🕯️ Fête des Lumières 2026
in Lyon

The Fête des Lumières runs from December 5 to December 8 every year — December 8 (the Immaculate Conception) is the most important night, when residents light candles in their windows. Major light installations open on December 5. Our guide covers 0 events and side-attractions across the festival window.

Yes — the festival is famously child-friendly. Most installations are free and outdoors, and the official programme always includes a few stops designed specifically for children (puppet projections, interactive light installations, smaller squares with lower crowds). Push-chairs work fine on the main routes; bring warm layers and a water bottle.

The largest projections are on Place des Terreaux, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, Place Bellecour and Parc de la Tête d'Or. Plan your evening as a walking loop: most visitors do Vieux Lyon → Bellecour → Terreaux. Check the official programme published in mid-November each year for the exact list.

All outdoor light installations are completely free. Some indoor exhibitions and gala concerts may sell tickets — check the events listed above. Lyon gets very crowded; book your hotel and Métro pass weeks in advance.