Lyon Christmas Markets
May 31, 2023 8:54am
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France’s Christmas markets, or marché de Noel, date back centuries – with the first in the country taking place in Strasbourg in the 16th century – and are an unmissable part of the festive build-up, combining the French love of food and drink with the country’s flair for celebration and theatre.
While Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmarik is the country’s oldest, and arguable most iconic, Christmas market, there are plenty of other French cities whose Christmas celebrations are worth a visit – Lyon’s among them. Alongside the famous and historic festival of lights, or Fete des Lumiéres, the Christmas market in Lyon offers a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere for all the family.
Festive accommodation in Lyon fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don’t miss out — book your stay with us today!
The Christmas market at Place Carnot
This is Lyon’s oldest and most traditional Christmas market, taking place in the heart of the French university city. There are around 140 Christmas chalets gathered around Place Carnot each year, where vendors of all kind, from Lyon, its surrounds and countries further afield, showcase their wares, from food to drink, gifts to trinkets, clothing to jewellery. The market itself is one of France’s most picturesque, with a brightly lit festive Ferris wheel at its centre and children’s activities including face painting and a Christmas carousel.
When: November 27th – December 24th
Where: Place Carnot
Website: Marché de Noël de Lyon (marche-noel-lyon.fr)
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Fete des Lumieres
The festival of lights, Fete des Lumiéres, is one of Lyon’s most prized traditions, and an incredibly special event to witness for any visitor. For three days only, from December 6th to 9th, Lyon hosts the Fete des Lumiéres, where designers and artists come from far and wide to participate in a city-wide exhibition of brightly lit masterpieces. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed: the city lit up, its buildings, streets, squares and parks, by more than 80 enormous art installations and designs that perfectly harness the bright lights we have all come to associate with the festive period.
When: December 8th – 11th
Where: Throughout Lyon
Official Website: Fête des Lumières (lyon.fr)
Festive accommodation in Lyon fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don’t miss out — book your stay with us today! But be sure to join our new Stay Sweet loyalty club first to enjoy 10% off all rates as well as a range of exclusive member benefits you won’t get anywhere else! Merry Christmas y’all!