When it comes to the Christmas spirit few cities can offer a more festive feel than Lincoln.

From Santa and his real-life reindeers to carol singing in the historic cathedral it is impossible to visit without coming away with a bit of seasonal cheer.

The city can also offer a choice of pantomimes and festive plays as well as some of the best places to pick up Christmas presents in the region.

With its array of independent shops and big brands Lincoln has everything you need to complete your Christmas shopping.

Rachel Hanson, events and promotions assistant at Lincolnshire BIG (Business Improvement Group) said: “There is something for everyone, young and old alike.

“The thing with Lincoln is that it has both a huge selection of independent shops and huge national stores which means you have the best of everything in one place.”

And BIG have also been doing their bit with an array of innovative Christmas-themed events.

These include advent boxes placed in 24 shops around the town with each one relating to a different day.

On the designated date the box is opened to unveil special in-store offers to help shoppers beat the credit crunch.

Rachel said she has been particularly proud of the response of the reindeer handlers who came down for a special Santa event.

She said: “It’s amazing. The people that have come down from the Cairngorms with the reindeer spend the whole month visiting different towns and they are raving about how wonderful Lincoln is. They loved the walk from Bailgate to the Cornhill and said it was the prettiest town they had been to.”

So, from festive fun to seasonal shopping and a wide range of cafes and restaurants, here are some of the highlights of the run-up to Christmas in Lincoln...

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1. Carols at Lincoln Cathedral, Minster Yard, LN2 1PX, 01522 561600.

Type of event: Carol concert

Details: A number of performances are taking place from the Rotary Club’s Festival of Carols to the traditional Carols by Candelight.

Great for: Getting into the Christmas spirit in a truly magical building.

Performances: Rotary Club Festival, December 12, 7.30pm-9pm, Carols by Candlelight, December 14, 7.30pm-9pm and Christ’s Hospital School December 16 12pm-1pm.

There can be few more beautiful and inspiring venues to enjoy carols than in Lincoln’s historic Cathedral.

Sitting inside the magnificent building, with candles lit and the choir singing it is impossible not to get into the festive spirit. One of the real joys of Christmas-time in Lincoln.

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2. The Lincoln Whisky Shop

Type of venue: Specialist whiskey and spirit stockist.

What’s for sale? More than 1000 quaffable spirits and liqueurs.

Great for: A very grown up stocking filler or somewhere to pick up a bottle of something unusual for a special Christmas celebration.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm.

From classic Scottish single malts to foreign blends and unusual liqueurs you name it The Lincoln Whiskey Shop has it.

With more than 1000 products, including rums, vodkas, brandys and gins you are sure to find something to your taste.

And if not there is always a wide range of merchandise from decanters and hip flasks to books and tumblers.

Ideal Christmas gifts include ‘the world’s smallest bottle of whiskey’ gift packs (each bottle around the size of a 50p).

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3. Stokes High Bridge Cafe

Type of venue: Traditional cafe and shop.

Food and drink: A wide range of teas, freshly roasted coffees and traditional British food, from breakfasts to roast beef and sandwiches to salads.

Great for: A delicious lunch or restorative cup of tea or coffee after a busy morning shopping.

Open: Monday to Saturday 9am to 4.30pm and Sunday 11.30 to 4pm.

With views over the river and bustling High Street this striking black and white, beamed building is the ideal place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. The cafe prides itself on its freshly ground coffee, range of teas and hearty homemade food.

You can also purchase teas blends and coffee beans roasted in the city itself.

The cafe also claims to serve the best afternoon tea in Lincoln.

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4. Cinderella, Lincoln Theatre Royal

Type of event: Pantomime

Details: Comedy double-act Cannon and Ball don frocks as the Ugly Sisters in this classic panto adaptation.

Great for: Bringing the whole family together for a festive event everyone will enjoy.

Performances: Until January 14, ring or check online for exact times.

Stunning sets, magical costumes and comedy duo Cannon and Ball in frocks, what more could you want from a Christmas panto?

The team behind last year’s record-breaking run are back and promise more of the same festive cheer.

