City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Office, along with special guests, is preparing to welcome the festive season with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Office, along with special guests, is preparing to welcome the festive season with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event, taking place on 27 November 2025 in the city centre.
The High Street’s Christmas lights will officially be switched on by the Right Worshipful, the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Bill Mara, joined by Lincoln’s favourite panto villain and former Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, alongside the stars of the New Theatre Royal’s 2025 pantomime, ‘Robin Hood’.
Organised by the City of Lincoln Council, the Civic Ceremony will be supported by BBC Lincolnshire and the New Theatre Royal and hosted by BBC Lincolnshire presenters, John Marshall and Ross Carrick.
Festivities kick off at 5pm with a DJ set and entertainment from BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Ross Carrick, followed by a variety of performances from local talent. Be sure to look out for Ady and Rowan Lee on their unicycles!
We also have a ‘special’ guest appearance especially for the boys and girls!!
From 6pm onwards, students from Stagecoach and the County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (CAODS) will take to the stage, building excitement ahead of the main switch-on.
By 6:40pm, the cast of ‘Robin Hood’ will perform, getting the crowd in the festive spirit.
The official switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights will take place at 7:10pm, transforming Lincoln city centre into a magical winter wonderland, with illuminations across key locations including St Paul in the Bail, Exchequergate, Brayford Wharf, Stonebow, City Square, Cornhill Quarter, Transport Hub, the High Street, and the Tree of Life in front of the Cathedral.
Kate Fenn, City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Manager and Event Organiser, said:
"We’re excited to bring Lincoln’s city centre alive with the sparkle and magic of the festive season.
“This year’s switch-on promises incredible performances, local talent, and a special moment when the Mayor lights up the city alongside Louis Smith. It’s the perfect way to kick-start the celebrations for 2025."
The event also marks the start of Thursday late-night shopping sessions, with selected stores staying open until 8pm on 27 November, 4 December, 11 December, and 18 December, allowing visitors to enjoy the lights while shopping for holiday gifts.
Visitors attending the switch-on can enjoy free parking from 4pm to 9:30pm at Lincoln Central car park and all City of Lincoln Council pay-and-display car parks using the PayByPhone app. Free parking also applies during all Thursday late-night shopping dates.
Continuing the festivities, the Lincoln Ice Adventure returns on 6 and 7 December 2025 from 11am to 5pm, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. Families can explore the city to discover 14 intricately designed ice sculptures, produced by Ice Box, as part of a magical story following the mischievous Lincoln Imp.
On the night of the Christmas Lights Switch-on, visitors will get an exclusive preview of the upcoming event. Much like last year, a stunning ice sculpture, in the form of the Lincoln Ice Adventure logo, will be on display in City Square, offering a glimpse of the artistry and magic to come.
Mark your calendars for 27 November 2025 to experience Lincoln in all its festive glory, with sparkling lights, live performances, and the joy of the holiday season.