im hoping the market will be no exception. I've been told by some people who live in Lincoln that the market this year will have less candy floss stalls and more of the original craft stalls like before, so i'm looking forward to it.

Alison from Sheffield
Despite reading most of your comments, am really looking forward to the Christmas Market and will use a lot of the useful tips. Will feedback after we've been and hope it is as brilliant as I have been told it is! As for all you disgruntled shoppers-hope you have a great Christmas whatever you do and maybe ask Santa for some spelling lessons!!

Kathleen Atherton
I am interested in taking an elderly gentleman to visit lincoln christmas market, travelling from Nottingham. Any advice on travel and access for disabled people would be appreciated.

Hannah and Moira
We first heard about the Lincoln Christmas market when we visited Lincoln for a weekend to see special friends. We have heard its a famous event that should not be missed :) cant wait to go and see for ourselves this year. Its going to be great experience and to meet old and new friends :Dcan't wait!

Iris Clayton
want to know the date of 2008 christmas market

DONNA
I visited Lincoln xmas market this yr 2007, and it was absolutely Fantastic, very xmassy, plenty to see and visit, a vast choice of things to do and eat for all ages not to mention the gorgious smells that fill the air, the market,church,and cathedral are especially good to see at night when all is lit up, Cant waite for next years market, brilliant.

Terrence Nutkins
I never expected a market to be so popular. I've not been before and i was intrigued as to what was so special about it, After reading all these comments it really does sound like such good fun and i think i might have to visit myself and also miss football for this spectacular occassion.

Stephen Minister
Living in Rasen Lane in Lincoln 2007 was no exception when I say that our nearby streets, which were supposed to havebeen enforced residents parking only was an anrchic farce. Anyone and everyone parked in Hereward St, St Nicolas St, Upper Saxon St, Vere Street and all the surrounding streets. Unlike the more affluent areas such as Minster Yard, Pottergate and suchlike who received more attention and more staff. In other words; a two tier system of residents parking was evident. This was the joint and servral fault of Lincolnshire Police, City Council and the private company employed by City Council. Personally, I would love to see the market half the size selling decent quality items, not tatt and trash and fairground rides.

Jan
The market is an absolute waste of time, made worse this year by drivng rain. Many years ago it was a traditional and quite pleasant market well worth visiting but the passage of time and the city councils greed has meant it is nothing more that an over hyped commercial event aimed at fleecing as much money out of visitors as possible.My advice is to visit a smaller market that has not lost it's Christmas charm.

Flange Gordon
I visited the market last year and it really did put me in the festive spirit!I also missed football, just like the young buck below! What a coincidence! It's such a shame that the food on offer is not available all year round, it really is that delectable.

Kevin Barker
Can I just say how much I agree with Amy's views. The church is my favourite place on the planet. I love Lincoln mainly because of this fair. I cannot wait for this years

joanne lincoln
Cheep exspensive rubbish on a lot of stalls. Thought it was supposed to be local & German Ignerent people that knock into you without apology.And as for paying to go into the cathedral to light a candle Im disgusted.

Gerry White
I live in Lincoln, so welcome to everyone, It is difficult to get about, but the Seasonal atmosphere is great, and sets the right mood to enjoy Christmas.Come and enjoy our Historic town.

Carolyn
I live in New Zealand and visited Lincoln with my pal,Amanda, who lives in Newark, afew years ago.Such an amazing place!!I loved it. Our Christmas is in Summer but I long for a winter one. The Lincoln Christmas Festival looks like a Christmas should be! Don't take it for granted...please!!

leanne
me and kev go every year, it really is the highlight of our year. the people are so friendly, so many stalls to choose from, such little time to get round them all. this is the only weekend of the year that kevin will miss his beloved westbrook football match and drinking with his friends....so not all men love football the most. thats how good this market is!

Harren Dands
I am Harren, and I am also taking my lovely girlfriend Lianne to this market. I cannae wait pet!

Karen - Sheffield
Great day to take your friends and drink lodsa mulled wine (could be a bit cheaper tho). Make sure you catch the right train home!!

