From 5 to 8 December 2026, discover the light installations in the heart of Lyon, then keep the celebration going around the table at Caf\u00e9 des F\u00e9d\u00e9rations, just a short walk from Place des Terreaux.<\/p>\n
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At Les Terreaux, a carnival of music and light<\/strong> Did you know? The festival could have taken place in September!<\/strong> In 1852, candles flew off the shelves<\/strong> Four nights of celebration: a more recent story<\/strong> The celebration continues at the table at Caf\u00e9 des F\u00e9d\u00e9rations<\/strong>
This year, The Carnival of the Animals<\/em>, created by Studio \u00c9tienne Guiol, brings the fa\u00e7ades to life to the music of Camille Saint-Sa\u00ebns. 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<\/em> on Place d\u2019Albon, near Saint-Nizier, where five giant candelabras cast a warm glow. On Place Sathonay, Liquid Tiles<\/em> combines geometry, movement and music, while Sentinels (Underwater)<\/em> turns Place Louis-Pradel into an underwater landscape.<\/p>\n
The golden statue of the Virgin Mary at Fourvi\u00e8re was due to be unveiled on 8 September 1852. When the Sa\u00f4ne burst its banks, the ceremony was postponed to 8 December. That evening, bad weather once again threatened the festivities\u2026 until the sky cleared. The people of Lyon lit up their windows with candles, and the 8 December tradition was born.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s residents who made the city sparkle, one window at a time.<\/p>\n
While the lumignons<\/em> (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\u2019 creations that now transform Lyon\u2019s squares and monuments.<\/p>\n
Between two discoveries, enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere of a traditional Lyon bouchon<\/em> and our special F\u00eate des Lumi\u00e8res 2026 menu.
Throughout the four days, we welcome you with:<\/p>\n