Festival of Lights in Lyon

Like every year, as Christmas approaches, Lyon is adorned with beautiful illuminations for the Festival of Lights.

History of the Festival of Lights

A tradition which was born in the 19th century, the religious authorities launched a competition for the creation of a statue envisaged as a religious signal at the top of Fourvière hill. The sculptor Joseph-Hughes Fabish created this statue in his workshop on the quays of Saône. The inauguration was scheduled for September 8, but due to a flood of the Saône it was postponed to December 8. Unfortunately bad weather will once again disrupt the celebrations. The authorities decide to cancel the event, a few moments later, the sky clears. This is how the people of Lyon place candles in their windows. The whole city is lit up! From this event the Festival of Light was born! Saint-Jean Cathedral, Fourvière Hill, Place du Change, Place Sathonay, Place de la Bourse, Place des Jacobins, Place Bellecour... and much more... so many places which will be magnificently highlighted for The festival of lights.

Different breathtaking universes

To better immerse yourself in the heart of the Festival and the tradition, seven varied worlds are within your reach:

• Homage to nature

• At the height of children

• Lyon creations

• Looks from elsewhere

• Great shows

• Truancy stroll

• A step aside

Find the program for the Festival of Lights on the site.

Lyon: lighting specialist

Light in Lyon today is obvious: any night walker will notice how it has become an essential component of Lyon's architecture, revealing its treasures without distorting them. The lighting plan brought the Lyon night to life by highlighting emblematic sites and monuments across the city. Since then, the lighting has included rivers, hills, silhouettes and major traffic routes. The Light Plan was born in 1989 from a tripartite desire: political, technical, artistic. It was a question of rethinking urban lighting to consider it beyond its safety aspect. It first made it possible to illuminate 250 of the most prestigious sites in Lyon. Sustainable development then integrates this approach, making it possible to add nearly 1000 light points to the city's sparkle each year, while reducing energy consumption by 33%.

Take the opportunity to stroll through the heart of the Lyon Christmas Market to enjoy the decorations, illuminations, a good mulled wine, and the Christmas activities on offer.