AMY JACKSON
I live in Lincoln and I have to say yes it can be difficult to get around, but it is such a special event and puts everyone in a festive mood for Christmas,not only is it a great time, but eally puts us Lincolnshire folk on the map. Oh and our local church - St Peter in Eastgate is open Friday - Sunday for coffee and tea and has toilet facilities also, so come along, enjoy and keep coming, Lincoln is such a pretty city and I feel so luck y to live here.

tony
are there any good hotels near the market?

kevin barker
I love the xmas market i travel down from leeds every year and i am already counting down the days. This year i am coming with my beautiful girlfriend Lianne.

Diane
I have always wanted to go to this for years and last year was my 2nd visit. If you can cope with crowds and waiting to get to the front of the stalls, it really is nice, but exhausting. The car parking needs a little patience as well, but you have to expect this. To see this at its best you have to be there when it is dark to experience the lights and true atmosphere.

LINDA - OLDHAM
Yes the Market is very busy and surely that's what the stall holders and city of Licoln want! As for selling 'tat' no one forces you to buy it! I do understand though, as for items being pricey, well if and I mean if they are hand made then they deserve to charge enough for the time spent making them, but if they are mass produced then come on stall holders look at your prices. As for the town itself and the atmosphere the market generates I love it!! Most of the items I buy are from the little individual shops on the 'hill' and within the old part, well worth the visit and that's why I'll be there again this year.

MARY FROM MALTA
VERY NICE L WILL CAME AGAIN

Siobhan
I can't believe some of the negative comments I've been reading! My family have been going to this market for about 3 years now and I can honestly say that I am never disappointed. So often you can build up a beautiful memory of a place only to be disappointed when you re-visit it, but not with the christmas market! The atmosphere is just fantastic, with the music, the smells and the bustle everywhere. Personally i love the crowds- who wants to be standing in an empty market trying to feel festive? I recommend the park and ride, anything else you try to do could end up with blisters or a parking ticket! As for these people who claim the market is too expensive; newsflash- you don't actually have to buy the things you think are overpriced you know? Last year I didn't buy anything at all but still managed to have a great time. The food is amazing there, try the cinnamon and vanilla roasted cashew nuts (they're responsible for the gorgeous smell you keep snatching whiffs of!)and the crepes with chocolate! If some these comments that have been made have put you off, you are truly missing out on a wonderful christmas tradition that is a brilliant day out for people of any age. After all; you won't know unless you go!

Katherine from Lincolnshire
Ive been every year since around 1988 - and I love it! It always makes me feel in the Christmas spirit. First stops are always the curried bratwurst & mulled wine stalls! As for the one way system - brilliant! I remember the days when that was not in place, and it was hell!! Very scary! I have taken my family, friends, and now children, and all love it. A shame the German feel seems to be lacking somewhat these days, but still good!! And, to top it all, it is always on for my birthday - so that makes it extra special!!! Long may it continue!!

Aimee
I go to lincoln christmas fair evry year and i love it,it has so many amazing things to see and do,with so many stalls selling so many nice things and the food stalls are wonderful.the only thing i can say is that your best off going when it opens to get the best of the deals and to really enjoy it,it may be busy but it is worth every minute.its such a nice atmosphere as well and everything looks wonderful.there isn't a bad word i can say about this market.it applies to everyones tastes and the christmas music when your going around makes you more in the mood towards christmas,it wouldn't be christmas without it.this is coming from a 16 year old.

Collette
Started coming in 2004, when my now husband told me about it, it has become a yearly ritual and every year we take a different set of frinds and have turnded them all into Lincoln xmas fair shoppers, bery annoyed at people who complain about crowds and the one way system, listen to raidos about crowds and the one way system is there for your safety, you have to bide your time and wait a bit to get to the stalls you want to but well worth the wait!Looking foward to this year.

