At The Old Granary, we love Christmas. From the tinkling of bells to the endless pouring of spiced mulled wine, the flowing of festive cheer is guaranteed at ours! Why not start the countdown to Christmas at The Old Granary? We’re just a short drive away from the crisp Lincolnshire countryside and the sparkling lights of the city of Lincoln, meaning there’s plenty to get up to and celebrate the December festivities, so be sure to button up and explore the wintery wonders of The Old Granary’s surrounding beauty.

Christmas time in the city of Lincoln is not to be missed, as stalls, performers and elegant fairground rides take to the Cathedral Quarter, bringing festive cheer to the city streets! There’s nothing quite like the sight of light-strewn wooden huts, smoky bratwurst sizzling in sauces and the warming scents of roasted chestnuts and spiced mulled wine to get you in the mood for the winter festivities. Set within the walls of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter and with over 250 bustling stalls to mooch around, Lincoln’s Christmas Market is one of the oldest and first of its kind, making it undeniably one of the best. With traditional alpine chalet huts lining the ancient Castle walls and soft twinkling lights blinking above, step into Christmas right in the heart of Lincoln’s old city walls.

Let’s not beat around the Christmas tree, the mouth-watering offering of munch is what makes a Christmas Market what it is! Cinnamon sugared churros dipped in hot chocolate, delicately decorated gingerbread homes, and of course, smoky German delicacies that are left sizzling away to perfection. Famous for its wide-ranging variety of food stalls showcasing Lincolnshire’s finest local produce, there’s plenty of food and drink to tuck into whilst you wander through Lincoln’s very own winter wonderland. And, of course there are lots of delicious samples to tickle your taste buds, with a mixture of sweet treats to pick and choose from; little treats that make tip top stocking fillers!

For those seeking a taste of Lincolnshire’s gold, be sure to find The Lincolnshire Larder, a once hidden gem of Lincoln’s Christmas Market that now booms each year. The Lincolnshire Larder is a space for Lincolnshire’s very own hand-picked artisan bakers and makers to get together and show off their bespoke crafts. From creamy, hand-made cheeses and chunky chutneys to locally brewed ales and ciders, The Lincolnshire Larder is definitely something not to be missed!

As well as the many stalls to mooch around, traditional fairground rides line the market grounds, so after a stein or two why not whizz down the helter skelter or have a spin on a classic Victorian style carousel! A much recognised highpoint of the fairground, take to the tops of the Big Wheel for an exclusive gaze at the breath-taking views of Lincoln and the rolling hills of the surrounding Lincolnshire Wolds. Whilst a day-time viewing promises clearer skies, the flickering lights of the city awaken as the sun goes down, leaving you feeling as though you’re just another star in the crisp winter sky.

Whilst you can fully immerse yourself in the bustling festive cheer of the Christmas Market, why not take a step back and head over to the Lincoln Cathedral, where the soft sounds of the Cathedral City Choir are more than enough to entice you in. The magnificent building peacefully stands just around the corner from the Christmas Market and whilst the market is the epitome of festive cheer, the Cathedral truly is a hauntingly beautiful spectacle like no other. Pine trees line the iconic city landmark, as dimly lit lights shine warmly upon the exterior of the Cathedral, as the angelic notes of carolling gently fills the air, and what more, you can step inside and marvel at the truly breath-taking interior.

There’s no denying that the city of Lincoln is a spectacular sight over the course of the winter festivities. But of course, Christmas Markets pop up from city to city and there’s nothing quite like exploring new places with bright lights to guide the way. The Old Granary is just over an hour or so from the city of York, another urban spot that glows with festive cheer and not too far a drive from our Lincolnshire base. Voted the UK’s Most Festive City in 2017, venture over to York Christmas Market and soak up the city’s medieval charm, as alpine chalets and festive flavours come together to create an urban winter wonderland perfect for some family-fun! Like any good old-fashioned Christmas Market, you’re never too far from something delicious roasting, frying or being smothered in cinnamon sugar and dipped in chocolate. Feel that little bit more festive at St. Sampton’s Square and stumble across the rustic Yorkshire Barn, a festive spot favoured for pairing freshly roasted hot chestnuts with spicy mulled wines and ciders. Perfect nibbles for tucking into!

The perfect rural retreat, at The Old Granary we know how good it feels to escape the hustle and bustle of life and hideaway where the air is crisp and the blankets are cosy. Being situated within close reach of Lincoln’s city centre and the countryside backdrop of the Lincolnshire Wolds, we’re the perfect base for exploring all Lincolnshire and surrounding areas have to offer. As leaves turn from red to brown and the sun begins to feel colder, what better way to warm the soul than jumping feet first into the winter festivities before cosying up at ours with a hearty plate or two and a mug of something hot?