Fête des Lumières Lyon 2026 (Festival of Lights)

The Fête des Lumières 2026, Lyon's Festival of Lights, takes place from 5 to 8 December 2026 in Lyon, France. For four evenings, artists light up the city's monuments, squares, parks and streets with projections and installations. It is one of France's most popular winter events and suits families, couples and group tours on December trips.

About the Fête des Lumières

The festival has its roots in a Lyon tradition dating back to 1852, when residents placed candles in their windows on 8 December to celebrate the Virgin Mary. Many Lyonnais still place candles, known as lumignons, on their windowsills, while the modern festival adds large-scale light art across the city.

Artists from France and abroad present works on landmarks such as the Basilica of Fourvière, the Place des Terreaux and the Cathedral of Saint-Jean, as well as in parks and along the rivers. The city publishes the programme and maps on its official website ahead of each edition.

Lyon is also known as a capital of French gastronomy, with traditional bouchon restaurants, food markets and a UNESCO-listed old town. The festival is a good reason to visit and to combine Lyon with Christmas markets elsewhere in France, or with skiing in the Alps.

The Fête des Lumières 2026 dates and venue

The Fête des Lumières 2026 runs from 5 to 8 December 2026, from Saturday to Tuesday, according to the City of Lyon. Installations are shown each evening across the Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon, Fourvière and other districts.

Maps, the artistic programme and practical advice are published on the official Fête des Lumières website. Some areas use one-way pedestrian routes and security checks at peak times.

How to get to Lyon for the Fête des Lumières

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the main gateway, linked to the city centre by the Rhônexpress tram and taxis. It has flights from many European cities and from North Africa, especially Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, which makes Lyon a natural choice for North African travellers.

Lyon is also on France's high-speed rail network, with fast trains from Paris and Marseille, and from Geneva Airport (GVA) by road or rail. During the festival, roads in the centre are closed, so the metro, trams and walking are the best ways to get around.

Where to stay

The Presqu'île between the Rhône and Saône rivers and Vieux Lyon are the most convenient areas for a trip to Lyon for the Fête des Lumières. The Part-Dieu district near the main station offers more choice and good public transport.

Hotels in Lyon fill months in advance for the festival weekend, so book as early as possible. Some visitors stay in nearby towns and travel in by train.

Planning a group trip to the Fête des Lumières

A group tour to the Fête des Lumières can combine two evenings of light installations with a guided walk through Vieux Lyon and its traboules, a food tour and a day trip to Annecy or Beaujolais. Agencies should plan meeting points carefully, as crowds are very large in the evenings.

Recommend warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and advise travellers to keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Check entry requirements for France with the official authorities.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Fête des Lumières 2026?

The Festival of Lights runs from Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 December 2026 in Lyon, according to the official City of Lyon website.

Is the Fête des Lumières free?

The installations are shown in public spaces across the city and are free to visit. Some areas may have controlled access at busy times.

What is the history of the festival?

It grew from a tradition that began on 8 December 1852, when residents placed candles in their windows. Many households still light candles on the evening of 8 December.

Which airport serves Lyon?

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the main airport, linked to the centre by the Rhônexpress tram. It has many flights from North Africa and Europe.

How crowded does it get?

Very crowded, especially at weekends. Visiting on weekday evenings and arriving early helps, and travellers should follow official pedestrian routes.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Fête des Lumières in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.