Lyon Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Lyon and surrounding areas
Lyon glows during the Christmas season with iconic Christmas lights and large-scale festive events like the Fête des Lumières, the Lyon Christmas Market and intimate Candlelight Christmas Concerts near Place Bellecour and the Old Town. The city’s historic traboules and riverbanks create atmospheric routes for holiday activities and seasonal shopping. From winter festivals to cozy markets, Lyon offers things to do for every taste — illuminated spectacles, artisanal stalls and musical evenings that make the festive season unforgettable.
Find the best Lyon Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
33 eventsOver 100 artisan vendors in a European-style Christmas market
Christmas Shows
10 eventsMagical Christmas show for children
Christmas Activities
15 eventsCity-wide light art festival with historical roots
Editor's Picks (6)
-
New Year's Eve Celebrations in Lyon
Diverse New Year's Eve entertainment across Lyon
-
Fête des Lumières Lyon
City-wide light art festival with historical roots
-
Macon Christmas Market
(Macon)
Over 100 artisan vendors in a European-style Christmas market
-
Ain’croyable Noël 2025
(Bourg-en-Bresse)
Three distinct Christmas experiences for all ages
-
Foire de la Sainte-Catherine
(Saint-Genis-Laval)
Market celebrating nature and local products
-
Le Voyage Féerique d’Adèle
(Saint-Chamond)
Magical Christmas show for children
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Lights Near Lyon
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Lyon.
Festival Lumières Sauvages at Wow Safari Peaugres
Experience the enchanting Festival Lumières Sauvages at Wow Safari Peaugres, starting October 18th....
View full details →Bourg-en-Bresse s'illumine - Christmas Festivities
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Bourg-en-Bresse as the city comes...
View full details →Christmas Parties Near Lyon
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Lyon.
New Year's Eve Celebrations in Lyon
Ring in the New Year with a spectacular celebration across Lyon! Discover a...
View full details →New Year's Eve Celebration in Meylan
Ring in the New Year with a memorable celebration in Meylan! Discover a...
View full details →Lyon Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Lyon
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Lyon!
Lyon Christmas FAQ
The most significant annual events often revolve around the large Christmas markets, particularly the one at Place Carnot, and the city-wide illuminations that transform the streets.
While sharing many traditions with the rest of France, Lyon is particularly known for its impressive light displays and its vibrant culinary scene that embraces seasonal specialties during Christmas.
The city center, including areas around Place Bellecour and Hôtel de Ville, is renowned for its spectacular light installations. Neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse also offer charming, locally decorated streets.
The Place Carnot market is a major hub for Christmas markets, featuring numerous vendor stalls. Smaller artisan markets can also be found in various squares and community spaces throughout the city.
Admiring the city's extensive Christmas lights, exploring the festive decorations in public squares, and browsing the free-entry Christmas markets are excellent budget-friendly options.
Families often enjoy the Christmas markets with their carousels and festive treats, visiting Santa Claus, and attending family-friendly shows or movies often held at local theaters and cinemas.