Moira
We travel from Essex to visit the Christmas market having been taken there by our friends from Leicestershire for the first time some years ago, now it has become a yearly ritual, as soon as we step off of the bus, and go for our first cup of tea and mince pie I feel that Christmas has really started. We love it, we dress warmly, take many breaks for tea or coffee and a nice lunch at one of the many eating places, it is a wonderful day out, so, be a child again, enjoy the warm friendly people around you and take it from this happy lady from down south, we love Lincoln, it's market and it's people and we will be back Friday 7th December 2007 to get our Christmas off to a wonderful start and to say thankyou to the lovely people of Lincoln for such a warm welcome each year.

Andy
What a bunch of moaners! 'I dont like crowds', 'Theres not enough toilets', 'The Cathedral wanted me to donate two pounds - how dare they?' Dont come then! Its a great weekend!

Jim chilli Banana
What a load of old tosh way too expensive all made by the far east -never coming back!

chris coles
Very overcrowded - not worth the visit. Does anyone know the name of the stall selling the gold dangly things. I bought one - price £20 and when the person I'd bought it for opened it -it fell apart!! That was the only thing I bought.

Debbie & Chris
Just moved to Lincoln and was really, really looking forward to seeing the Christmas market. Was expecting lots of German goods and Licolnshire produce because of reports from friends that had visited in the past. Very disappointed as it just felt like a normal market with a few fair-grounds thrown in. There were about 10 stalls I felt were from the good old days. Wake up Lincoln council because this is not good enough. The people travel here because it is supposed to be about products from Lincolnshire and Neustadt..not China & Hong Kong! I was told that it would take hours to walk around because of the crowds. In fact I was done in an hour on a Saturday afternoon! Maybe because people aren't coming back? Or maybe they have heard it isn't what it's supposed to be? I don't know. All I know is I went with a £100 to spend and came back with £90! Oh yes, also why weren't the Carol singers actually singing outside the Cathedral. It looked really stupid that they had to sing outside the Castle with mikes to be heard! Outside the Cathedral doors would have been really festive and I think they would have got a lot of photos & donations if they were singing there. Altogether I thought the event was ill thought out and lacked the spirit it originally had. The council have obviously forgotten exactly what the market is supposed to represent and just gone for the money instead. Sadly, this will only result in the demise of Lincoln Cristmas Market. Please Lincoln Council, sit down and make the 26th anniversary the best market yet. Bring back the nostalgia. We need more produce from the area to be sold (and Neustadt of course), more seating for tourists that are unable to manage the mammouth hill, more carol singing, especially by the cathedral, less noise from the tannoy system saying "one way system" - signs will surely suffice!, more thought about what the tourists/visitors need (one area is the lost child section - we only found one "Lost Child Section" which would be a nightmare if I lost my child because it would be near impossible to find it). Also more public toilets would be an idea, There are over 180,000 people who visit the event so I would expect extra convieniences to be in place. It seemed that the council expected everybody to use the facilities in place. Not very good if it is actually busy!!!! Hopefully I will be reporting a better time next year!

christine from rotherham
great day out need moresit down eating places under cover will be coming again

Joe Pineapples
A strangley unfestive affair, I thought. Also, too many stalls selling really quite expensive twee rubbish, and not enough quality, nice stuff. That said, the food and mulled wine were nice, and Lincoln is very pretty, but I doubt I'll be coming again.

Jackie
First stop was the Cathedral - loved it. Next stop was the market - hated it. Couldn't get near the stalls, couldn't wait to leave

Bill W - Grimsby
This was my first ever visit and it was a sight to behold. The Cathedral, the Castle, the city, the crowds were fantastic - and then of course there was the 100's of stalls. I would highly recommended it to anyone - brilliant - Thanks Lincoln folk

Christine
Be aware that if you visit the cathedral, which IS magnificent, you will have to fight your way past middle aged ladies who stand guard inside the entrance and expect you to donate £2.00 each. I would happily have given a generous donation, but as I was badgered immediately upon entry, explained myself and then refused to give anything at all - shame on you for attempting to mug the Christmas Market visitors, who boost your local economy over the 4 days.

