The Lyon Festival of Lights is one of the most magical cultural celebrations in France, as every December, Lyon turns into a glowing open-air gallery featuring beautiful light installations with projections and illuminated landmarks. The festival offers a mix of art, culture, and festive spirit if you are planning a December weekend break from the UK.
This blog covers dates and what to expect, where to stay, travel tips from the UK, and more with your France Schengen visa.
The Lyon Festival of Lights is one of the famous festivals in Lyon that comes from a 19th-century tradition where locals place candles in their windows to honor the Virgin Mary. In recent years, it has evolved into a global event, thereby attracting over 3-4 million visitors yearly.
Here are some pointers to see why the Lyon Festival of Lights is the perfect getaway from the UK; some are as follows:
There are two main stages, namely the Basilica of Fourviere and the Place des Terreaux, where illumination takes place, with other small light installations taking place across. Simultaneously, it is a festival that goes on for about four days. It is recommended to visit on Wednesdays or Thursdays to avoid crowds.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon, France, is a popular event that aims to express gratitude toward Mary, the mother of Jesus, on December 8th each year. Here is an overview of the Lyon Festival of Lights 2025 to take place:
It is essential to note that certain zones, such as Parc Blandan and Institut Lumière, may have different hours, operating from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Yes. Lyon is crowded during the Festival of Lights and attracts millions of visitors to the city. The streets and popular sites such as Place des Terreaux and Vieux Lyon. You should use public transport to visit the popular sites during peak hours and arrive early.
Yes. Lyon is safe during the festival, as it takes precautions across the city; some are as follows:
Here are some safety precautions to take during the Festival of Lights.
The official Lyon installation map for 2025 consists of major locations; some are as follows:
The organizers have planned the Lyon Festival of Lights event at this location for this year, at a square with an exceptional layout, and they line it with two emblematic monuments, such as the Hotel de Ville (the city hall) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Simultaneously, the square has the beautiful Bartholdi fountain made by the creator of New York’s Statue of Liberty.
Note- Le Lundi, C’est Raviolis! is a video mapping project by Tigrelab to perform video mapping at the Lyon Festival of Lights event.
It is a famous cathedral that people know for its light installations mapping the old town in the 5th arrondissement. Builders constructed it in the 12th and 15th centuries. Simultaneously, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage site in 1998.. Moreover, the shows at the cathedral are very popular with a flow of spectators reaching and leaving from the opposite side of the square, with a new batch waiting in the queue for their chance.
Note- Hungarian artist Laszlo Zsolt Bordos created Lumina, a video mapping project that is set to perform at the Cathedral, where the place comes to life and awakens our emotions.
It is located in Lyon’s 2nd Arrondissement, and the square is at the center of Lyon and is known as the largest pedestrian square. The place features a bronze equestrian statue of King Louis XIV and has an access point to Lyon’s shopping arrondissement.
Simultaneously, we recommend visiting the Place Bellecour, as it is one of the main symbols of the city. Moreover, it hosts events and attractions throughout the year, such as an ice skating rink during winter.
Note- There is nothing planned here this year.
The 5th Arrondissement, which builders constructed in the 19th century, is one of the key sites of the festival. Simultaneously, visit the basilica to experience the beautiful decor and the Museum of Sacred Art, and take the north tower to marvel at the city from above.
Note- Gilbert Coudène and Étienne Guiol of La Région des Lumières à Fourvière are set to perform their light installations, which will highlight the basilica’s main features in resonance with its history.
This is an urban park located in the 6th arrondissement, inaugurated in 1857 and known as the largest urban park in France, spread across 117 hectares. Simultaneously, it features a lake fed by a branch of the Rhone, a zoo, and a botanical garden. Moreover, people say that at night, the place turns into one of the most magical places of Lyon’s festival of light, landscaped by the Buhler brothers.
Note – Post idols (Pitaya), Journey of a Lamp Post (Pitaya), Éveil des Lumières (Allumée), déambulez avec le chat (Philippe Geluck). It is important to note that the park entrance will close 30 minutes before the end of the soiree.
Accommodations during the Lyon Festival of Lights sell out quickly; therefore, it is recommended to book early. Here are some of the best areas to stay during the festival mentioned below:
It highly recommends the area to stay in as it is close to most of the installations with cozy cafes within walking distance, thereby making it ideal for first-time visitors.
It is great for people who love cobblestoned streets and the Renaissance buildings and are fans of history and its beauty. Simultaneously, it is near the Fourvière and Saint Jean Cathedral.
Budget travelers recommend it for its easy transportation facilities and proximity to the main train station and metros.
It is a great place with a friendly neighborhood, thereby making it ideal for families or travelers looking for longer stays.
The Lyon Festival of Lights 2025 is more than just a light installation show; it’s a celebration in France. If you are planning a quick Lyon December weekend break from the UK, make sure to visit Lyon for a winter getaway inspired by art. From light installations by famous artists to famous landmarks, the Fête des Lumières gives you an atmosphere you will find nowhere else.
Lyon is the perfect destination to travel to before this year ends, and make sure to get your France Schengen visa for a smooth experience and to live an adventure of a lifetime.
The organizers have planned the Lyon Festival of Lights event to take place from 5th to 8th December 2025.
Yes, the city is busy, as it attracts millions of visitors with busy streets and popular areas such as Bellecour, Fourviere, and more, especially on the weekends in the evening.
Yes. The city is safe during the event with extra security, cautious measures, and police presence during the event.
The Presqu’île, Vieux Lyon, Part-Dieu, and Croix-Rousse are few areas to stay during the Festival of Lights.
Only UK residents require a France Schengen visa from the UK to attend the festival. However, UK citizens do not need a visa to attend it.
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