Christmas Tractor Runs in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire does big skies, big fields and, it turns out, very big Christmas lights. Every December, farmers and young farmers' clubs across the county wrap their tractors in fairy lights (plus the odd inflatable snowman) and drive them in a glowing convoy through villages and market towns.
Christmas tractor runs are still a fairly new tradition, but they're growing fast, and we're very glad they are. They're free to watch, they get whole villages out on the pavement in their wellies, and every run raises money for good causes. If you've never seen one, picture a travelling Christmas light show with a farmer at the wheel and a soundtrack of cheering children. It's every bit as good as it sounds.
Before you go
Wrap up warm. The Fens and the Wolds are not known for their balmy December evenings. Hats, gloves, flask.
Check on the day. Organisers post route changes and delays on Facebook, and weather can move things.
Times are a guide. Convoys usually run a bit behind, so get there early and expect to wait.
Pick a village spot. It's calmer than the start, easier to park, and the tractors don't usually stop.
Bring cash or your phone. Most runs collect donations along the way.
Stand well back. Hold small hands and keep buggies away from the kerb.
Christmas tractor runs in Lincolnshire, in date order
North Lincs Christmas Charity Tractor Run, Barton-upon-Humber
When and where: Saturday 28 November from 4pm, in Barton-upon-Humber and Barrow upon Humber. Start point and route to be confirmed.
What to expect: Now in its third year, this one is timed to coincide with the Barton Christmas Festival and the Christmas lights switch-on in Barrow, so you can make a proper evening of it. It's raising money for Myeloma UK.
More info: North Lincs Christmas Tractor Run on Lincoln Rocks
Haxey Christmas Light Switch-On and Illuminated Vehicle Parade
When and where: Saturday 28 November at Haxey Memorial Hall (DN9 2HN). The illuminated vehicle parade sets off at 5pm, with the lights switched on at 6pm.
What to expect: A proper village night out on the Isle of Axholme. The tractors and other lit-up vehicles parade round before the big switch-on, and there's a fairground, stalls, a bar, a raffle and Santa too. Little ones can write a letter for Santa's postbox on the night, and he promises to reply.
More info: Haxey Christmas Light Switch-On on Lincoln Rocks
Brigg & District YFC Christmas Charity Tractor Run
When and where: Sunday 13 December, at Skydive Hibaldstow, near Brigg. Timings to be confirmed.
What to expect: Brigg & District Young Farmers have been going since 1938, and their annual Christmas tractor run is back for another year. There's food from Get Fresh Grill, so you can grab something warm while you wait for the lights. The charities, route and timings will be announced soon.
More info: Brigg & District YFC Christmas Tractor Run on Lincoln Rocks
Louth Christmas Charity Tractor Run
When and where: Sunday 20 December from Louth Cattle Market, with things getting going from 1.30pm. Last year the convoy set off at 4.30pm, once it was dark.
What to expect: The big one. It's in its sixth year and raised over £20,000 last time, with the convoy looping round the Wolds villages and back into Louth. This year the money goes to Cancer Research UK and Louth Run for Life. The route is still to be confirmed.
More info: Louth Christmas Tractor Run on Lincoln Rocks
Spalding & District Young Farmers Christmas Tractor Road Run
When and where: Sunday 20 December, leaving Decoy Farm, Mill Drove North, Cowbit (PE12 6AS) at 3.15pm and finishing at Cowbit roundabout around 7.15pm.
What to expect: A proper long one, with approximate times for every village, so you can plan your spot. Roughly: Weston Hills 3.30pm, Moulton Chapel 3.45pm, Whaplode St Catherine 4pm, Holbeach around 4pm, Whaplode 4.35pm and Moulton 4.45pm, then a pit stop before Weston 5.40pm, Spalding 6pm, Pinchbeck 6.20pm, Northgate 6.30pm, West Pinchbeck 6.40pm, Pode Hole 6.50pm and Cowbit 7.15pm. The later stops get the full effect of the lights after dark. There's a decorated tractor competition too.
More info: Spalding Young Farmers Christmas Tractor Run on Lincoln Rocks
Harmston YFC Christmas Tractor Run
When and where: Monday 28 December, around the villages south of Lincoln. Times and route to be confirmed.
What to expect: Perfect for that strange week between Christmas and New Year, when everyone's had enough of the sofa. Last year it started at Windpump Farm in Boothby Graffoe and went through Metheringham, Dunston, Coleby, Navenby, Nocton, Wellingore, Harmston and Waddington. All tractors are welcome to join.
More info: Harmston YFC Christmas Tractor Run on Lincoln Rocks
Keep an eye out
These have run in recent years but haven't announced 2026 dates yet. We'll add them as soon as they do.
Market Rasen YFC, through Tealby and the villages around Market Rasen
Bourne Christmas Tractor Run, through Morton, Hanthorpe and Edenham
Haxey, where an illuminated tractor run usually joins the Christmas lights switch-on
Know of a tractor run we've missed? Let us know and we'll add it to the list.
