Lincoln’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is set to return to the city centre on Thursday, 26 November 2026.
Lincoln’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is set to return to the city centre on Thursday, 26 November 2026, as City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Office joins special guests, performers and festive favourites to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in the heart of the city for an evening of live entertainment and family fun, building up to the moment both up and downhill Lincoln twinkles and shines for the Christmas period.
This year, the city’s Christmas Lights will be switched on by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Clare Smalley, alongside Abbie Donnelly, British athlete and bronze medallist in the individual marathon; and gold medallist in the team event at the 2026 European Athletics Championships.
Joining the celebrations will be stars from this year’s pantomime at the New Theatre Royal, including Olympic gymnast Louis Smith.
The event will be supported by BBC Lincolnshire and music, and live entertainment will take place on the stage in front of the War Memorial from 4.30pm, with Ross Carrick and BBC Lincolnshire presenters taking to the stage from 5pm.
There will be performances from the Danielle Rawlinson School of Dance, the County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Choir, the New Theatre Royal Junior Ensemble and, of course, the cast of the New Theatre Royal’s pantomime, ‘Beauty & the Beast’.
Father Christmas will also be making a special appearance throughout the evening.
The eagerly anticipated countdown to the light switch-on will take place at approximately 6.50pm, where the city centre will be illuminated in festive colour and sparkle.
Kate Fenn, City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Manager and Event Organiser, said:
"We’re delighted to welcome residents and visitors back to Lincoln for one of the city’s most cherished festive traditions.
“This year’s switch-on promises fantastic performances, local talent, and a special moment when the Mayor lights up the city alongside Abbie Donnelly. It’s the perfect way to kick-start the Christmas celebrations for 2026."
The event also marks the start of Thursday late-night shopping sessions, with selected stores staying open until 8pm on 26 November, 3 December, 10 December, and 17 December, allowing visitors to enjoy the lights while shopping for holiday gifts.
To make visiting the switch-on even easier, free parking will be available 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.
The festive celebrations continue the following week with the return of Lincoln Ice Adventure on 5 and 6 December 2026 from 12 noon to 6pm, 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 the heartwarming sighting of a fox and otter running through Lincoln’s streets together last year.
Visitors attending the Christmas Lights Switch-On 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.
Wrap up warm and mark your calendars for 26 November 2026 to experience Lincoln in all its festive glory, with sparkling lights, live performances, and the joy of Christmas spirit.