Every year in early December, Lyon becomes a city of light. Facades, churches, squares and parks turn into glowing works of art, and hundreds of thousands of visitors stroll the streets in the evening. But behind this huge festival lies a much older and more personal tradition: small candles placed in windows on 8 December.
Here is where the Fête des Lumières comes from, how it is celebrated today, and the dates for 2026.
Key takeaways
- The Fête des Lumières takes place every year in Lyon, always around 8 December.
- In 2026, it runs from Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 December.
- It was born in 1852, at the inauguration of the statue of the Virgin Mary on Fourvière hill.
- On the evening of 8 December, Lyon residents place « lumignons », small candles, in their windows.
A tradition born in 1852
In 1852, Lyon was preparing to unveil a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the Fourvière chapel, which overlooks the city. The ceremony, planned for September, was postponed to 8 December because a flood had delayed the casting of the statue. On the day, bad weather threatened to cancel the celebrations. Residents then spontaneously lit up their windows with candles. The whole city glowed, and a tradition was born.
Lumignons, the heart of the festival
Ever since, on the evening of 8 December, many people in Lyon place lumignons on their windowsills: small candles in coloured glasses. It is the oldest and most personal part of the festival. Many families still keep it up, even though the modern festival gets most of the attention.
The festival today
- Four nights of light shows. Since the late 1990s, the city has organised a full festival of light art, with artists from around the world.
- Iconic locations. Place des Terreaux, Saint-Jean cathedral, Fourvière hill and the Parc de la Tête d’Or often host the most spectacular installations.
- A free event. The trails are walked on foot, outdoors, and open to everyone.
- Big crowds. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year: book your accommodation early.
Good to know: the dates change every year, but the festival always includes 8 December. In 2026, it runs from Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 December. Check the City of Lyon’s official programme for trails and times.
Festival vocabulary
| French | English |
|---|---|
| un lumignon | a small candle in a glass, placed in a window |
| une illumination | decorative lighting, often on a building |
| une projection | an image or film projected onto a facade |
| un parcours | a trail to follow to see the installations |
| la colline de Fourvière | the hill overlooking Lyon, with its basilica |
| un vin chaud | mulled wine, very popular in December |
Going further
To discover more French traditions, read our articles on Beaujolais Nouveau and public holidays in France. And to prepare a trip to Lyon or talk about what you discovered with a native teacher, try our French conversation course or the Live French Club.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lyon’s Festival of Lights in 2026?
From Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 December 2026. The festival always includes 8 December, the date it began in 1852.
What is the origin of the Fête des Lumières?
It dates back to 8 December 1852, when a statue of the Virgin Mary was unveiled on Fourvière hill. Lyon residents spontaneously lit up their windows with candles.
What is a lumignon?
It is a small candle placed in a glass, often coloured. On the evening of 8 December, Lyon residents put them on their windowsills.
Is the Festival of Lights free?
Yes. The installations are seen on foot, outdoors, and are free and open to everyone.
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