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Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes• Festivals & Events
Quick Guide to the Lyon Festival of Lights 2024 – Fête des Lumières (with Map!)
01/12/2024All About the Lyon Light Festival 2024 – Fête des Lumières
The Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières in French) is a public event that takes place in Lyon in winter every year. During this beloved four-day Fête des Lumières, Lyon is lit up by artistic installations that make its architectural treasures even more astonishing.
Lyon’s Festival of Lights is celebrated around the 8 December for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Lyon Festival of Lights 2024 dates are from Thursday, 5 December, to Sunday, 8 December.
Here’s what to know about the Festival of Lights in Lyon, one of the top events in France in wintertime, and how to plan a perfect (and festive) weekend to Lyon to see the Festival.
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Top Experiences and Tours in Lyon
- Lyon Guided Sightseeing Cruise
- Vieux Lyon 4-hour Food Tour with Tastings
- Lyon E-bike Guided Tour
- Day Trip to Beaujolais Wine Region
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Top Lyon Accommodation and Lodging
- Villa Florentine (in the Old Town and with the best panoramic view of Lyon)
- Hotel de l’Abbaye Lyon (beautiful hotel located in a former abbey in Vieux Lyon)
- Hotel des Remparts Perrache (3-star hotel in the Presqu’Ile of Lyon)
- Check out the full list of favorite hotels in Lyon
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Lyon Festival of Lights – History
The origins of Lyon’s Festival of Lights date back to 1852, with the inauguration of a golden statue of the Virgin Mary scheduled for September of that year. Due to a flood of the Saône banks, the inauguration was postponed until the 8 of December, when heavy rains threatened to ruin the planned illuminations of the town. As evening came, the rain stopped, and the locals spontaneously placed lanterns on their window sills.
This tradition has lived on, and every year, locals in Lyon light up their windows with these small lanterns called “lumignons.”
However, the first Festival of Lights wasn’t held until 1989, when Michel Noir was mayor of the city. That year, the spontaneous celebration was accompanied by the first lighting of certain monuments.
The Fête des Lumières, Lyon, became the top wintertime tourist attraction in France that we know today in 1999 when the municipality implemented more lighting animations on many monuments in the city. In addition to lighting artistic installations, entertainment professionals began to animate each Arrondissement, making the Festival of Lights Lyon’s most popular event.
Lyon Light Festival Today
Today, the Lyon Festival of Lights is one of France’s most important winter festivals, a most awaited event in the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region. Things have changed a lot since the first Festival in 1989, when there were just a couple of lit monuments.
Nowadays, the festival offers scenographies and light shows by renowned national and international artists from every corner of the city. Some installations are still traditional, while others are innovative and surprising.
Due to the Festival’s popularity, the city municipality implemented a “lighting plan” to illuminate the facades of Lyon’s main monuments all year round, although the spectacle you will see during the Festival of Lights is on an entirely different level!
The Procession
Because of the religious origins of the event, the procession of the Virgin Mary from Saint-Jean Cathedral up to the Basilica of Fourbière is always one of the main highlights of the Festival. The procession takes place on 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and it starts with a Catholic mass in Saint-Jean Cathedral.
When the sun sets, it is very moving to watch locals and tourists gather together inside and outside Saint-Jean Cathedral to pray to the Virgin, all carrying a “lumignon” or small lantern, to follow the Virgin up to the hill. The Square Saint-Jean is always full, but despite the crowds, it is always a very intimate moment.
On the streets of Old Lyon, people continue to place little candles on the window stills and balconies, creating a magical atmosphere. The procession ends at the Basilica de Fourbière with more prayers.
A Festive Atmosphere Everywhere
The Lyon – Fête des Lumières attracts several million visitors every year, half of Lyon’s yearly visitors! The festive atmosphere is everywhere in Lyon, thanks to groups of students and associations offering mulled wine, crêpes, and other quick eats for a few euros. There are some small music bands and other animations, too.
During the four-day event, locals and tourists alike spend their evenings wandering around and admiring the lighting shows, as well as drinking, eating, and meeting new people.
Lighted Sites during the Festival of Lights Lyon 2024
Visit the Old Town, with its traboules, the Cathedral, and the Croix-Rousse neighborhood during the day (here’s the list of our favorite things to do in Lyon). If the weather is good, take a Lyon guided bike tour to warm up.
Enjoy Lyon’s traditional cuisine in one of the many bouchons in the city. Then, when the sun sets, get ready for some memorable nights exploring Lyon’s illuminated monuments in a festive atmosphere.
Amongst the many lighting animations around the city, here are the must-see places of Lyon’s Festival of Lights.
NOTE: The pictures are always from previous editions.
Do you want to visit the lighted sites without the crowds?
During the previous days of the Festival, there are always light tests on some of the sites. The exact times are unknown (but there are always rumors), so they are always pleasant surprises during your night wanderings.
