Lincoln’s Ice Adventure returns with a lantern parade

Lincoln Ice Adventure returns on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, from 12 noon to 6pm, with a trail of 14 ice sculptures produced by Icebox. Organised by City of Lincoln Council's Events in Lincoln team, the trail runs both uphill among the city's historic streets and downhill.

New for this year is the Fox and Otter Lantern Parade at 5pm on Saturday 5 December. Delivered in partnership with LUMO Workshop, it features pupils from Westgate Academy, who will create their own lanterns during special workshops ahead of the event. The children will join LUMO's large, illuminated fox and otter lanterns, accompanied by walkaround performers, along a route through Minster Yard, Castle Square, Bailgate, Westgate and St Paul in the Bail. Ahead of the parade, LUMO's lantern characters will also appear in a special walkaround performance at 4pm.

The winning sculpture design from last year's competition, showcasing a fox and otter, will be unveiled at 12 noon on Saturday 5 December in St Paul in the Bail, attended by the competition winner, local dignitaries and representatives from the city. Visitors can also watch live ice carving demonstrations at St Paul in the Bail, including the creation of a festive Santa Claus sculpture.

The weekend also includes a traditional carousel and the Maker's Market in Castle Square, steam engine attractions, entertainment from performers including Glowbot and Aurora, and festive food and drink, including FFN Gluhwein. Rock Choir, Lincolnshire Vocal Academy, Ministry of Ukes, City of Lincoln Band and Sing It Loud are among the local choirs, bands and community groups performing across the city throughout the weekend.

Alongside the Ice Adventure, the Lincoln Medieval Yuletide Market takes place at St Mary le Wigford Church and St Mary's Guildhall, and the Lincoln Illuminations Trail runs throughout the festive period across different areas of the city centre. The Cornhill Christmas Village, outside Cornhill Market on City Square, runs from 23 November to 20 December, with traders offering seasonal gifts, artisan and craft products, and food and drink.