The festival of lights, Lyon
A unique popular festival: from the neighborhood … to the whole world!
December 8, 1852: The Church intends to inaugurate the new golden statue of the Virgin raised on Fourvière Cathedral, with Bengal fires (rockets filled with a colorful pyrotechnic composition). The origins of Lyon’s Festival of Lights date back to this event, which marked the inauguration of the golden statue of the Virgin Mary on Fourvière—a significant moment in Lyon’s history. The lights festival dates back to the inauguration of a golden statue of the Virgin Mary on Fourvière Hill in 1852. The inauguration of the statue of the Virgin Mary was initially scheduled for September 8, 1852, but was delayed due to flooding of the Saône River that affected the sculptor’s workshop. At the time, heavy rains threatened the celebrations, and recurring floods were a challenge for the city. Even if heavy rains threatened the party, everybody put candles on their windows, come out in the streets, spontaneously. Locals spontaneously placed lanterns on their windowsills, which became the seed for what would become Lyon’s festival. The Church then triggers the festivities: Lyon’s Festival of Lights is born! The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière features a light show called Fourvière en voix with 3D animations and various music styles. Key festival illuminations take place at city hall, Place Bellecour, and Place des Jacobins, which are central to Lyon’s cityscape. Old Lyon and the banks of the Rhône River are also transformed during the festival, becoming vibrant with light and activity as the skies cleared.
1989: The first formal Festival of Lights was held this year. The Lighting Plan is adopted and the monuments begin to light up. An “urban night landscape” appears, where nature and culture are brought to light. The Fête des Lumières generally runs from Thursday to Sunday in early December. The lyon light festival takes place annually from December 5 to December 8. During the evening and nights, Lyon is beautifully lit, creating a magical atmosphere throughout Lyon’s streets. The shift from spontaneous lanterns to planned illuminations by professionals marked a new era for Lyon’s festival, building on the legacy of previous editions.
1999: the festival is extended to 4 days and large-scale events signed by professionals are increasing. In 1999, the 8th of December officially became the Festival of Lights as it is known today, extending over a four day period. The event was officially named the Fête des Lumières and was structured as we know it today. The religious festival gradually turns into a political event, showing technical and technological progress in a great artistic dynamic. This tradition of lighting lumignons has continued, with people lighting their windows every December 8. As night falls, the locals placed ‘lumignons’ (small lanterns) on their windowsills on December 8, transforming Lyon’s cityscape with light. Despite periods of social unrest, Lyon’s festival has persisted and grown, and each big day brings anticipation and excitement as Lyon celebrate this unique tradition, making it a highlight in France’s cultural calendar.
2002: the LUCI Association is created. Today, 70 countries are members and mobilised for the challenges of new lifestyles, new urban forms, and the lyon light energy crisis.
2005: Lyon adopts a second Lighting Plan, dedicated to human activities, where lighting design is developed in the streets to support everyday events.
2012: 4 millions of visitors are here to contemplate the illuminated city, it’s a record! The festival attracts around three million visitors annually, significantly increasing the city’s foot traffic. Lyon becomes a coveted destination during the Fête des Lumières, making accommodation bookings essential. Booking accommodation in Lyon during the festival should be done well in advance, ideally by August. The Festival of Lights lasts four days, including events at parc blandan, and attracts around 3 million visitors annually.
2015: For the first time, the Festival of Lights of Lyon is cancelled, following the November 13 parisian attacks. Transportation access is challenging during the festival as cars are banned from the city center. Visitors can enjoy an accessible route for people with reduced mobility during the festival. It can be difficult to navigate some popular venues featuring temporary light installations due to large crowds during the festival. Lyon establishes a partnership with the Lantern Festival of Zigong and 3 artists from the city present their creations in China.
2017 promises an amazing program around 6 worlds: The great epics / The architectural stories / The natural atmosphere / Contemporary printing / Curiosities / The art of diversion. Rather inspiring..! Julian Hölscher’s installation called Mother transforms the cathedral into a landscape through colors. If you look at this teaser, you will want to go!