This picture was taken at Place des Jacobins on the way to my hotel, one or two days before the inauguration. There was almost no one!
1. Place des Terreaux
Place des Terreaux is located in the 1st Arrondissement. A square with an exceptional layout, Place des Terreaux is lined with two of Lyon’s most emblematic monuments, the Hôtel de Ville (the City Hall) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The square also houses the stunning Bartholdi Fountain, made by the creator of New York’s Statue of Liberty.
The show at Place des Terreaux usually kicks off the Festival of Lights, so if you can make it for the very first projection, it’s something special! There’s even a countdown.
During the shows, Place des Terreaux is totally full, and pedestrian circulation is restricted (or in one direction only) in some of the streets nearby. People enter through one of the sides of the square and leave through the opposite side. Only when the square is empty does the police open the way to another group of spectators.
Illuminations 2024: Le Retour du Petit Géant (Spectaculaires). Are we infinitely large or infinitely small in the universe?
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Saint-Jean Cathedral lies in the heart of Lyon’s Old Town in the 5th Arrondissement. Lyon’s Cathedral was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. With a splendid blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, the Saint-Jean Cathedral has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
The Cathedral is well worth a visit, with its original stained-glass windows and giant 9-meter-tall clock from the 1300s. It is also the departing point of the procession on 8th December.
Shows at the Cathedral are very popular, and the lines to access the square are very long. People enter through one of the sides of the square and leave through the opposite side. Only when the square is empty does the police open the way to another group of spectators.
Illuminations 2024: Mother (Julian Hölscher). The Cathedral’s façade morphs into a forceful yet subtle landscape.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Fourvière Hill & Basilica
Fourvière is Lyon’s 5th Arrondissement, dominated by the namesake hill with the Basilica perched on its top. The Fourbière Hill was a strategic location, so much so that the Romans settled there. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière was built in the 19th century and was an important pilgrimage site.
Because of the origins of the Fête des Lumières, Lyon’s Basilica in Fourvière is one of the key sites of the Festival. Visit the Basilica inside to admire its magnificent decor and the Museum of Sacred Art. Then, ascend to the north tower to marvel at the city from above.
Illuminations 2024: La Région des Lumières à Fourvière (Gilbert Coudène and Etienne Guiol). The illuminations will highlight the Basilica’s main features in resonance with its history.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. From 26 December to 31 December: 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
4. Place Bellecour
Place Bellecour is located in Lyon’s 2nd Arrondissement. This beautiful square in the center of Lyon is Europe’s largest pedestrian square. Place Bellecour features the bronze equestrian statue of King Louis XIV, and it is the access point to Lyon’s shopping arrondissement.
You should visit Place Bellecour as it is one of the city’s main symbols, and it hosts events and attractions throughout the year, like an ice skating rink in wintertime. Because of its size, Place Bellecour is one of the key sites of the Lyon – Fête des Lumières, and the illuminations around King Louis XIV’s statue are always spectacular!
In this square, there are also places to eat and drink, so there’s always a lively atmosphere.
Illuminations 2024: I love Lyon (Jacques Rival). This is one of the Festival’s most emblematic installations, depicting the statue of the Sun King in the snow.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Banks of the Rhône River
The Banks of the Rhône River lie east of Lyon’s Old Town. Similarly to the Saône River, the banks of the Rhône River have a promenade with pedestrian and bike paths. The area was completely revamped in 2007 and now boasts shady lawns and a children’s playground.
Visit the Banks of the Rhône River to enjoy a relaxing riverside walk or bike ride alongside the locals.
Illuminations 2024: There’s nothing planned here this year.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Banks of the Saône River
The Banks of the Saône River lie on the west of Lyon’s Old Town. The riverbanks have been turned into a pedestrian promenade from where it is possible to admire the elegant façades of the houses of the Old Town. The area is perfect for a relaxing walk in nature and for other activities such as rowing and fishing.
Make sure to spend some time on the banks of the Saône River to experience the tranquil side of Lyon.
Because of the long façades facing the river, there are always beautiful light shows along the Saône. Here, there’s also a place to buy drinks and quick eats (hot dogs, French fries, tartiflette,…) that you can eat while admiring the show.
Illuminations 2024: L’enfant Lumière (Lightning Hope). This large-scale projection will highlight the emotional power of light.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7. Parc de la Tête d’Or
This urban park is located in the 6th Arrondissement. The Parc de la Tête d’Or was inaugurated in 1857, and it is among France’s largest urban parks thanks to its 117 hectares. Landscaped by the Bühler brothers, the Parc de la Tête d’Or features a lake fed by a branch of the Rhône, a zoo, and a botanical garden.
During the day, stop by to admire more than 20,000 plant varieties and have fun with the whole family at the zoo. You can also warm up by pedal-boating in the lake. At night, this is one of the most magical places of Lyon’s Festival of Lights.
