Heart of Lincs Newsletter - December 2025

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Experience a Fairytale Christmas at Doddington Hall

Immerse yourself in a truly mesmerising experience as you journey through ‘A Fairytale Christmas’ at Doddington Hall. From fables to folklore, step into a land of magical fairytales as the displays unfold over three floors of the Elizabethan Hall, with a Doddington twist of course!

It’s an opportunity to soak up the seasonal atmosphere of Christmas in a treasured family home, which has seen a lot of Christmas mornings over its four hundred year plus history. Please note booking is essential.

View the opening dates and times here.

A Fairytale Christmas at Doddington

Fairytale Christmas at Doddington by Instinctive Photography


Experience the magic of WinterLight!

Step into a world of festive wonder at WinterLight, on Saturday, December 20 from 3pm to 8pm, where the spirit of the season comes alive with dazzling sights, joyful sounds, and magical moments for the whole family.

Visitors can enjoy the thrills of free ice skating and curling, marvel at the illuminated woodland creatures, enjoy festive entertainment, seasonal tunes and tasty treats.

There will also be a captivating procession of beautifully handcrafted lanterns, starting at the Hub at 5pm and making it's way to the Market Place for the remaining festivities. Join an upcoming lantern making workshop to take part - book your place here.

See more on WinterLight here.

Winter Wonderland Birds

Apus Winter Wonderland Birds


Oh yes it is... time for a pantomime!

December is the perfect time to go along to a pantomine for playful cheers, boos and hoorays!

Tickets are available for the sparkling tale of Mother Goose at Sleaford Playhouse from December 3–13, or follow along to the enchanting story of Cinderella at Terry O'Toole Theatre from December 18–20.

Mother Goose

Mother Goose by Craig Pakes Photography


Free festive Saturday parking in Sleaford

Enjoy Free Saturday parking in Sleaford in all North Kesteven District Council-owned car parks throughout December, starting with Small Business Saturday on December 6 and continuing on December 13, 20 and 27 - no ticket needed!

Take advantage of this opportunity to explore Sleaford’s scenic walks, leisure centers, cafes, and museums. Find out more about the free Saturday parking in Sleaford.

Chefs at Panevino holding a Free Parking poster

Chefs at Panevino holding up a Sleaford Free Parking poster


Christmas markets and festive cheer across the District

Celebrate the season with local Christmas events you won’t want to miss.

Christmas at Heckington brings two days of festive stalls and seasonal cheer on December 6–7. On December 6, meet Mrs Claus at Navigation House and craft your own rag wreath. The following day, explore the charming Heighington Christmas Market for unique gifts.

At the Natural World Centre, children can post their Letters to Santa on December 7, and return for a magical Breakfast with Santa on December 22–23. Then, on December 13, meet Father Christmas at Mrs Smith’s Cottage – a special moment for the whole family.

Join us for festive cheer, local markets, and unforgettable Christmas experiences!

Mrs Claus at Navigation House

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum closed for a winter refresh

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum will be temporarily closed from December 1 until early March 2026, for a refresh of the exhibition, retail, and café areas.

Private bookings and school visits can still be arranged during the closure. Please email Cranwellaviation@n-kesteven.gov.uk for details.


Feature in our newsletter header

Have you taken a beautiful photo of the district that you'd like to share? This month's photo is of the cheeky elves on reindeer coming to WinterLight on December, 20.

Email heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk with your favourite photo and you could feature in our next newsletter.


Events & activities in December

Lanterns

Weekly & ongoing throughout the month

Exhibitions, Workshops, Clubs and Dance Programme: Hub-Sleaford

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

TE Lawrence Exhibition: Navigation House, Friday to Monday

Christmas at Doddington: Doddington Hall. 8 November-31 December. Weekdays 11am-4pm, Weekends 10am-4pm 

Mother Goose: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre 3-6 December and 10-13 December


Thursday 4 December

Seasonal Wreaths: Doddington Hall

Mother Goose: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Saturday 6 December

Lantern Making with Lumo: St Denys Church Hall

Christmas at Heckington: Heckington Windmill

Wartime Christmas Crafts: International Bomber Command Centre

IBCC Carol Concert and Supper: International Bomber Command Centre

Hand-Tied Christmas Wreath Making Workshop: Natural World Centre

Letters to Santa: Natural World Centre

Bracebridge Heath Christmas Tree Festival: St John the Baptist

Meet Mrs Claus and make a rag wreath: Navigation House


Sunday 7 December

Visit Father Christmas: Heckington Windmill

IBCC Carol Concert and Supper: International Bomber Command Centre

Letters to Santa: Natural World Centre

Heighington Christmas Market: Heighinton


Monday 8 December

IBCC Annual Christmas Supper and Concert:  International Bomber Command Centre


Wednesday 10 December

Seasonal Wreaths: Doddington Hall


Friday 12 December

Festive Afternoon Tea in Aubourn Hall: Aubourn Estate

Father Christmas (Navenbees Toddler Group Session): Mrs Smiths Cottage


Saturday 13 December

Lantern Making with Lumo: St Denys Church Hall

Sleaford Choral Christmas Concert: St Denys' Church

Meet Father Christmas: Mrs Smiths Cottage


Sunday 14 December

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill


Thursday 18 December

Cinderella: Terry O'Toole Theatre


Friday 19 December

Cinderella: Terry O'Toole Theatre

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Saturday 20 December

WinterLight: Sleaford Market Place

Cinderella: Terry O'Toole Theatre

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Monday 22 December

Breakfast with Santa: Natural World Centre


Tuesday 23 December

Breakfast with Santa: Natural World Centre


Wednesday 31 December

New Year's Eve at The Yard Venue: Yard Venue

New Years Eve Celebrations: The Bentley Hotel


Have an event for our 'What's On' calendar?

Send us an email: heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk