The November edit · Lincoln & nearby · Christmas 2026
A little less ordinary.
Lincoln’s alternative gift guide.
Something made by hand. A market-day discovery. An afternoon together. Find a gift that feels like them, while keeping your Christmas shopping close to home.
Local makers, places to browse and experiences to give—with the practical details to help you choose.
Make a day of finding it
Markets worth a wander
Start planning in November, with a few early December dates for your diary too.
For the person who loves a good browse
Barbican Makers Market
28 November & 5 December · 10am–4pm · Free entry
The Cube, 11 St Mary’s Street, Lincoln
Over 30 local makers across two Saturdays, with artwork, prints, textiles and contemporary crafts. A fresh mix of stalls each day makes this a good place to find something with a story.
Step-free access is available via the door to the left of the main entrance.
Plan your market visit ↗For a gift hunt in the city centre
Cornhill Christmas Village
23 November–20 December · Free entry
City Square, Lincoln
A festive stop for a gift-shopping trip, with artisan makers, independent retailers and food vendors invited to trade. Combine a browse with a wander through the city centre.
Monday–Saturday 10am–7pm; Sunday 10am–5pm. Check the organiser for the latest trader announcements.
See the village details ↗For a festive shopping evening
Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Market
3–5 December · Ticket required
Lincoln Cathedral
A traditional market inside the Cathedral and its grounds, with gifts, food and seasonal treats. This is a ticketed outing, so choose a session before making plans.
Pre-booking is essential. At our 3 November check, Thursday twilight and both Saturday sessions were sold out. Friday sessions were still advertised. All visitors aged 18 months and over need a ticket; check live prices and availability.
Check market tickets ↗Who would you buy this for?
Handmade finds & something to look forward to
For the friend with an eye for something different
The artisan shop at Indigo Crow
Prices vary · Browse in person
57 Burton Road, Lincoln
Resident artists make jewellery, ceramics, felted pieces, decorative glass and textile art. There are prints and cards too: a useful stop when you want to choose a physical gift yourself.
Stock changes regularly; the gallery is the place to check individual prices and availability.
Explore the artisan shop ↗For the animal lover
Zoo Ceramics
Prices vary · Contact before visiting
Stonecott, Bar Lane, Waddington · outside Lincoln
Animal sculptures and giftware by Maggie Betley and Tracy Wright, from characterful hares to cats and birds. Browse the makers’ range, then ask what is ready for Christmas.
The makers ask you to contact them before a visit. Out-of-stock small pieces may take 2–4 weeks; larger work can take up to three months. Confirm the delivery date before ordering.
Browse ordering details ↗For someone who would rather make their own
The Little Pottery Studio
Gift vouchers from £15
Resolution House, Crusader Road, Lincoln
Give them a pottery date to look forward to. Monetary vouchers can go towards any class or product, so they can pick the session that suits them.
Email delivery is available. Advance booking is essential; check the expiry date shown on your voucher. Vouchers can be used more than once within their validity period.
Choose a pottery voucher ↗For the creative friend who likes to choose
Indigo Crow gift certificates
£5, £10 or £20 certificates
57 Burton Road, Lincoln
A small gift with room for a personal choice: certificates can go towards workshops, handmade shop finds or gallery art. Add multiples for a larger amount.
Valid for six months and redeemed in person. Collect at the gallery or allow up to two weeks for posting. No change or credit is given for unspent value.
Choose a gift certificate ↗For someone you owe a day out
Doddington Hall gift vouchers
Choose a value · Valid for 12 months
Doddington, near Lincoln · outside the city
Let them choose between estate shops, cafés, the restaurant, Hall and Gardens entry or event tickets. Pair a voucher with a promise to go together.
Buy an e-gift online or a voucher at the Farm Shop. Check the value, expiry and current booking arrangements before buying.
Explore Doddington gifts ↗