Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) 2025

Once a year, for four nights, the Festival of Lights is held in Lyon. The glowing event is celebrated in honor of Virgin Mary.
Thousands candles are alighted all over the Old City, wonderful music and street parades turn the old quarter to a places flooded with light, beauty and sound.

The beauty of the region increases on the holiday’s evening. The city’s residents decorate the windows of their houses and light candles and lampions on the windows sills.

At night, the street lights are put out and the only light comes from the candles. Thousands of people, local and tourists pour into town and the demand for accommodation is higher than usual, therefore it is advisable to check hotel prices and make reservations ahead of time.

This atmosphere takes the participants to a common experience: back to the 19th century, to 1852, when the huge statue of Virgin Mary (that still stands up) was inaugurated.

The festival that started as a one day religious event was enlarged to four days. On the extra days lot of culture events and concerts takes place.