What to do in Lyon over the Christmas holidays?

1. New and classic events in Lyon over Christmas

Some major attractions await you in the festive season. There is of course the big wheel, an annual fixture on Place Bellecour, followed by the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), ), as well as the Christmas Market with its wooden stalls and mulled wine... You’ll also find immersive experiences to travel back in time or discover science in a new way. To your calendars! 

La Sucrière invites you on an immersive journey through time to the ancient city of Pompei, just before the devastating eruption of Vesuvius. A “must experience”, from 13 December to 27 July. 

For more immersive experiences, seek out Eclipso in the Confluence district. Put on your headset and take a dive into the Great Pyramid of Giza, explore lost worlds, or spend an evening with the Impressionists. 

The immersive museum Science Expériences brings science to life through a fun and accessible approach. 

2. See a show or listen to a concert

What would the Christmas holidays be without the end-of-year concerts, circus shows and the magic of cinema? Here is a selection that will delight kids and adults!

3. Museums to visit as a family 

If you’re looking for more shows, visit our page dedicated to shows in Lyon. 

The Musée des Confluences takes visitors on an exploration of the world, its origins, its plant and animal life, and its civilizations. There are currently exhibitions on dreams, epidemics and forest photography. 

The Musée Lumière presents the birth of cinema and the many inventions of the Lumière Brothers in their family home (audio-guide available in English, German, Italian and Spanish).

The Musée des Beaux-arts holds amazing collections of fine art pieces (free booklet in English). One hour tour on Saturday (€3). Audiotours in English, Italian and Chinese (free online). 

Lugdunum Museum and Roman Theatres takes visitors back to Lyon’s origins in antiquity. A child-friendly museum with accessories and costumes. Not to be missed: the exhibition ‘Un Empire, des Peuples’ (an empire and its peoples)

4. Follow the guide

Making the most of the holidays to discover Lyon is always a good idea, and there are tours suitable for all ages to enjoy as a family.

Night-time tours of Saint-Jean Cathedral: experience the cathedral in a unique way with a tour by torchlight!
Combine culture and culinary arts with our food tours. 

Explore historic districts effortlessly with Cyclo City Tour or with a mini-cruise along the riverbanks of Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) and the Presqu’île, up to Île Barbe or down to the Confluence.

5. Indoor activities to enjoy as a family or with friends  

Is your inner adventurer itching to break free? Let him or her loose! From laser game battles to skydiving in a huge wind tunnel, karting and paintballing, as well as outdoor adventures designed specially for kids, we have you covered. 

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6. A lungful of fresh outdoor air

It may be cold out during the Christmas holidays in Lyon, but don’t let that stop you enjoying the city. From tours run by professional guides from the Greater Lyon Tourist Office to sightseeing trips by bus and treasure hunts through the streets of Lyon, discover our range of options to explore the city.

A day out to visit Lyon’s surrounding area 

How about making the most of the winter holidays to explore the area surrounding Lyon? Our beautiful city enjoys a prime geographic location. The Beaujolais, Isère and the Drôme are only a short car or train journey away. Visit destinations that are full of surprises, for a pleasant day out with family or friends over the holidays.