10 Things to Do in Lyon in December

December is the perfect time to explore Lyon. With its snow-covered streets and magical atmosphere, the French city is a winter wonderland that I recommend you explore.

Despite the cooler temperatures, December is a popular month to take a trip to this destination. In addition to the usual attractions that Lyon has to offer, this time of year brings events such as the Festival of Lights and, of course, Christmas celebrations.

If you're looking for a unique way to spend your December vacations, the best way to experience the Festival of Lights is by taking a stroll through the city, alone or on one of the tours that run through Lyon.

The Festival of Lights is celebrated annually in Lyon on December 8 in honor of Mary, mother of Jesus. The event dates back to 1852 and has since become an integral part of the city's Christmas celebrations.

During this night, numerous monuments in the city are illuminated with spectacular light displays, creating a beautiful atmosphere for all to enjoy. During the festivities, locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate and admire the dazzling spectacles that take place throughout the city.

One of the best things to do in Lyon in December is to attend a performance at an iconic opera house. The Lyon Opera House offers performances throughout this month. This charming venue is the perfect place to spend an evening full of culture and beauty.

The setting is great and the performances are of high quality. The theater itself is a highly recommended visit, especially for its neoclassical design. With its marble columns and grand interiors, the theater is a perfect example of French elegance.

The opera house, like the museums and other attractions in Lyon, is perfect to visit in winter as it is a good place to take shelter from the cold. In addition, the Lyon Opera House offers special discounts for the month of December that should not be overlooked. This makes it much easier to enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Lyon Opera.

If you decide to visit the Lyon Opera in December, you will not regret it: an unforgettable experience for all lovers of French culture and all those who enjoy an evening of art. You can't miss this experience!

Practical information

• Address: 1 place de la comédie
• Hours: although subject to change, performances usually start at 8:00 pm.
• Prices: vary according to location and play

If you're visiting Lyon for Christmas, one of the best places to look for unique gifts and get into the holiday spirit is a festive market.

There are several Christmas markets scattered around Lyon, each with their own unique offerings. Check out the stalls selling handmade gifts, sample some of the traditional French Christmas treats and listen to live Christmas music as you stroll through the markets.

Lyon's main Christmas markets are located in Vieux Lyon, Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour. All three have a wide variety of special holiday items such as Christmas decorations, candles, chocolate and wines typical of the region.

In December the temperature is dropping, the snow is falling, and ice skating rinks are opening all over Lyon. This is definitely a fun winter activity to do with friends or if you are looking for things to do with kids.

Lyon has several indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks that can be used during the winter months. There are a few public ice skating rinks scattered around the city, including Parc de la Tête d'Or, Baraban and Patinoire Charlemagne.

The Patinoire Charlemagne is an ideal place to skate in the city and offers skate rentals, group lessons or private lessons for those who want to learn to skate better. It's open every day during the holidays, so there's no excuse not to participate in this fun winter sport.

Bring your own skates or rent them on site for a fun afternoon on the ice. Whether you're an experienced skater or just starting out, there are plenty of options for a great time on the ice in Lyon in December.

The city of Lyon is famous for its cuisine, and the best way to experience it is by stopping at one of the bouchons. Bouchons are traditional Lyon restaurants known for their hearty food, cozy atmosphere and colorful décor.

In these small restaurants you will be able to taste typical dishes of Lyon cuisine, such as Lyon sausages (called "andouillette") and pork dishes (such as "cochon aux pommes" (pork with apples) and regional specialties such as "cervelle de cañuto" (a cheese sauce).

But what really distinguishes them is their ambiance. Many bouchons have been family businesses since they opened their doors decades ago, which means they have had plenty of time to perfect their recipes.

My recommendation is to first take a gastronomic tour of Lyon or a wine tour so that the guide can orient you and then find out which are the best places in town.

For starters, Lyon has one of the most vibrant street art movements in the south of France. Many of these artists host workshops to teach others their skills, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn and enjoy local talent, even if you're only in town for two days.

In addition, Lyon has become known as the epicenter of street art, with artists from all over the world coming to make their mark on the city. From gigantic murals to intricate graffiti, the city is filled with stunning works of art. Stroll through any neighborhood and you're sure to find something new and unexpected around every corner.

The Croix-Rousse neighborhood is a great place to discover murals. One of my favorites is located at the intersection of Rue du Chariot and Rue des Pieces. It is a colorful work, full of life and inspiration. This work reminded me of the diversity of Lyon, where many cultures and styles seem to coexist.

There are up to 150 immense works of art that decorate and enliven buildings scattered throughout the city, turning it into a veritable open-air gallery. How about playing a game of discovery?

Looking for the perfect ski resort to enjoy a winter getaway? Look no further: Espace Nordique Du Bario and Station De Ski Les Sept Laux.

These two ski resorts are famous for their breathtaking views, excellent skiing conditions and unbeatable hospitality.

Espace Nordique Du Bario is located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France. It is one of the most popular ski resorts in France, with over 45 kilometers of groomed slopes ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

Les Sept Laux is another popular ski resort located a couple of hours' drive from Lyon in the French Alps. It has 25 kilometers of downhill slopes suitable for all levels and an extensive network of cross-country ski trails.

Annecy is located at the northern end of the lake of the same name, offering visitors beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In winter, however, it's all about skiing and snowboarding. Because of its location, it may be one of the best excursions from Lyon.

If skiing or snowboarding is not your thing, but you want to take advantage of what Annecy has to offer, there are many other activities available in town. The old town has cobblestone streets filled with stores, restaurants and art galleries that are worth exploring.

There are also several historic sites nearby, such as the Château d'Annecy, which dates back to 1510. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a hot air balloon ride over Lake Annecy for breathtaking views from above.

Every December, this French town transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. Every day from November through the end of January, the stunning Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière puts on an incredible light show that will make your heart stop.

Even without illumination, the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière does not disappoint. It is located at the top of the Fourvière hill and offers breathtaking views of Lyon from its belvederes. Its interior, moreover, makes it one of the most beautiful churches in Europe, and its combination of stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Visiting the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière is more than just going to church: it's an opportunity to step back in time and appreciate a piece of history that goes back centuries.

Winter may be a time of hibernation, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy outdoor fun. One of the most beautiful places to explore during the colder months is Lyon's Parc de la Tête d'Or. This sprawling park is home to beautiful views, snow-covered trails and plenty of activities for everyone.

Located north of the city center, Parc de la Tête d'Or features manicured gardens, ponds, trails and even a zoo. The park stretches over 117 hectares and offers some of the best things to do in Lyon. For winter sports enthusiasts, exploring the park during the colder months can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

There is something magical about strolling through Lyon's largest public park during the winter. The snowy landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and makes the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.

From horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoe tours to exploring aviaries and botanical gardens, this sprawling park has something for everyone, no matter what type of adventure you're looking for.

If you're planning a trip to Lyon in December, you should know what the weather is like. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, Lyon has an oceanic climate characterized by wet winters and warm summers.

Rainfall and precipitation

The amount of rainfall in Lyon increases dramatically during the month of December. With an average of 57 mm of rainfall throughout the month, visitors are likely to encounter some rain during their stay, but don't worry, there are plenty of ways to stay dry despite the precipitation!

Umbrellas are a must for anyone spending time outdoors this time of year. It's also a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket or coat to stay warm and comfortable even when it rains.

Snowfall

Although it does snow occasionally in December, it's not often. For those looking for a white Christmas, then your best bet is to look elsewhere!