Lyon is a great city to end the year in style. The Festival of Lights? Yes, but that’s not all. Between buying a Christmas tree, finding the wrong gifts and preparing for your annual interview, we forget that December is a cool month. From novelties and traditions to cultural events and culinary delights, there’s plenty to choose from! Lyon Secret helps you put December back on its pedestal.
Celebrate the Fête des Lumières (as it should be!)
Yes… we’re not going to teach you much by telling you that the Fête des Lumières takes place in December. But let’s just add that it’s one of the most popular and cultural events in the world. It’s a source of pride for the people of Lyon, and this year it celebrates its 25th anniversary. We can’t recommend that you miss out on the magic of the moment. And don’t forget to put a candle in your window!
Skiing less than two hours from home
The 2024 – 2025 ski season is underway! A number of resorts around Lyon are already open , so why not treat yourself to a little session before Christmas? As we all know, skiing outside the school vacation period is the best way to enjoy the season without queuing at the ski lift and paying full price for your ski pass. And what a treat it is to treat yourself to a raclette after a day’s skiing or snowboarding… hear, hear!
Treat yourself to a Candlelight Christmas concert
Candlelight and cinematic enchantment combine for a truly magical Christmas. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of the Chapelle de la Trinité, illuminated by a multitude of candles. The Holiday, Maman, j’ai encore raté l’avion, Love Actually, and of course, the iconic Mariah Carey, invite you to celebrate the festive season in music, carried by the gentle melodies of the Quatuor Ensemble Paname . The soundtracks that lulled our childhood, those memorable lyrics that resonate with us all winter long, Candlelight invites you to rediscover them in a classical interpretation, offering a timeless moment of nostalgia.
📍 Venue: Chapelle de la Trinité
📅 Date: multiple dates
🎟️ From €25
Stroll through the Place Carnot Christmas Market
Just as there’s no November without Beaujolais, there’s no Christmas without its market. This year, no fewer than 100 chalets will be lining the Place Carnot. Stalls selling decorations, local produce, toys and other gifts… Face-painting and reading workshops will be on offer to keep the children entertained. The Christmas market remains a must-attend event to support local craftsmanship, and now more than ever, they need our help! We’re counting on you to make Amazon tremble!
📍 Location: Place Carnot, Lyon 2
📅 Date: November 22 to December 24
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 11am – 8pm / Friday 11am – 10pm / Saturday 10:30am – 10pm / Sunday 10:30am – 8pm
Visit the Art of the Brick exhibition
Just like Nathan Sawaya, a former corporate lawyer who became the world’s greatest Brick Artist, who chose to let his childlike soul express itself by devoting himself to LEGO® art in a professional way. The Art of The Brick showcases 70 sculptures made entirely from a million small bricks. Visitors will discover life-size reproductions of famous masterpieces, such as the Venus de Milo or Rodin’s The Thinker… A great way to fall back into childhood!
Location: Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 24 Quai Jules Courmont, Lyon 2
Date: multiple dates
🎟️ From €11.90
Immerse yourself in the incredible history of Pompeii
Eruption in sight! Pompeii, Cité Immortelle, the exhibition event arrives in Lyon, a first in France! From December 13 at La Sucrière, take a trip back in time and relive the incredible destiny of the most famous ancient city of all time. A must-see exhibition!
📍 Location: La Sucrière, 49 Quai Rambaud, Lyon 2
📅 Date: from December 13
🎟️ Prices not yet announced
Enjoy a good movie at the cinema
It’s a pleasure we never turn down. Even more so when winter arrives… A good film at the cinema is one of life’s little pleasures never to be forgotten. We all have memories of going to the cinema, sitting in one of those red seats, chewing on a Smurf, watching the trailers before the movie starts… Then head to a darkened theater for a moment of entertainment and culture! Particularly Pathé and CGR cinemas with their reduced-price tickets. Lyon, city of the Frères Lumières, should celebrate cinema as it should be!
Go to Japan Touch (November 30 and December 1)
It’s back every year to take us on a journey to the land of the rising sun. Japan Touch takes up residence at Lyon Eurexpo ! With hundreds of booths, events, guests, workshops and more, everything related to Japan will be represented! Whether you’re a manga fan, a lover of Japanese culture or just curious, this huge show is well worth the detour! You’ll even be able to sample a multitude of Japanese dishes and specialities between two stands to keep your strength up.
📍 Location: Eurexpo Lyon
📅 Date: November 30 and December 1
🎟️ Admission from €11 in advance for Sunday, free for children under 10.
🕒 Opening hours: Saturday, 1am to 7pm; Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Dining in the Dark
To get away from the routine of dining out, to set yourself a personal challenge or to get out of your comfort zone, we recommend the experience of dining in the dark. At the Harner bar restaurant, the chef has concocted a three-course meal especially for the occasion. Dining in the Dark is an opportunity to test your taste buds and focus on senses other than sight when enjoying a dish.
Visit the designer market at Cité des Halles
This is one of the not-to-be-missed events for all those who want to go “local” for the holidays. This year, the Cité des Halles Christmas Creators’ Market takes place over 3 full days. Between decorations, delicacies and gifts of all kinds, join us on December 13, 14 and 15 to celebrate the magic of Christmas and simply indulge yourself!
📍 Location: 124 Av. Jean Jaurès, Lyon 7
📅 Date: December 13, 14 and 15
🎟️ Free admission
Vivre Le Roi Noir : Immersive Escape Game in Vieux Lyon
Will you accept the thrilling mission to join Lyon’s judicial police force and track down the dreaded Black King? December offers the perfect opportunity to try out this spooky new escape game in Lyon. Rather than staying cooped up endlessly watching the Netflix catalog, plunge into the action by embarking on an immersive outdoor adventure, guaranteeing the perfect dose of adrenalin and thrills. The question remains: are you up to the challenge?
Bonus: strike while the iron is hot and plan your 2025 vacation!
Everything you need to know to turn 23 days of vacation into 60 days of vacation in 2025! Come on, it’s a gift and… Christmas before time!