Christine
i first went to the market about 20 years ago and it was still newish and very continental. The stalls sold charming items that were scarely available here, mostly German. Foodwise there were the German Sausages, real pretzels and spiced biscuits - it was really wonderful and as I used to live in Munich, had experienced the real thing, Lincoln was doing a great job. I took my friends today and told them how great it was and we did have a nice time, but unfortunately it didn't live up to the expectations. I know many years had passed, but the market had become Anglisised, with most of the stalls selling overpriced and not particularly thrilling items. Still very nice, people were evidently enjoying themselves, no trouble anywhere, well organised event and park and ride is a God send. Lincoln has the most beautiful buildings and we did have a lovely time in your city, but as for the Christmas Market, I felt it had lost its magic and charm - good day out though and if you're doing it for the first time, you will love it, it's a shame I could compare it to the last visit.

Petrina Manchester
I come from Lincoln originally and went to the very first one in 1982 I was a school kid and played Christmas carols for the North Hykeham town band.It was freezing but a great atmosphere and I've been most years ever since and have really seen changes,some good some bad. Its a great way to start the festive season, yes its busy,cold and overpriced but wrap up warm,relax and enjoy...We have a christmas market here in Manchester but its not the same.

Caroline - Lincoln
Its fantastic and I am proud to say its held in our very own town every year so its a must to go if you can ... went tonight (friday) and parked in the city hall car park (no problems parking) then walked up steep hill! WOW what an atmosphere...

Sarah
I've been the past couple of years and can honestly say the market is brilliant. Enjoy the day and ignore all the people that have written in saying its rubbish (they don't know what they talking about!!!!) It's a great day out. Also use the park and ride as there is nowhere to park near the market. Merry Christmas.

Penny
I have travelled from Leicester for the past three years and always use the park and ride. Yes it does get busy but that all adds to the atmosphere and there are bargains if you look. It looks beautiful and it really puts you in a Christmas mood!

paula
its the best!!! just accept its gonna be busy and prepare for it... not to be missed - am off tonight AND all day tomorrow. It makes you feel all festive and lovely - enjoy my little elfs xx

Lizzy
Do as my friends do, and have food from a different stall in each section, it lasts you till the next part and keeps you warm. Enjoy!

andrea,wakefield
ba humbug keith we try and go every year. what a brilliant day out the atmophear fantastic

Phil
I think Paul Bramley needs to join the Bah Humbug brigade and sit with a his mate Ebenezer and a bowl of gruel! You don’t need to spend much to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy what’s on show. As for being too busy, isn’t that a sign that it is popular and a great day out! I too have friends nearby and they DO go every year.

jo eaton
ts a great family outing ,Sitable for all ages.Isnt christmas till the market has been,I love going every year.Im just lucky to live in a city that does a decent christmas market and it is great to see all the stall holders get into the spirit by dressing up in victorian clothing.

Paul Bramley
If you've been once then don't go again. Overpriced, overcrowded and overrated. We have friends near Lincoln who have never been to the market. I think that speaks volumes!!!!

Gemma
Be prepared to walk so slowly you'll think you've gone back in time!! It is really busy!

catrin
go early, or late. It used to be worth a visit up with friends, but it's got far too busy now to really be worth seeing - too many people mean you just can't experience it properly. Expensive but nice stalls, and horrendous parking. The majority of locals stay out the way and let the visitors enjoy pushing their way round the (irritating) one-way system!

Ken Sanderson
Its certainly worth going and is ideally placed at the start of the month to get you in the Christmas mood. My advice would be to use the Park & Ride, rather than parking in illegally. Be prepared for the cold and the thousands of people that can make moving around very difficult. Also, respect the area as it is an ancient town and people do live in the areas you are going to.

Mark Gee
Go about 1 hour before the christmas market opens because it gets really packed and busy

Mad Marc Hare
Seen markets all over britain and this is still one of the best. Just accept it is busy and take your time, you will see more that way.

Helen, Hemswell
It's been a couple of years since i last went, so really looking forward to going again this year! i still love the fairground rides but maybe i'l grow up soon and start appreciating the food stalls etc more! ;)Great place and so proud to be a yellow belly!!

Jules
Westgate Primary is a perfect place to restock with a hot drink and a sit down to get ready for az second lap. To those who say you can only go once PIFFLE! been going every year for 10 years, Student, First Date, with Husband, With Daughter, we cannot begin our Christmas before we have been to the market!!! Joyous

Guy Wilson
Saturday is the big day, but for children under 5 can we recommend the Friday evening. More room to move around and not lose your children, but also the children can see all of the lights and the attractions. Our daughter Hollie was 2 in 2005 and she reaaly got a tast for the market and we are already getting ready for 2006 because of the fun we had last time

Nat
I worked the 2005 christmas market and it was hell in one way, but i really enjoyed it, the only down side was working 15 hours and doing it all again the next day! ... and not having time to go around the market myself! The cheesy bands are legendary, you have to stop and watch! And I agree with previous comment about Ostrich...its fantastic Lincolnshire produce!

Ian, Lincoln
If you have never been before then it's quite enjoyable. If you have been before I don't think it's worth it.

jeanette majewski, lincoln
Its really special the first time then the second doest seem as special as its the same kind of stalls etc. However, Its definately worth going as not only is there something for everyone, its a good way to get into the christmas spirit and also see beautiful historic lincoln. Just remember to wrap up warm then visit my favourite bit... the mulled wine stall!!mmm

Keith
Don't bother. Too busy, too expensive and makes getting around way too difficult for the locals.

Pete Mc from Atherstone in Warwickshire
Great day Out. Been for several years now. Organisation is fantastic, park & ride could not be better, there's plenty to see plus all the usual shops. The only complaint is that haul up Steep Hill at the end of day when the rucksack is full of goodies from the Stalls and the feet are crying out for a pair of warm slippers !!

chris, Shropshire
first read about it in magazine and couldn't wait to go there so we went last year, what a lovely atmosphere with friendy people and lovely gifts to buy. really puts you in the mood for christmas, definatly going again this year.

Jane, Cumbria
We come down every year and love the Christmas market, really impressed with the disabled facilities and have found a lovely pie shop that sells hot pork pies with mint sauce. The URC church sells good food and hot drinks cheaply too.

Sue, Northumberland
Pete from Manchester can't have explored the whole Market - we came home with some excellent cheeses and liqueurs! At least he's considering going again this year! An excellent experience - keep up the good work.

Nicola
I graduated from Lincoln Uni June 2005 and made a pact with the mates i made there to meet at the market every year to catch up and enjoy the wonderful stalls and food and each others company. I think its a fantastic start to christmas, really puts you in the mood. The crowds, the (slightly) overpriced food and drink, the fair, the crafts, the castle, the cathedral and everything else is all part of he market and it wouldnt be the same without it. If you have nothing to do but complain about it - dont go!

Luke O'Donnell
Keep all valuables where you can feel them being removed, people then can't distract you, and take your expensive items!

Chris
I cant believe some of the comments made! What miserable people there must be. I went to the market with my elederly mother on a coach trip - we had a wonderful time visiting the market and the cathedral and enjoyed a reasonably priced meal. Some people obviously want something for nothing!! and have no Christmas spirit!!!

Jo
top tips for christmas market enjoyment: wrap up warm, go with someone with a sense of fun, spend loads of cash on fun presents for the kids, eat from the stalls, laugh at the strange announcements over the tannoy system. It is light hearted and a fun experience for a couple of hours. Less commerical bits for sale in the local shopsand stallsin Bailgate.

Eli Jaber
don't plan a meal later, eat all the srummy food on the way round! arrive after 16:30 and avoid all the bus loads who are on theirway home

zoe
when you are visiting the christmas fair make sure you are never left on your own always stay with a friend. if trouble occurs go to one of the police nearby and tell them what has happened.

Jane
I now live in Kent (but a born and bred Yellowbelly) and I love the Christmas Market. I go every year with my Mum and it starts my festive season.