History and Origins of the Festival
The story of the Lyon Festival of Lights, or Fête des Lumières, is woven into the very fabric of the city’s identity. It all began in 1852, when Lyon planned to unveil a golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop Fourvière Hill. The inauguration was originally set for September, but heavy rains and flooding from the Saône river delayed the event until December 8. As the evening of the rescheduled inauguration approached, more heavy rains threatened to dampen the city’s spirits and the planned illuminations. Yet, as night falls, the skies cleared, and something magical happened: locals spontaneously placed small lanterns—known as lumignons—on their window sills, lighting up the city in a warm, golden glow.
This simple act of unity and devotion marked the birth of a tradition that has endured for generations. Every December, Lyon comes alive with light as residents and visitors alike honor the religious celebrations, including Feast of the Immaculate Conception by illuminating their homes and streets. The festival has grown from a single night of celebration into a four-day event, filled with temporary light installations, spectacular light shows, and vibrant festivities that draw millions of visitors. The lighting of the statue of the Virgin Mary on Fourvière Hill remains a central moment, connecting the city’s past to its present and making the Lyon Festival of Lights a cherished tradition that continues to inspire awe and wonder.
A special event for video mapping
When the Celestins Theater directly echoes its audience
The Festival of Lights of Lyon quickly integrated the architectural video mapping in the program. Indeed, video mapping is the ideal technology for light and video projection on buildings, to set monuments in motion and sublimate the cultural heritage. Light shows are performed throughout Lyon during the Festival of Lights, often featuring renowned national and international artists. Notably, jacques rival has contributed emblematic light installations that have become integral to Lyon’s Festival of Lights, enhancing Lyon’s festive atmosphere. Most events and light shows do not require reservations and are free to attend. Special facilities are available for families, including child-friendly activities and installations. The festival offers a variety of artistic light installations that change each year, featuring innovative and surprising designs, such as ‘les Anooki’—one of the illuminated art installations featured at Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or. Another example of an art experience is ‘retour à Lyon,’ which highlights the city’s vibrant nighttime festivities and creative spirit.
HeavyM selected for you several examples, which reveal the city from all angles!
The most exalted > Nocturnal trance, Marie-Jeanne Gauthé, 2011
Galloping horses of Place des Terreaux
The most entertaining > Urban Flipper, Carol Martin and Thibaut Berbezier, 2011
The Celestins Theater transformed into a giant pinball!
The most interactive and corporal > Hypermetrop, Beam’Art, 2012
A rhythmic and augmented live dance with Marc Rozier building
The cutest > The Anooki agitate Gare Saint-Paul, Inook, 2012
The world’s smallest Eskimos’ playground
The most arty > Earth in the Lights, BK Digital Art Company, 2014
When modern art exhibited in Lyon Museum of Fine Arts comes to life
The most breathtaking / the most recent > Evolutions, Yann Nguema / EZ3kiel, 2016
The virtuoso metamorphosis of Saint Jean Cathedral
Main Attractions and Landmarks
The Lyon Festival of Lights transforms the city into a breathtaking open-air gallery, where history and creativity shine side by side. Among the festival’s most iconic landmarks is the Fourvière Basilica, perched high on Fourvière Hill, where the golden statue of the Virgin Mary is illuminated in a dazzling display. Nearby, the majestic Saint-Jean Cathedral becomes a canvas for mesmerizing light shows, while the grand City Hall and the lively Place des Terreaux host some of the festival’s most anticipated installations.
Wander through Vieux Lyon, the city’s enchanting old town, and you’ll find narrow streets and Renaissance buildings bathed in vibrant colors. The Presqu’île, Lyon’s bustling peninsula, is home to Place des Jacobins and Place Bellecour, both of which come alive with creative lighting and festive energy. Along the banks of the Rhône River, visitors can enjoy stunning reflections and innovative displays that highlight the city’s connection to water and light.
