• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Visiting Lyon in Winter: 7 Magical Things to Do & See

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 · France

No matter what time of year it is, Lyon is an incredible city to visit in France. And even though I’m not a big fan of winter, I can’t deny that Lyon in the wintertime is quite magical.

In December, there are lots of wintertime activities and events that take place in Lyon, such as ice skating, carnival rides, neighborhood Christmas markets, and more.

Lyon's Saône river and Fourvière Hill at dusk in the wintertime.
Lyon at dusk in the wintertime (Photo: akarelias)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

One of my favorite festivals in Lyon actually falls on December 8th, otherwise known as The Festival of Lights (more on that below)! 🕯

I’ve had the fortune of living in Lyon for over a year as an exchange student, so I’ve experienced Lyon in all seasons.

But even though I’m not a student anymore, I still visit and pass through Lyon during either the winter or summer (or sometimes both) to visit my partner’s family who is from the region.

And whenever we spend winter in Lyon, we always end up at one of the Christmas markets or cozied up inside a traditional restaurant.

Despite the cold and frost, there are plenty of festive activities both indoor and outdoor that will make your trip to Lyon even more special and memorable!

Read more below for the best things to do and see in Lyon in the winter! ❄️

Table of Contents show
Best Things to Do in Lyon in Winter
Experience Lyon’s Festival of Lights (December 8th–11th)
Stroll the Christmas Market at Place Carnot
Catch a Play or Concert at the Lyon Opera
Ride the Ferris Wheel on Place Bellecour
Wine Tasting at the Annual Beaujolais Days
Visit the Traditional Croix-Rousse Carnival
Dine Inside a Traditional Bouchon Lyonnais
When Exactly Is Winter in Lyon?
What to Pack for a Winter Vacation in Lyon
Is Visiting Lyon in Winter Worth It?

Best Things to Do in Lyon in Winter

Experience Lyon’s Festival of Lights (December 8th–11th)

  • ❄️ When: December 8 – December 11, 2022
  • 📍 Where: All over the city

The Festival of Lights known as La Fête des Lumières began as Lyon’s annual festival honoring the Virgin Mary in a tradition that dates back to 1852, when the local Lyonnais would place candles on their window sills and balconies on the night of December 8th.

Time © artist Filip Roca

It is said that the locals placing candles on their balconies and window sills at night was an act of social solidarity during a time of unrest and radical change in 1852—the year the city decided to erect a statue of the Virgin Mary atop Fourvière Hill.

Effectively, the Festival of Lights in Lyon grew beyond only religious symbolism and candles on window sills; now it’s a much-loved national and international event featuring dazzling light shows and installations across the city made by artists all over the world.

la fresque lyonnais during the Festival of Lights in Lyon, France
La Fresque des Lyonnais during the Festival of Lights
le petit prince during the Festival of Lights in Lyon France
Le Petit Prince animation on the Musée des Beaux-Arts on Place des Terreaux, Hôtel de Ville

The backdrops for these immersive light installations?

None other than the UNESCO World Heritage sites and most elegant buildings of Lyon. Together, these artistic masterpieces illuminate the city.

This year, the Fête des Lumières 2022 will showcase over 30 masterpieces and light installations across the city.

You can find all the scheduled shows for the 2022 program online to make sure you don’t miss out!

Expect some of the most fantastical and magical displays on the iconic buildings of Lyon, including:

  • La Cathédrale Saint-Jean (located in the Vieux Lyon district)
  • La Basilique de Fourvière
  • Place des Terreaux (Hôtel de Ville)
  • Place des Jacobins
  • Rue de la République
  • and more!

Stroll the Christmas Market at Place Carnot

  • ❄️ When: November 26 – December 24, 2022
  • 📍 Where: Place Carnot, Lyon’s 2nd district (directions)

The big Christmas Market of Lyon, or Le Marché de Noël de Lyon, takes place each year in Carnot Square.

Marché de Noël Lyon via Facebook

In years past, the market has featured over 100 cozy cottages. As you stroll around this classic European Christmas market, smells of spiced mulled wine, cheesy tartiflette, and colorful confections will envelop you.

My favorite part of these markets is always the food and drinks and Christmas decorations, but there are also loads of trinkets, toys, and responsibly-made crafts from French artisans that make the perfect last-minute gift.

“Every year the objective of the Christmas Market remains the same: to showcase the know-how and talents of producers, craftsmen and companies from the region and the country. 80% of the chalets are French traders and craftsmen.”

