
The great thing about the Fête des Lumières is that Lyon immediately puts everyone on the same page when it comes to illuminations at the end of the year. No matter how hard all the other cities try, they just can’t get away with it. The other good news is that the festivities continue throughout December. Because Lyon is more beautiful than ever when it’s decked out for the festive season, we’ve put together a selection of the year’s most unmissable Christmas activities!
Stroll through the Place Carnot Christmas market
If there were only one Christmas market to visit, this would be it! With a host of events taking place almost every day, 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
Date: November 22 to December 24, 2024
Free admission
Admire the Christmas lights
In the final stretch before D-Day, take the time to look up to the sky to admire the illuminations that adorn our beloved city of Lyon. The magic of the festive season wouldn’t be what it is without the thousands of points of light that illuminate the city. What’s more, this year the town council has decided to reinforce the lighting installations as part of the “Presqu’île à vivre” project, so let’s make the most of it!
Recharge your batteries in one of the many tearooms
In the midst of the Christmas shopping marathon, it’s also good to take a breather. Lyon is full of cosy places to warm up with a hot drink and a pastry. It’s also the perfect time to share your Christmas menu and New Year’s Eve party ideas with friends!
Buy your tree!
Let’s face it, this is one of the high points of December. Bringing the tree home, putting up the decorations and seeing it take pride of place in the middle of the living room. We may be past the age of childishness, but it’s still impossible to resist… If you’re looking for a place to buy your Christmas tree, there are several collection points open. The first is at Place de la Croix-Rousse, in front of the Carrousel. It’s open from 7am to 7pm, every day in December. Alternatively, from December 6 to 22, you can visit the Quai Victor Augagneur, where a Christmas tree market will be held from 9am to 7:30pm. And don’t forget that many Christmas markets have their own stalls. A tree farm will even be present at the Place Carnot market.
Attend a concert like no other
We know how difficult it can be to find a gift for your loved ones. With Candlelight, it’s all taken care of: 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, you’ll be able to enjoy exclusive concerts of the finest Christmas music at the Chapelle de la Trinité!
Go to rue Saint-Jean for mulled wine
Strolling around and filling your belly 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)
Christmas movie at the cinema
Just like every year, the “good Christmas movies” are back in theaters to make you cry over 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
Enjoy a hot chocolate in town
Even if there’s nothing better in December than one of our local specialties to comfort you, hot chocolate remains THE drink of the holidays! 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 face the cold weather and spend some time with family and friends, share a good chocolate!