Signature attractions like the Retour à Lyon light show and the heartwarming Love Lyon installation capture the spirit of the festival, inviting everyone to share in the joy and wonder of the season. Whether you’re admiring the lighting of the statue of the Virgin Mary, exploring the illuminated city centre, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere with food and drinks, the Lyon lights festival is an unforgettable celebration that brings the magic of the Christmas season to life.
Lyon: a fertile land for digital innovation
Beyond the Festival of Light, Lyon’s creative effervescence has strongly and durably invested the city for several years. Lyon gets into an active, lively and attractive position, very suitable to digital innovation, reflecting Lyon’s leadership in creative and technological fields! Among the prominent locations for installations, including the fourvière basilica, is Place des Terreaux and place bellecour , which often kicks off the festival. Lyon’s Festival of Lights is one of France’s most significant winter festivals and attracts millions of visitors annually. The Festival of Lights is celebrated every year on December 8. The Festival of Lights is celebrated in Lyon around the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Parc de la Tête d’Or hosts multiple installations including Plastic Island and Solar Dust during the Festival. Installations and events also take place along the Rhône River, making it a key location during the festivities.
For example, Mirage Festival, since 2013, offers a multidisciplinary program with performances, installations, screenings, evenings in Lyon Metropolis. Visitors who wish to discover lyon can experience the immersive installation at the Auditorium by Lyon-based plastic artist Nawelle Aïnèche. HeavyM organized the “Digital Explorations” workshop at Lavoir Public in 2016, a success thanks to the energy and creativity of the public! You can also learn more about a stage design workshop provided by HeavyM.
Since 2001, Village des Créateurs detects, supports and drives fashion, decoration and design creators of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes district. The installation called Post-idols features two unique light sculptures that change as you approach them at the Henri Malartre Automobile Museum. The agency WECOMEINPEACE, specialist in interactive multimedia creations and Fête des Lumières of Lyon label, is incubated.
To end on a musical note, Nuits Sonores, the annual festival of electronic music and independent music since 2003, invests for 5 days emblematic places of the city of Lyon, including streets, museums, industrial wastelands …
If you too, you have a bright idea, try HeavyM for free and start creating a project with ease, with ready to map effects!
http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en
– Séverine for HeavyM Team
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Energy and Sustainability at the Festival
As the Fête des Lumières continues to shine brighter each year, with the updated date being the same every Decembe Lyon has taken significant steps to ensure that this beloved festival of lights remains as sustainable as it is spectacular. With millions of visitors flocking to the city every December for the four-day period of dazzling light shows and temporary light installations, the city has made environmental responsibility a top priority.
One of the most visible changes at the Lyon Festival of Lights is the widespread use of energy-efficient LED lighting. These modern lights not only illuminate iconic sites like Place des Terreaux, Place des Jacobins, and Fourvière Hill with vibrant colors and dynamic effects, but they also dramatically reduce energy consumption compared to traditional lighting. Many of the festival’s installations, including those created by international artists, are now powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels, which will be updated date to further minimizing the event’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability at the Lyon light festival goes beyond just energy use. Throughout the city, recycling stations are set up to encourage visitors to sort their waste, and the festival actively promotes the use of reusable bags and containers. Local businesses and food vendors are also encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, helping to reduce single-use plastics and overall waste during this popular event.
The city’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. The Fête des Lumières has received international recognition, including the prestigious “European Green Capital” award, highlighting Lyon’s leadership in hosting environmentally conscious events. Looking ahead, the city is exploring even more green initiatives, such as expanding the use of electric and hybrid vehicles for festival transportation and partnering with local organizations to further reduce the festival’s environmental impact.
For visitors, this means you can enjoy the magic of the festival of lights with the knowledge that Lyon is working hard to protect its environment. Whether you’re marveling at the illuminated facades in the city centre, wandering through the creative displays at Place des Terreaux, or soaking in the festive atmosphere on Fourvière Hill, you’re part of a celebration that honors both tradition and sustainability.
The Fête des Lumières is more than just a feast for the eyes—it’s a shining example of how a city can celebrate its heritage, welcome the world, and care for the future, all at once. As you plan your visit to Lyon this December, look out for updates on the latest green initiatives and join in making the festival a beacon of sustainability for years to come.
