The Festival of Lights with children

A selection of installations which have been specially chosen for families so that children can also make the most of the Festival.

The children’s programme for the 2025 Festival of Lights

To share a wonderful moment with your family, head to the light installation at Place Antonin Poncet. This is the location of the  Jardin de lumière. Five giant flowers with sparkling pistils and petals play a magical score: that of the four seasons, between snowflakes and luscious green plants. Visitors of all ages are invited to the square, which has been fully transformed for the event. Are you ready to dance?
The 5^th, 6^th and 8^th of December from 7 pm to 11 pm
Sunday the 7^th of December from 6 pm to 10 pm

Recommandations

Public transport

The TCL (Lyon public transport network) is used to catering to the Festival of Lights: everything is done to make your life, and especially your evenings, easier. After parking your car in one of the 23 park-and-ride facilities, opt for the ‘Pass Tribu’ group ticket ranging from €7 to €9.80 per day depending on the chosen zones, for a group of 2 to 5 people traveling together (whether or not they’re related); comprising either 1 adult with 1, 2, 3 or 4 children (aged 4 to 17 inclusive) or 2 adults with 1, 2 or 3 children (aged 4 to 17 inclusive). No proof is needed to use it, but please note that the group must travel together both upon initial validation of the ticket and for each connection, so remember to validate the ticket as many times as there are people in the group throughout the day.

The ‘Pass TCL en Fête’ is another option, at €3.70 a ticket. The ‘Pass TCL en Fête’ ticket is valid across the entire TCL network from 4 pm until the end of service. It is only on sale during busy evenings (Music Festival, Festival of Lights). Also, please note that children under 11 travel for free on the TCL network. More informations on the TCL website www.tcl.fr/en

At the heart of the Festival of Lights

There is no age limit for enjoying the show! However, if you wish to visit the displays located in the city centre, we recommend swapping your buggy for a baby carrier if possible. Indeed, while the streets covered by the light installations are all in pedestrian zones, they are also very busy!  Being at ground level in a buggy can be a bit daunting for a child, and even though people are very careful, getting jostled is unfortunately a possibility. It’s better for your baby to be comfortably nestled against you; plus, you’ll keep each other warm!

Another important point to remember is that it gets cold in Lyon in December, so be sure to come wrapped up warm. A scarf, hat and gloves will not go amiss; in short, cover yourself from head to toe! Good shoes are also essential as you’ll be walking and standing all evening. Remember to also bring an umbrella or a poncho, just in case. Don’t overburden yourself but consider packing a bottle of water or a flask with a hot beverage: you’ll appreciate being able to quench your thirst without having to queue to buy a drink... Ecology, you’ve got us hooked!

Where to eat on the go when attending the Festival of Lights with children?

‘La Pause Bellecour’ returns this year to offer a moment of relaxation and sharing in the heart of the festival. Designed as an open-air food hall, this fast-food area focuses on local and seasonal products.

Shared dining tables encourage new encounters, while cosy sofa areas allow you to rest and fully enjoy Place Bellecour.

This space opens two hours before the programme times, from 5 pm to 11 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, and until 10 pm on Sunday.

Baby changing area

What a relief to know that several of the city’s car parks have provided a changing area for babies and toddlers!
This is true for those at Place des Cordeliers and Place des Terreaux.

The changing area at Confluence guarantees a shopping experience without the headache. Located on the shopping centre’s 2nd floor, it offers a changing table, a microwave and a rest area.

The same goes for the Part-Dieu shopping centre, where levels -1, 0, and 2 feature a baby changing area.

The public toilets located at Place Bellecour also score a point in this respect.

Activities to keep children occupied while they wait for the Festival of lights

Here are a few ideas to keep your children occupied while they wait for the Fête des Lumières to begin.

We wish you a happy Festival of Lights with your family!