Illuminations 2024: Plastic Island (Luzinterruptus); Reflexions Color (Antoni Arola); Winter Blossom (Darkitects); Les Anooki, Retour à Lyon (Inook); Solar Dust (Quiet Ensemble).
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Please, note that the Park’s entrance will close 30 minutes before the end of the soirée.
TIP: My recommendation is that you visit these installations on a separate evening, as it is very difficult to move from the Old Town or the Presqu’Ile to the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
8. Hôtel-Dieu
The Hôtel-Dieu is located on the Presqu’Ile, the peninsula between the Saône and Rhône rivers. The Hôtel-Dieu is one of the city’s longest buildings, with a façade overlooking the Rhône River. Built in the 12th century, the Hôtel-Dieu was Lyon’s first hospital during Medieval times.
Its great location, fabulous front façade, and historical value make the UNESCO-listed Hôtel-Dieu a must-see sight of Lyon. Today, the Hotel-Dieu is one of the most luxurious hotels in Lyon.
Illuminations 2024: There’s nothing planned here this year.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
9. Place des Jacobins
This square lies in Lyon’s 2nd Arrondissement. Place des Jacobins is right in the center of the Presqu’Ile district. Built on the site of a former Jacobin convent from which it takes the name, this square is a big pedestrian area intersected by several shopping streets, making it particularly frequented.
Place des Jacobins is an unmissable stop not only for shopaholics but for everyone looking to visit one of Lyon’s most beautiful squares.
Illuminations 2024: Jacobins act 4 (Patrice Warrener). He will play light like you play music with the most beautiful notes.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Place & Théâtre des Celestins
Place and Théâtre des Célestins are located in the 2nd Arrondissement of the city. The Place des Célestins is one of Lyon’s many squares, where once stood the Célestins Convent. The Convent was converted into a theater in the late 18th century but destroyed a century later by a fire. Rebuilt in the Italian style, the Théâtre des Célestins is still used today.
Visit this square to discover one of the many architectural beauties of Lyon, alongside one of the oldest theaters in France.
Illuminations 2024: Flux (Collective Scale) on Place des Célestins; Dimensions of Light (Javier Riera) inside the Théatre des Célestins.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
11. Place & Temple du Change
The Place and Temple du Change are in Lyon’s 5th Arrondissement. One of the most beautiful squares in Lyon’s Old Town, the Place du Change, was the center of the city’s financial district for the presence of the Temple du Change, the stock exchange building. In 1803, the Temple du Change stopped having an economic role to become a Protestant church.
Paying a visit to the Place and the Temple du Change will make you discover more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lyon.
Illuminations 2024: Not for Sale (LNLO). This dazzling display of colors is not for sale.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lyon Festival of Lights 2024 – Program & Map
The Festival of Lights in Lyon is packed with wonderful lighted monuments to discover and artistic performances to attend. Following is the full program of the 2024 edition so that you can plan your itinerary and get the most out of the Festival of Lights 2024.
Fête des Lumières – Lyon Light Festival Map 2024
Click here to view the Lyon Festival of Lights 2024 – Map on Google (c)
How to Get to Lyon
The best way to travel to Lyon is by train, as Lyon is well connected by TGV trains with the main cities in France. Lyon’s main train stations are Gare Lyon Part-Dieu and Gare Lyon Perrache – Find the latest deals on train tickets
For all the ways to travel to Lyon, check out this article on how to get to Lyon from Paris, France, and abroad.
Where to Sleep During the Lyon Light Festival 2024
Given the popularity of the Festival of Lights, Lyon becomes a coveted destination during the dates of the event. Therefore, booking your accommodation well in advance is key, as the best hotels sell out very fast. If possible, try to book everything as early as August!
When it comes to accommodation in Lyon, there are many options you can choose from, but I suggest staying in the center so that you will be close to the main illuminated sites and can go everywhere on foot.
Another great idea would be to book a hotel with an on-site restaurant, as it will be hard to get a table in Old Lyon due to the large turnout of visitors. Enjoy dinner in your hotel before going out to experience the best of Lyon’s Festival of Lights.
Here’s the list of some good hotels in central Lyon with a restaurant on-site:
- Intercontinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu (5 stars)
- Villa Florentine (5 stars)
- Boscolo Lyon – Hotel & Spa (5 stars)
- Hotel de l’Abbaye (4 stars)
- Fourvière Hotel (4 stars)
- Globe et Cecil (4 stars)
- Maison Nô – Hotel & Rooftop (4 stars)
- Le Phénix Hotel (4 stars)
- Mama Shelter Lyon (3 stars)
Check out my post on the best hotels in Lyon for more accommodation options.
And there you have it, all about the Fête des Lumières – Lyon Light Festival and how to get the most out of these magical days in Lyon. Enjoy!