Festival of Lights in Lyon is a magical event to do with the whole family. Young and old alike marvel at the magical illuminations that transform the city. But it can quickly become overwhelming for children and painful for parents. In fact, there are a lot of people, and being stuck in the crowd without seeing anything will not please anyone.
What are the origins of the Festival of Lights?
The Festival of Lights originates from the religious festival known as the Festival of the 8th of December, the Festival of the Immaculate Conception, the Festival of Illumination or the Festival of the Virgin Mary. It is a popular event, which became a media event initiated by the city of Lyon in 1989, and is held every year for four days around 8 December, the traditional date of the event, in Lyon.
Coming to Lyon for the Fête des Lumières and getting around: how?
During the four afternoons, Lyon’s public transport system will be reinforced to absorb the flow of visitors. However, the Presqu’Île is easily accessible on foot and you can quickly reach the banks of the Saône. And if the Parc de la Tête d’Or may seem a little far away, the banks of the Rhône are also illuminated to enhance the walk. It is therefore preferable to experience the festival on foot. In addition, the TCL transport system will be free of charge from 4pm during the Fête des Lumières!
What to do with your children during the Festival of Lights?
There are 1001 things to do during the Fête des Lumières with your children! Here are some of them.
Parc Blandan – The fair for children and families
In 2021, this is a really new idea for the fair, which devotes as much space as possible to creating entertainment for children.
There will be a dozen games, trampolines, Power 4, hopscotches and other electronic installations with animators to organise the games and catering.
Fourvière Hill
Climb the Fourvière hill, the emblematic place of the 8 December festivities in Lyon, and admire the illuminated city from its heights.
You can take the funicular from Vieux Lyon to Fourvière if you don’t want to go up with the children.
You can then go back down to stroll around Lyon and finish your trip on the Ferris wheel at Place Bellecour, one of the largest in Europe.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
The Parc de la Tête d’Or is a little outside the city centre but offers absolutely magical entertainment for children. Certainly the most suitable place for families.
What to do as a couple during the Festival of Lights / Fête des Lumières
The Fête des Lumières with children is great, but as a couple it’s even better! Here are some ideas for you! What if you booked a babysitter for the occasion?
Théâtre des Célestins
Théâtre des Célestins: Close to the Place Bellecour, this theatre dates from the end of the 18th century and represents, in the Italian way, for many Lyonnais, a festive passage on December 8th.
Theatre of the lovers, the relief of the theatre of Célestins was even transformed into giant interaction to bring the greatest happiness to thousands of visitors.
Place des Jacobins: an in-between stop that does not lack charm
A giant clock under a bell, derived from the chimney clocks of the time, has been erected in the middle of the Place Jacobins.
The vision is even more appealing when you know that it is actually a fountain.
Every corner will be richly decorated with bouquets of lights and candles, and the fountain is magnified as an underwater garden with a multitude of flowers.
Place Sathonay: in search of poetry
With genuine educational objectives, Les Grands Ateliers promote the poetry, surprises and creativity of the artists of tomorrow whom they accompany, from conception to live adaptation. This year’s student experiment brought together 22 works from the 2020 and 2021 competitions.
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How to find a babysitter in Lyon during the Festival of Lights
Find a bilingual babysitter in Lyon who speaks English, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Dutch, Korean, Russian, Arabic or Portuguese to look after your children for a few hours. Because entrusting your children to someone you trust is good, but ensuring good communication between them is better! Sharing is easier when you speak the same language. And above all, it is more reassuring for you, parents, to know that the babysitter will understand your child in all circumstances, including emergencies.
To do this, simply search for a babysitter on www.marypop.com according to your criteria (dates, languages of your children, etc.).
You then create an account that allows you to consult the detailed profiles of the babysitters and to contact them via the website www.marypop.com.
You then book online and pay directly on the Marypop website which is 100% secure.
We hope to have answered your questions about the Fête des Lumières in Lyon! Don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you still have questions, we will be happy to answer. See you soon on Marypop!
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We wish you a very nice Fête des Lumières in Lyon, with your family during the day and with your partner in the evening thanks to a Marypop babysitter! You can also find here the programme of the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) 2021.