The Lincoln Medieval Christmas Market: a relic of bygone days
Although the Lincoln Christmas Market is no more, parts of it still survive. One is the always-popular Medieval Christmas Market, which was described as the hidden gem of the whole event.
Six years ago, when the Bishops Palace closed for restoration work, the Medieval Christmas Market’s future looked to be at risk. Until, that is, a not-for-profit co-operative of traders was formed. They named themselves The Travelling Historical Market, and found a location in downhill Lincoln, at the 12th-century St Mary’s Guildhall. That market in 2019, impromptu and very last-minute, was a roaring success. Since then, the Lincoln Medieval Christmas Market has thrived.
This year, it is being held at two of the city’s most historic, but often overlooked, locations: St Mary le Wigford Church (next to the train station), and St Mary’s Guildhall on Lincoln’s lower High Street. Running over four days (Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 December 2025), the event offers a traditional festive atmosphere, with the traders wearing medieval costumes, the venues decorated with greenery, and an array of handmade and artisan items for sale.
There is even more to the Medieval Christmas Market, though. Plenty of entertainment is on offer alongside the stalls. At St Mary’s Guildhall, the newly restored North Range will be open to visitors. Inside, demonstrations of heritage crafts and skills will be taking place: a coin maker stamping out coins, a nun who creates illuminated manuscripts practising her calligraphy, and a Viking glass bead maker. Outside, in the courtyard, try your hand at axe-throwing, or treat yourself to a cup of hot spiced punch.
Lincoln Owl Rescue will be outside St Mary le Wigford Church each day. There will also be carol-singing, a willow weaver making reindeer to hand out to children, and a friendly giant walking between our two venues.
You can even experience a ‘taste of the past.’ In the café, at the church, there will be pastries inspired by historical recipes, as well as tasty and warming fare that we would all recognise today.
The Medieval Christmas Market is not only a great chance to find unique gifts, it’s also a fun day out for all the family, and a chance to discover more of Lincoln’s history. Visitors who get a stamp from both locations on a ‘time-travelling passport’ will be able to enter a raffle, with the prizes donated by the traders.
Opening times are:
Thursday 4 December: 12 pm to 9 pm
Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December: 10 am to 7.30 pm
Sunday 7 December: 10 am to 4 pm
Entry is free.