City of Lincoln Council is making it easier than ever to enjoy the festive season with free parking on offer during the highly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On and late-night shopping dates.
Visitors attending Lincoln’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday, 28 November can take advantage of free parking from 4pm to 9:30pm at Lincoln Central car park and all other City of Lincoln Council pay-and-display car parks when using PayByPhone.
To qualify for free parking at Lincoln Central car park, users simply need to follow the usual chip token process. If they enter and leave within the specified hours (4pm to 9.30pm), the ‘charge’ will automatically be zero.
For PayByPhone users in council-managed car parks, the app process remains the same; enter your vehicle registration as usual, and no charge will apply if parking between 4pm and 9:30 pm.
However, free parking doesn’t end with the Lights Switch-On event. Visitors can also park for free on the city’s late-night shopping dates: 5 December, 12 December, and 19 December, during the same hours of 4pm to 9:30pm.
Participating stores will remain open until 8pm, giving shoppers plenty of time to explore and tick items off their holiday lists while enjoying the festive illuminations.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On event on 28 November will mark the official start of Lincoln’s Christmas celebrations. Highlights of the evening include a star-studded lineup of performers and special guests, culminating in the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Alan Briggs, lighting up the city at 7:10pm.
With £140,000 invested in Christmas lights and illuminations last year, visitors can expect a truly magical atmosphere with festive displays across iconic locations such as Brayford Wharf, Steep Hill, Cornhill Quarter, and more.
The event will also feature performances from the New Theatre Royal’s pantomime cast, live music, and other exciting entertainment starting from 4:30pm.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:
"The Light Switch-On event will be a great opportunity to bring the community together and kick off the festive season, setting the stage for the exciting events and activities the council has planned in the run-up to Christmas.
“The free parking initiative ensures that more people can join in the celebration and enjoy all that Lincoln has to offer during this magical time of year.
"Extending the initiative for the late-night shopping dates also gives people more opportunity to shop for gifts and admire the lights outside of the busier weekend periods.”
As an extra treat during the Christmas Lights Switch-On, visitors will get an exclusive preview of the upcoming Lincoln Ice Adventure, taking place on 7 and 8 December. A stunning ice sculpture will be on display in City Square, offering a glimpse of the magic to come.
With free parking and plenty of activities planned, there’s no better time to visit Lincoln and soak up the festive spirit. Make sure to mark your calendars for 28 November and the late-night shopping dates to experience the best of Lincoln’s Christmas offerings.
For more information on parking and events, visit the City of Lincoln Council website.