Despite some councils across the UK dimming their Christmas light displays in a desperate bid to save money, authorities in Lincolnshire are still set to dazzle with an array of festive treats.

Nationally, the festive season is looking less bright as several councils have taken measures to reduce their Christmas expenditures.

These include councils like those in Somerset and Yorkshire, scaling back their festive budgets, with some opting for shorter display times and fewer lights to cut costs.

Others have even cancelled events altogether to manage tight budgets.

The cutbacks reflect a growing trend of austerity in festive spending as local authorities grapple with financial constraints.

Reporters reached out to district and unitary councils across Greater Lincolnshire to understand their plans for the holiday season.

The responses were positive, with many councils not only maintaining but also enhancing their Christmas displays.

South Kesteven District Council, for instance, is planning a significant upgrade to Grantham's Christmas lights display, following last year's feedback.

The Grantham Christmas Fayre & Lights Switch On, scheduled for December 3, is set to be a day-long celebration, culminating in the grand switch-on event in the evening.

The annual budget for Christmas lights is currently set at £17,500, met from the Grantham Special Expense Area fund.

However, with ambitions for a more impressive display, the council has requested an additional £30,800 from the District's UK Shared Prosperity Fund for infrastructure and to secure displays from Gala Lights for the next three Christmas periods.

A reserve fund from the Special Expense Area budget will cover any shortfall.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, commented on the initiative: "This will provide a much-improved light display for Grantham during the 2023 Christmas period and beyond, something the town needs and deserves.

"This, in turn, will support the retail and hospitality sector during what is one of their most important trading periods.

"The new energy-efficient lighting will be complemented by the traditional tree installation in the Market Place, which would also be decorated by the preferred supplier.

"All of this will incorporate town centre activities including a Christmas market, family fun day, street entertainment, and food stalls, as we are very much looking forward to bringing some seasonal colour and excitement to our historic market town: a much-needed boost."

Boston Borough Council, previously criticised for lacklustre Christmas festivities, is looking to rebuild its reputation with a significant investment of £64,721.57 in this year's celebrations.

The lights in Boston are set to illuminate from November 23. Following this, the authority is set to transform the Market Place into a winter wonderland with the Boston Christmas Festival 2023, running from November 23-26.

This four-day extravaganza will feature a Christmas market each day, live music, entertainment, and parades, promising festive fun for all ages.

The festival will kick off with the grand Light Switch On and an Illuminate T Party Parade, showcasing an arts and culture spectacle with street performers and musicians.

The event will also include a range of community events at The Stump and a main stage in the town centre, hosting local musicians and performers.

Highlights include the Santa Fun Run, cultural dance experiences, and a Boston Big Carol Sing-Along, ensuring that Boston's Christmas celebrations will be more vibrant and engaging than ever before.

South Holland District Council was unable to confirm the financial investment into this year's Christmas events prior to publication, however, celebrations are set to take place in Spalding on November 25.

The town centre will be transformed from 11am to 5pm, brimming with festive activities and entertainment. Visitors can look forward to a special performance from Rapunzel, traditional carousel rides, and a fancy dress competition, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree during a candlelit carol service at 4:30pm.

Father Christmas will be greeting children in his grotto at Calthrops Solicitors, and the market is set to be a shopper's haven with a variety of local and festive-themed stalls.

The day will be further enlivened with live music and performances, including a showcase by the cast of 'Beauty and the Beast' from the South Holland Centre.

The council is also bringing back the Elf Trail, a festive scavenger hunt through participating shops, offering a chance to win shopping vouchers, running until December 30.

North East Lincolnshire Council has also confirmed their commitment to the season's joy with a Festive Illuminations budget of £59,300—similar to the previous year's allocation.

The lights will switch on November 25 and will remain illuminated until midnight each evening until January.

The City of Lincoln Council has come under scrutiny for cancelling the 40-year-old traditional Christmas Market.

Despite this, the council remains confident in its ability to deliver a memorable Christmas experience through a smaller event which follows on from its recent inflatable Monster trail.

The inaugural Lincoln Ice Trail, featuring 20 ice sculptures, live ice-carving demonstrations, and a variety of Christmas entertainment, is set to take place on December 9 and 10.

The council's investment of over £140,000 in new festive lighting aims to create a dazzling display throughout the city, from Newport Arch to St Mark's Street.

Cllr Naomi Tweddle of the City of Lincoln Council highlighted the city's unique offerings, stating: "Despite the absence of the traditional Christmas Market this year, we are dedicated to creating a festive atmosphere that residents and visitors will remember fondly."

North Kesteven and East Lindsey District Councils do not organise Christmas lighting or events themselves, instead delegating these responsibilities to town and parish councils.