Join us at Sleaford’s Market Place across Saturday December 21 and Sunday December 22 for WinterLight – an enchanting weekend of FREE activities to celebrate Christmas.

Community lantern procession

A community lantern procession will illuminate the town centre on Saturday December 21. Participants will gather from 3pm at the Hub, for a 3:30pm start and walk along Southgate to the Market Place. Upon arrival at the Hub, participants will be greeted by carolling from the Sleaford Concert Band. As the procession makes its way to the Market Place, there will be another session of carolling and entertainment into the evening.

Lanterns have been crafted at various workshops, those who booked on to make a lantern are invited to to carry their lantern during the procession. However, all are welcome to join the walk and there may even be some spare lantern to carry.

Free ice skating sessions

Fun for all ages awaits on the synthetic ‘ice’ rink, open from 2pm-7pm Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday, offering a smooth skating experience, without the environmental impact. Free 30-minute slots will be available across both days, and no booking will be required. With most activities taking place on the Saturday, the skating sessions on Sunday should offer a quieter experience for individuals with additional needs.

More festive fun

St Denys’ will feature a festive projection, in place for a limited time over the weekend, alongside community-made lanterns, which will add a special glow to the space. Additional highlights for the Saturday include free face painting, a dance performance, music, and Santa’s Sleigh photobooth, brought courtesy of the Rotary Club.

Local businesses will have festive specials available throughout the weekend, and many will be opening into the evening on Saturday 21 December. Meanwhile, some of the businesses in Bristol Arcade will be open on Sundays from 10am throughout December, offering an additional day for people to do their Christmas shopping and enjoy more of Sleaford all weekend. This includes Beautifully Handmade Gift Shop, Treasured Trove, Empra UK, and TJ Crafts.

Free Parking

On this day and every Saturday in December there will free parking in Sleaford, in any North Kesteven District Council-run car park this festive period, to further encourage shoppers and visitors into Sleaford to enjoy the free activities. Free parking continues every evening and Sunday, as usual.

WinterLight is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council in partnership with local businesses and creatives including the Hub, Lumo Workshop and Popcorn Media.