Get ready for a frosty, festive challenge as the Lincoln Ice Adventure returns on 6 and 7 December 2025 from 11am to 5pm, and this year, the mischievous Lincoln Imp has been up to no good!
The Imp has cast a spell that’s turned the city into ice, and it’s up to families and festive explorers to find the 14 hand-carved Lincoln-themed ice sculptures hidden around the city centre to unfreeze Lincoln and bring back the Christmas joy!
Organised by City of Lincoln Council’s Events in Lincoln team, this free, family-friendly adventure invites participants to uncover each letter of a magical word by visiting every ice sculpture.
Once all 14 letters have been found, decipher the word to break the spell, and Lincoln’s festive spirit will be restored!
To join the fun, visitors can pick up a free Ice Adventure guide from the Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.
Each sculpture, crafted by the talented artists at Icebox, will celebrate a piece of Lincoln’s unique history, culture, and Christmas charm.
Highlights include:
- A live ice-carving demonstration of a Christmas tree at St Paul in the Bail (12 noon – 3pm on both days)
- The Makers’ Market in Castle Square and Castle Hill car park, featuring independent traders and handmade festive gifts
- Delicious seasonal treats, including the always-popular, traditional F.F.N. Lincoln Section Glühwein (German mulled wine) stall returning to Castle Square, bringing festive warmth and seasonal cheer
- Performances from local groups including The Lincoln Rock Choir, SoundLincs, The City of Lincoln Band, Birdcage Ukulele Orchestra and LVA Choirs
- Entertainment throughout the weekend from Guiding Sparks and Aura Performances, which includes magical visits from whimsical winter characters such as the Bubble Elf, Icicle Princess and Glowbot
Families can also submit their own creative designs at the Post Box Ice Sculpture on High Bridge, with the winning idea being brought to life for next year’s Lincoln Ice Adventure!
Last year’s winning design came from a talented nine-year-old boy, who sketched his sister as an ice skater. Thanks to the team at Icebox, his design was transformed into a stunning sculpture, now featured as number 13 in this year’s guide, standing proudly at St Paul in the Bail.
As well as all the Ice Adventure has to offer, visitors can make the most of Lincoln’s fantastic shopping and dining scene, with a wonderful mix of High Street brands, independent shops, cafés and restaurants open throughout the weekend.
It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some local Christmas shopping, discover unique gifts, and warm up with a festive treat between stops on the trail.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “
The Lincoln Ice Adventure is a highlight of the city’s festive calendar, bringing together families, businesses, and visitors to celebrate the magic of the Christmas period.
“This year’s new Lincoln Imp theme adds a fun, interactive twist to the trail, and we’re delighted to once again showcase the creativity, community spirit, and festive joy that make Lincoln so special. Whether you plan to spend the day or full weekend in our city centre, there’s so much to do and explore.”
Andrew Long, Principal Director of Loxley Collection TSP Group, said:
“White Hart Hotel is proud to be a sponsor of the Lincoln Ice Adventure as part of celebrating Christmas in Bailgate and Castle Hill Square, as well as for the City of Lincoln as a whole.
“Antlers Restaurant and the Hotel look forward to welcoming customers throughout December, inclusive of the Colonnade Cocktail Lounge and Gibson Club Bar. Why not try our festive Afternoon Teas or Antlers’ special lunch menu running throughout December? There will also be a full range of treatments available within the Aquitaine Spa for those wishing to relax and recuperate at this busy time of year.”
Amanda Monaghan, Director at THOR’s Tipi, said:
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Lincoln Ice Adventure again! It always brings an incredible festive buzz to the city; we look forward to it every year.
“Drop by THOR’S tipi, we’ll be waiting for you with German hot chocolate, mulled wine and definitely a churro or two. You’ll be able to try and lift the THOR’S ‘Ice Hammer’ too!”
Sabrina Canner, Property Administrator at Taylor Lindsey, said:
“Taylor Lindsey is delighted to be part of the Lincoln Ice Trail for the second year running — and we can’t wait for everyone to discover our festive house sculpture as part of this magical event.”
The Lincoln Ice Adventure forms part of the wider Christmas in Lincoln celebrations, running from late November through December, featuring stunning illuminations, festive markets, and seasonal entertainment across the city.
Join us this December to help thaw the city, discover Lincoln’s icy secrets, and share in the magic of Christmas!
Find out more and follow updates at Events in Lincoln on Facebook and Instagram.