Carmena
We have been going to Lincoln Fair with friends for 11 years now - We wouldn't miss it! We treat the children to fun fair rides & bratwurst while we indulge in mulled wine & roasted chestnuts. We tend to stick to the outdoor markets-finding the indoor Fair too crowded but we always have a fun afternoon out and it sets us up for a great start to the Christmas festivities.

sarah johnson
I cant believe some of the negative comments about the christmas market. We go everyyear and always have a fantastic time.

Scott
on the positive side- Very well organised on the negative side- £8 park and ride is a disgraceful rip-off Too many stalls selling the same stuff Expensive Too much emphasis on the fairground side of things

Denise, Lee and Kelsey From Nottingham
We now live in Canada. One thing we all miss, is the Lincoln Christmas Market. They have Christmas Markets here, but not with the same atmosphere that you get going round Lincoln. The smell of mulled wine, hot dogs and mince pies with brandy butter. We will be back for a visit one day.

Bob
Try to avoid the total traffic grid-lock of the roads leading uphill and the disruption for hundreds of local residents(there's a challenge!). The tacky traders' stalls which have little to do with Christmas, and the garish fairground rides have made the market lose its traditional-based origins and character. Apart from the operators, who benefits from this annual rip-off? Apart from that, enjoy the market!

Stephen Donnison
we took our australian friends round the Xmas market last year and they thought it was wonderful. They were in awe of the Cathedral all lit up .. magical

Sheila Wall
This will be our 10th visit to the Christmas Market & I still can't wait. I would recommend going on Friday if you can as it's not quite so busy.

Stuart
I agree the Gluhwein is excellent!

David Brewer
I have been to the market many years, I recomend you try the Gluh Wein which is sold in the castle square, pefect 2 drink round the market

Claire Latham & Emma Jacklin
We visited the market last year and felt that it really started Christmas off. The smells and sounds of Christmas are brilliant and not to be missed. We both can't wait for this year.

Jan
Don't bother. It's overcrowded, cold, usually wet and there's nothing to buy but a overpriced Christmas rubbish. It's no longer the traditional market it once was.

Katy from Bolsover
We look forward to it every year. Has now become a family tradition The park and ride is a great idea and if you take a car full and share the cost then it's not too expensive. Gluhwein certainly keeps you warm! really makes you feel christmassy.

Wendy
We live in Nottingham and absoloutely love the Lincoln Christmas market and have normally gone by car. However, last yest (2004) we decided to catch the train at the Netherfield Station and immediately realised this was a BIG mistatke. There were only two carriages on the train and it was standing room only, so we reluctantly decided not to go after all. I cant understand for the life of me why they dont put on more carriages for this special event.

Mr Parkman
A wonderful event for a wonderful city!

David
We travel to Lincoln on the coach as it is quick and comfortable. Lincoln is great at Christmas. The atmosphere is terrific and don't forget to sample the hot Gluhwein. If you get the time pay a visit to the magnificent Cathedral for a moment or two for some peace and quiet.

Penny
We come from Nottingham by train every year. Love the market and the atmosphere but why oh why don't they lay on more carriages? Expect a rugby scrum on your way home if you choose to travel this way!

Martin
My suggestion would be to take a coach tour if possible - the roads can get extremely busy when the market is on, and if you don't know your way around that could be a nightmare, if you are driving use the bypass (A46) - driving through the city centre will be slow going, it always is, it should be signed well.

Tony & jayne from Skellingthorpe
We have visited the market every year since moving in to the area and we always have friends who come and stay so that they can visit. We agree the best time is definitely on the Thursday evening when there is a real christmas atmoshpere for locals and there aren't the crowds. I do feel that there has been a loss of some of the more traditional food stalls which featured more local produce and there has been a move to more rides on the fun fair which has definitely taken away large part of the Christmas appeal. The Craft fair in the Lawns is still worth a visit and the organisation of the market is generally very good. I agree that carparking is best "downhill" as the walk past all the shops and cafes up steep adds to the day. However the best place to start is from the cathedral and then just go with the flow throught the arches, past the chestnut stalls, the gluwein van and onto the castle. Forget the food hall for reasons I've just mentioned at the begining, its all boring burgers and chip stalls, with one notable exception.. the cheese stall in the corner.

