Festival of Lights (Lyon)

The Festival of Lights (French: Fête des lumières, [fɛt de lymjɛʁ]) in Lyon, France, is a popular event that originally aimed at expressing gratitude toward Mary, mother of Jesus, around December 8 of each year. This unique Lyonnaise tradition dictates that every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows to produce a spectacular effect throughout the streets. The festival includes other activities based on light and usually lasts four days, with the peak of activity occurring on the 8th. The two main focal points of activity are typically the Basilica of Fourvière which is lit up in different colours, as well as the Place des Terreaux, which hosts a different light show each year.