From 5 to 8 December 2026, discover the light installations in the heart of Lyon, then keep the celebration going around the table at Café des Fédérations, just a short walk from Place des Terreaux.
At Les Terreaux, a carnival of music and light
This year, The Carnival of the Animals, created by Studio Étienne Guiol, brings the façades to life to the music of Camille Saint-Saëns. For eight minutes, a monumental piano, a lion made of Lyon silks and sea creatures take you on a whimsical journey, perfect for the whole family.
Continue your stroll through the neighbourhood with Candelum on Place d’Albon, near Saint-Nizier, where five giant candelabras cast a warm glow. On Place Sathonay, Liquid Tiles combines geometry, movement and music, while Sentinels (Underwater) turns Place Louis-Pradel into an underwater landscape.
Did you know? The festival could have taken place in September!
The golden statue of the Virgin Mary at Fourvière was due to be unveiled on 8 September 1852. When the Saône burst its banks, the ceremony was postponed to 8 December. That evening, bad weather once again threatened the festivities… until the sky cleared. The people of Lyon lit up their windows with candles, and the 8 December tradition was born.
In 1852, candles flew off the shelves
Enthusiasm ran so high that newspapers of the time described queues outside shops as people rushed to buy candles and oil. Stocks sold out within minutes! Long before the monumental projections, it was Lyon’s residents who made the city sparkle, one window at a time.
Four nights of celebration: a more recent story
While the lumignons (candles in small glass holders) belong to a tradition more than 170 years old, the four-day format dates back to 1999. Over the years, the festival has paired this popular custom with artists’ creations that now transform Lyon’s squares and monuments.
The celebration continues at the table at Café des Fédérations
Between two discoveries, enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere of a traditional Lyon bouchon and our special Fête des Lumières 2026 menu.
Throughout the four days, we welcome you with:
- 2 lunch sittings
- 2 dinner sittings
For the event, bookings can only be made through our website.
8-9-10 rue Major Martin, Lyon 1st arrondissement, next to Place des Terreaux.
Book your table