Katherine
We live right opposite the Westgate car park so the fairground rides are a nightmare. Last year we had nowhere to park our car because of this, so I went to stay with my parents for a week instead! This year we've sold the car and are looking forward to being able to wander around, drinking the hot chocolate with brandy and soak up the wonderful atmosphere with friends. It can be stressful for us locals as the council seems to prioritise this event over everything else, especially their own citizens, but it's best to forget all that and go with the flow. Bring plenty of cash but keep it safe. Enjoy!

leo
a great day out i have been going since i was around 5 and i am only 12 now. Every time we go with our friends who come over every year and they are christmas market crazy. On the saturday morning we"re up early to find somewhere to park and when we do i love it the atmosphere,the smell of the roasted chesnuts and the mulled whine its amazing. if you have never been to lincoln before then i would strongly recomend you to come to the market you will love it and you will want to come back year after year.(its great)

Elizabeth
We first went about eight years ago and totally fell in love with the romance and gaeity of it all. Unknowingly the second visit coincided with the market's 20th anniversary and what a spectacular night we had. From scaring ourselves on the fun fair rides to the fantastique fire work display at the end of the evening. There are so many stalls and open shops it is difficult to know what to buy. We tend to walk round the whole area once to take in the atmosphere, have something to eat and then set out to buy allsorts of things that caught our eye earlier. We always come home with a charity lantern and have the start of a nice collection which we take on camping trips. The market is close in date to our wedding anniversary and this year we hope to stay for a few days to make our visit even more romantic. Who knows this year I might really buy one of the lovely Russian dolls that I always drool over, their quality is the best I have seen anywhere. Beware though, one vist to Lincoln is enough to start an addiction to the city. Having returned as tourists several times we are now looking to purchase a house, so all potential visitors beware, you might get caught.

Jason and Sarah
Myself and my wife visit each year and it seems to get better each year. We would recomend people arrive late morning/early afternoon as most of the early rush has arrived by then and the queue for the bus is much shorter. We find Saturday to be the best day as that is the busiest and we love the huge numbers of people that are there, all there to enjoy the atmosphere!

Bob and Jean, Blackburn
I have just been reading your web pages for this years markets. Having heard so much about the Lincoln Christmas Markets previously, we decided to visit it for the first time in 2002.(Although we have been to Lincoln earlier in the year) We thoroughly enjoyed the market and the atmosphere was great Although there were hundreds of people there, we did not see or hear any trouble or loutish behaviour. The organisation was superb and we really had a brilliant time. Having enjoyed it so much, we returned in 2003 and we are going again this year. We don't just go for one day, we stay the whole week-end. We just have one tip for anyone wanting to stop in Lincoln at this time of the year "book early for Christmas" See you in December!

Mike, Scampton
Take more than one or two people per car, and please drive according to our infamous road network and increasingly elderly population!

Paul & June from Nottingham
We've been for two years on the trot now, we bring the caravan and stay at hartsholme country park, 1 bus there and back to the market up steep hill, the shops are GREAT the food is GREAT, a great weekend if you can get accomadation. The Cathedral is a must on the visit list as is Ritzy's on the main road (great food).

Ian Birch
Best advice is not to go. Avoid Lincoln during these 4 days.

Cat & Kaz
Our advice as 'mums' is DON'T TAKE THE KIDS it is so much more fun without them!!!

Towzie from Lincoln
If you are fit enough for the walk then the easiest travel route is to the south of the city (downhill). Park along the south High St (King St car park is empty in the evening) and walk along the High St and up Steep Hill. There are some lovely shops on the walk up and the traffic congestion is less infuriating on your way home. Have Fun.

Amanda
Wear thick soled and substantial shoes - the soles stop the cold coming up from the ground and if they're substantial it won't hurt too much when you get your toes trodden on !!