Accommodations and Safety During the Festival
With millions of visitors flocking to Lyon for the Festival of Lights, finding the right place to stay is key to making the most of your experience. The city centre offers a wide range of accommodations, from cozy boutique hotels to luxurious suites, but rooms fill up quickly—so it’s wise to book well in advance. Many hotels are conveniently located near major festival sites, such as place bellecour, allowing you to step right into the heart of the festivities, while you can also visit the tourist office for more information.
Getting around Lyon during the festival is easy thanks to the city’s efficient public transport system. Buses and metro lines are adapted to handle the increased crowds, and special routes make it simple to reach all the main attractions. For those with reduced mobility, the festival provides accessible routes, public toilets, and wheelchair-friendly areas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the lights and excitement.
Safety is a top priority for the festival’s organizers. Clear guidelines and instructions are provided throughout the city, and security personnel are on hand to assist visitors. Emergency services and first aid stations are available at key locations, and the festival’s website offers up-to-date information on safety measures. To keep your experience stress-free, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and follow any instructions from festival staff.
With a little planning and awareness, including checking the opening hours you can immerse yourself in the magic of the Lyon Festival of Lights, knowing that the city is committed to making your visit both safe and memorable. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, Lyon’s warm welcome and festive spirit will make your stay truly special.
Getting Around the City During the Festival
Navigating Lyon during the Fête des Lumières is an adventure in itself, as the city centre transforms into a vibrant stage for dazzling light shows and temporary light installations. With millions of visitors flocking to the Lyon Festival of Lights each year, the streets come alive with excitement, but also with crowds—so a little planning goes a long way.
Public transport is your best friend during the festival, as many roads in the city centre are closed to cars to make way for the throngs of pedestrians. Buses and metro lines operate on a special schedule, and some routes may be diverted to accommodate the festivities. To make your journey smoother, pick up the official festival map at the tourist office or download it online. This handy guide highlights the main light installations, from the spectacular displays at Place des Terreaux and Saint Jean Cathedral to the breathtaking illuminations on Fourvière Hill.
For those with reduced mobility, Lyon ensures the festival is accessible to all. Clearly marked routes, accessible public toilets, and designated seating areas are available throughout the city. The festival’s website provides up-to-date information and maps tailored for visitors with specific needs, so everyone can enjoy the magic of the lights.
If you’re looking to discover Lyon in a unique way, consider using the city’s bike-sharing system or joining a guided bike tour. This is a great way to weave through the old town’s narrow streets and take in the festive atmosphere at your own pace. On Sundays, the city centre is entirely pedestrianized, making it even easier to stroll along the illuminated streets, cross the bridges over the Rhône and Saône rivers, and soak up the sights.
To escape the busiest crowds, venture to Parc Blandan, where family-friendly installations and the heartwarming Lumignons du Coeur light display await. This area offers a more relaxed pace and is perfect for young visitors, with suitable opening hours and plenty of space to explore. Don’t miss the chance to wander through Vieux Lyon, the city’s enchanting old town, where historic buildings and winding lanes are bathed in the glow of creative lighting.
As night falls, Lyon’s tradition truly comes to life. Locals and visitors alike place candles and small lanterns on their window sills, filling the city with a warm, golden light. Join in this beautiful custom and become part of the festival’s living history. The evenings are also marked by religious celebrations, including the procession of the Virgin Mary from Saint Jean Cathedral up to fourvière basilica—a moving spectacle that captures the spirit of the festival.
The Festival of Lights runs from 7 PM to 11 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 6 PM to 10 PM on Sunday, giving you plenty of time to explore the illuminated city. With a little patience and a sense of adventure, you’ll find that getting around Lyon during the festival is all part of the experience. Whether you’re admiring the lights along the riverbanks in the evening , discovering hidden gems in the old town, or simply enjoying the festive buzz in the streets, the Fête des Lumières is a magical way to love Lyon during the Christmas season.