It’s true that when it comes to illuminations, Lyon is a step ahead every year with its magnificent Fête des Lumières. Because Lyon is more beautiful than ever when it’s decked out for the festive season, we’ve put together a selection of the five must-do Christmas activities for you to enjoy at the end of the year!
1. The Place Carnot Christmas Market
If there were only one Christmas market to do, this would clearly be it! With its almost daily entertainment, there’s something for everyone! Brass bands, Santa Claus, concerts, face-painting workshops, choirs, creative arts… it’s never too late to add a few DIY decorations to your Christmas table! You’ll be warmly welcomed by the hundred or so exhibitors offering their wares: jewelry, decorations, fashion accessories, gourmet specialties… We’re already salivating at the idea of drinking mulled wine and nibbling tasty roasted chestnuts!
Place Carnot, November 22 to December 24, 2024
2. Fairytale Classical Concerts by Candlelight
We know how difficult it can be to find a gift for your loved ones. With Candlelight, that’s settled: we’ve found the perfect gift to put under the tree! This series of classical concerts brings a magical vibrancy to Lyon, much to our delight. A chance to rediscover the quintessential classical repertoire by subdued candlelight! It’s definitely a sensory experience not to be missed this holiday season! And this year in Lyon, you can enjoy an exclusive concert featuring the best of Christmas music!
3. The Caluire-Et-Cuire Festival of Lights
Yes, the Fête des Lumières isn’t just in Lyon. Surrounding towns are doing it too, and in a more intimate way! Once a year, Caluire-Et-Cuire organizes its own little Fête des Lumières, with a lantern parade , fireworks and a release of flying lanterns. A total wonderland, a far cry from the four days of hustle and bustle in Lyon!
4. Drink a Vin Chaud on Rue Saint-Jean
Strolling around and filling your belly, you’ve guessed it, is our passion. Rue Saint-Jean, in the heart of Vieux Lyon, has all the Lyonnais charm we love. What’s more, it’s an essential haunt for mulled wine aficionados! (Or those who want to warm up after a long walk in the cold!) So put on your mittens, brave the snow and take refuge in these cosy wooded dens where hot drinks await you! Cheers!
Rue Saint-Jean, in the heart of Vieux Lyon (metro D: Vieux Lyon)
5. Christmas shopping at La Part-Dieu
La Part-Dieu at Christmas, or the other name for Hell on Earth. That moment of intense stress on December 24 at 6:59pm when you’re wondering which papillotes you’re going to be able to buy to treat your guests (tip: the best ones are Révillon). So if you want to avoid your kid having a crying fit the next day, you take it easy and wander the aisles with your cart in search of the latest Beyblade (which will put your bank account overdrawn from January 1st).
Center Commercial La Part-Dieu, Special opening hours Sundays December 8, 15 and 22, 10am to 7pm.
6. A Good Christmas Nanar at the Cinema
Just like every year, the big Christmas nanars are back at the cinema to bring tears to your eyes with their mushy love stories, and the many cartoons with little reindeer. And if you want to see them, you’re in luck, because we’ve come up with two exceptional offers: treat yourself to low-price cinema tickets at your favorite CGR or Pathé cinemas. Ain’t life grand?
CGR cinemas in Lyon: Cinéma CGR in Brignais.
Cinéma Pathé: Pathé Bellecour, Pathé Vaise and Pathé Carré de Soie
7. Enjoy the best hot chocolates in town
The best drink of Christmas and winter, a good hot chocolate! It warms our bodies and hearts, and takes us back to childhood. And we’re in luck: Lyon has several addresses that revisit it and offer us 5-star versions of this magical drink. So, to help you get through this cold spell and spend some time with family and friends, share a good chocolate!