From fairytale magic to thigh-slapping fun this is a production that the whole family can enjoy together.

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5. Lincoln Cornhill Craft Market, Cornhill, LN5 7HB.

Type of venue: Craft market

What’s for sale? Arts, crafts and locally produced gifts.

Great for: Picking up a truly original Christmas present.

Open: December 10, 17 and everyday from the 19th to the 24th.

If you are looking for a unique, one-off Christmas gift then Cornhill Craft Market is the place to go.

The stalls feature hand-made items, produced in Lincolnshire by some of the county’s top artisans.

From jewellery, bags and accessories to edible goodies there is something for everyone.

Set in the open air, this market offers a welcome break from the crush of the Christmas queues.

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6. Birdy’s Boutique

Type of venue: Women’s clothes shop.

What’s for sale? Dresses, jewellery, cosmetics and accessories, many of which are exclusive to Birdy’s.

Great for: A stylish gift you won’t find anywhere else.

Open: Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm with the exception of Thursday 9am-8pm. Sundays 10.30am-4.30pm.

On-trend and exclusive, Birdy’s offers the kind of cool clothes and fashion accessories you won’t find anywhere else.

Located just off the High Street, this cute boutique ensures prices are affordable while only ordering in small quantities to allow you to keep your look your own.

The shop also has a large selection of belts, bags, purses and other accessories, ideal for Christmas gifts.

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7. Jews House Restaurant

Type of venue: Restaurant.

Food and drink: Innovative, freshly-cooked food inspired by cusine from around the world. Tapas is a particular favourite.

Great for: Treating yourself to a delicious dinner out after a hard days Christmas shopping.

Open: Tuesday to Saturday, lunch 12-2pm, dinner 7pm-9.30pm.

Housed inside one of Lincoln’s oldest and most beautiful buildings the Jew House restaurant serves inventive food guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling.

From tapas to braised beef with ginger, soy and oyster mushrooms the menu features an eclectic mix of dishes inspired by every corner of the globe.

The combination of the historic venue, which dates back to the 12th Century, the contemporary cuisine and great service makes Jews House a unique and exciting dining experience.

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8. The Journey, Lincoln Castle

Type of event: Nativity play.

Details: The audience follows the wise men around the grounds of the castle as they tell the story of the first Christmas.

Great for: Remembering what Christmas is in a truly awe-inspiring venue.

Performances: December 17-20, 6pm and 8pm.

Watch the magic of Christmas come to life in a unique and memorable setting. This heart warming performance of the nativity story is performed in the open air of the castle grounds with all proceeds going to the Lincolnshire Kidney Patients Association.

Suitable for all ages.

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9. The Cheese Society

Type of venue: Cheese shop and cafe.

What’s for sale? Cheeses of every size, shape, taste or variety you can imagine. You can buy blocks of cheese in the shop or sample different varieties cooked in any number of ways in the cafe, from fondue to croquet monsieur and cheese burgers.

Great for: A delicious lunch or buying some very tasty cheeses to wow your guests after Christmas dinner.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm.

From French Brie to Cornish Yarg and good old Lincolnshire Poacher the Cheese Society offers varieties from across the UK and Europe.

You can buy it individually, in selection packs, or try a range of mouth-watering cheesey dishes in the cafe.

From ciabatta melts to baked halloumi and soufflés the array of options has made this place a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike.

The cafe does also cater for non-cheese eaters and those with special dietary requirements.

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10. Marks and Spencer

Type of venue: Department store

What’s for sale? The usual mix of M&S clothing, homeware and their famous food hall. There is also a cafe.

Great for: Getting everything you need in one place, at any time.

Open: 9am to 9pm on certain days during the run-up to Christmas. Click here to find out the opening times for each day...

Recently revamped, Lincoln’s M&S now features extended menswear, homeware and children’s wear sections. There is a wider selection of women’s clothes and both the food hall and cafe have been improved.

The store highlights the city’s ability to appeal to everyone, with independent shops and big chains co-existing just a few metres apart.

The shop is open until 7pm or 9pm on certain days during the run-up to Christmas making it the perfect place to escape the crowds or do some last-gasp gift shopping.