The Lyon Festival of Lights, locally known as Fête des Lumières, is one of France’s largest and most iconic cultural events, celebrated annually in early December. In 2024, the festival will take place from December 5 to 8, transforming Lyon into a dazzling spectacle of light, art, and magic. With a tradition spanning over a century, the event continues to attract millions of visitors from around the world, captivated by the beauty and creativity of its luminous installations and the warm, welcoming spirit of the lyonnais. This celebration not only showcases the art of light but also reflects Lyon’s history and identity, making it a symbol of the city, often called “the city of lights.”
The history of the Festival of Lights dates back to 1643, a year of great suffering for the people of Lyon. The city was on the brink of a plague epidemic that threatened to devastate the local population. In a desperate moment, Lyon’s city councilors climbed the hill of Fourvière to seek the Virgin Mary’s protection, vowing that, if the city were spared, they would hold an annual pilgrimage to the hill in gratitude. The Virgin Mary answered their prayers, and thus a tradition that would endure for centuries was born.
The event took on a more concrete form in 1850, when religious authorities decided to erect a statue in honor of the Virgin Mary to be placed atop the Fourvière hill. Sculptor Joseph-Hugues Fabisch was commissioned to create the work, which became a symbol of the city’s faith and devotion. The chosen location for the statue, visible from various parts of Lyon, reinforced its religious significance and the spiritual connection of the lyonnais with the Virgin Mary.
The statue’s inauguration was initially scheduled for September 8, 1852, but a flood of the Saône River delayed the event. It was then rescheduled for December 8, 1852, but bad weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, almost led to its cancellation again. However, as night fell, the skies unexpectedly cleared, and in a spontaneous gesture of faith and celebration, Lyon’s residents placed candles in their windows, illuminating the city. The Fourvière chapel shone brightly, complementing the glow of the candles. This simple yet significant act marked the origin of the Festival of Lights.
Since that memorable night in 1852, December 8 has become a moment of faith, celebration, and unity for the people of Lyon. Every year, the lyonnais light candles in their windows, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the city. What began as an act of devotion evolved into a deeply rooted cultural tradition. Over time, Lyon earned its nickname as “the city of lights.”
In 1989, Lyon solidified its identity as the city of lights with the launch of the Plan Lumière. This urban lighting project was designed to rethink Lyon’s nighttime illumination, highlighting the beauty of its monuments, squares, and streets. The goal was to go beyond the mere functionality of urban lighting, creating breathtaking nocturnal landscapes that showcased the city’s historical and cultural wealth. The plan’s success brought Lyon international recognition as a leader in urban lighting, further elevating the Festival of Lights, which began to attract artists and tourists from all over the world.
While the December 8 tradition remained intact for over a century, it was not until 1999 that the Festival of Lights took on its current form. At that time, the event expanded to span four nights, with light installations spread across various parts of the city, offering an immersive experience for visitors. Rather than focusing on a single central location as in earlier years, artistic projections and installations were distributed throughout Lyon, encouraging participants to explore the city and discover new displays at every turn. The festival became more accessible and diverse, incorporating a wide range of artistic techniques and styles, from digital projections to luminous sculptures and live performances.
Each year, the number of visitors grows, and the festival’s importance as a platform for artistic expression increases. The Festival of Lights has become one of the largest light festivals in the world, attracting renowned artists who use the city as an open-air canvas for their creations. The event draws around 2 million visitors annually, including both tourists and locals, firmly establishing Lyon as a prominent cultural destination.
The 2024 edition of the Festival of Lights will be held from December 5 to 8, marking the 25th anniversary of the festival’s modern four-night format. The event will remain decentralized, with artistic installations and light projections scattered throughout the city, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. There is no single location where everything happens; instead, Lyon transforms into an open-air art gallery, with different parts of the city providing fresh perspectives on the installations each night.
Among the main locations hosting artistic interventions are Parc Blandan, Parc de la Tête d’Or, the imposing Cathédrale Saint-Jean, the Manufacture des Tabacs, Auditorium de Lyon, Théâtre des Célestins, Cité Jardin, and many other historic and cultural landmarks. The city becomes a grand stage of light, where building facades turn into projection screens and parks come alive with interactive installations that amaze and delight audiences. Presentations run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., except on December 8, when the event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., culminating in a spectacular light show to close the festival.
The Lyon Festival of Lights is not just an artistic event; it is also a moment of connection and celebration for the local community and international visitors alike. The festival reflects Lyon’s creativity and its ability to integrate art and innovation into an event accessible to all. Over the years, it has become a testament to how the art of light can transform an urban space, creating an atmosphere of enchantment and fascination. For Lyon, the Festival of Lights is not only a cultural tradition but also a showcase of its commitment to art, innovation, and sustainability.
With an average of 2 million visitors each year, the event continues to cement Lyon’s reputation as a must-visit destination for art and culture enthusiasts. The presence of international artists and the diversity of installations make the festival a platform for cultural exchange and innovation. The Lyon Festival of Lights invites visitors to explore the city from a fresh perspective, where light is not just a source of illumination but a means of expression and a catalyst for urban transformation.
In 2024, the festival once again promises to captivate visitors and leave everyone in awe of the illuminated city, proving that even after 170 years, the magic of light continues to shine brightly in the streets of Lyon.
For more information on schedules, points of interest, programming, and updates, you can visit the event’s official website, which provides all the guidance necessary for those wishing to participate in this unique experience.
