Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights: A Lyonnaise Tradition Become a Global Event

The Festival of Lights finds its origins in the tradition of December 8th, the day of the Immaculate Conception. On December 8th, 1852, the people of Lyon spontaneously placed "lumignons" (small candles) on their windowsills to celebrate the inauguration of the golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop the Fourvière chapel. This popular gesture, repeated every year, gave birth to a unique tradition that continues today in every Lyonnaise home.

From a Popular Tradition to a Contemporary Art Festival

Starting in 1999, the City of Lyon transformed this tradition into a true festival of contemporary light art. Each edition invites visual artists, videographers, and set designers from around the world to create monumental installations that metamorphose the city's iconic locations: the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Place des Terreaux, the Place Bellecour, the quays of the Saône, the Saint-Paul station, and many other sites.

A Free Spectacle Accessible to All

One of the great strengths of the Festival of Lights lies in its total freeness. For four evenings, the streets of Lyon become a freely accessible luminous path, where families, tourists, and locals wander through the installations. From spectacular video mappings to intimate poetic creations, each edition renews wonder and surprise.

International Reach

With over 2 million visitors over four evenings, the Festival of Lights is one of the most attended events in France and one of the largest light festivals in the world. Its expertise is sought after by many cities worldwide, from Dubai to Montreal to Shanghai, contributing to Lyon's international influence. The event generates considerable economic benefits for the metropolis, particularly in the hotel and restaurant sectors.

Innovation and Creation

The 2025 edition marked a historic milestone with the first-ever drone light show integrated into the Festival, opening up new creative perspectives. The installations are spread across the different arrondissements of Lyon, offering a multi-hour journey through the illuminated city. The call for artistic projects for the 2026 edition, launched in February 2026, demonstrates the creative vitality of this unique event.