Marché de noël Lyon

Catch a Play or Concert at the Lyon Opera

  • 🎟 Cost: From 10€ to 110€
  • ❄️ When: Winter schedule 2022-2023
Photo: Bertrand Stofleth via Opéra de Lyon

One of the best things to do in Lyon in winter is to indulge in a play, dance, show, or concert at the regal Lyon Opera (Opéra de Lyon).

In fact, one of my fondest memories of spending winter in Lyon was when my partner took me to see The Nutcracker. We dressed up fancy-schmancy—me in heels and a lace dress (ooh la la) and Paul in a tux—and snagged balcony seats. The interior of the opera is as one would expect—classic, artsy, and dripping in red silk.

I always say the best part about winter is being able to cuddle up indoors (lol). The museums, the opera house, and other iconic attractions of Lyon are perfect for visiting in the winter for that reason.

That said, here are a couple of museums in Lyon that make great indoor activities:

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)
  • Musée des Confluences (Science and Anthropology Museum)
  • Musées Gadagnes (Museum of History and the Puppetry Museum)

✨ Get free access to 23 museums and 40+ activities with the Lyon City Card pass.

Ride the Ferris Wheel on Place Bellecour

  • 🎟 Cost: 9€ Adults, 6€ Children (2–10 years)
  • ❄️ When: November 25, 2022 – March 12, 2023
Photo: Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

La Place Bellecour, or Bellecour Square, also comes alive during the winter in Lyon! On this square in winter, a giant Ferris wheel, known as Lyon’s “Big Wheel” or “Diamond Wheel”, acts as a beacon in the night.

The 55m (180 ft) tall Ferriss wheel always takes its place on Bellecour each winter, offering tourists and residents a chance to ride in one of its 28 enclosed pods.

The wheel features its own special light show during the Fête des Lumières and closes especially at 1 am on those nights.

Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or are a local, a ride on the Ferris wheel is like a rite of passage during the wintertime in Lyon.

Wine Tasting at the Annual Beaujolais Days

  • ❄️ When: Mid-November
  • 📍 Where: Beaujolais, Rhône-Alpes
Photo: Kelsey Knight

Every year, the wine-making region of Beaujolais hosts a variety of festivals celebrating the new Beaujolais (Beaujolais Nouveau).

The tradition goes, “the arrival of the new Beaujolais” (L’arrivée des Beaujolais Nouveaux) is on the third Thursday of the month of November. Stay up to date on the Beaujolais event calendar.

During this time, the industry comes together to celebrate the first Beaujolais wine of the season. Across a festive 5-day celebration, you can eat, drink, and be merry alongside the region’s winemakers.

The Beaujolais area is only a 30-minute drive north of Lyon, making this a fun event to attend in the late fall or early winter, especially if you have time to spend 2 days or 3 days in Lyon.

🍷 Alternatively, you can take a guided wine-tasting tour of Beaujolais and explore its medieval villages on a day trip from Lyon.

Visit the Traditional Croix-Rousse Carnival

  • ❄️ When: October 1 – November 13
  • 📍 Where: Place Croix-Rousse, Lyon’s 4th district (Directions)
Photo: Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

When you visit Lyon from autumn to early winter, you can’t miss out on the last remaining traditional carnivals of Lyon.

Hosted by the neighborhood of Croix-Rousse for over 150 years, this historic carnival, called La Vogue des Marrons, is quintessential Lyon.

Spread out on the Croix-Rousse Square and the Boulevard, the Vogue des Marrons boasts carnival rides, fair food, live farm animals, and more. It’s become a local’s favorite tradition.

While this annual event technically falls during the autumn season in Lyon (1 October to 13 November), it will still feel very much like early winter. The first year we went it began to snow!

Make sure to bundle up and stay warm with a bag of roasted chestnuts, toasty chocolate crêpe, and a cup of mulled wine or vin chaud! 🌰🍷

Dine Inside a Traditional Bouchon Lyonnais

red wine glass | bouchon lyonnais | lyon, france
A salade lyonnaise served inside a bouchon lyonnais restaurant in Vieux Lyon

Finally, eating at a traditional restaurant in Lyon, known as a bouchon Lyonnais, is a must-do in the wintertime.

From the mouth-watering regional dishes to the pitchers of red wine to the cozy ambiance, these typical restaurants of Lyon are the perfect place to get warm and share a special moment between friends or family.

And Lyon is chock-full of them! Some of the best bouchons are located in the historic part of the city, in Old Lyon.

If you only have one day in Lyon, I highly recommend you spend the bulk of your time exploring this district!

When Exactly Is Winter in Lyon?

Screenshot of average winter temperature in Lyon, France in December.
Average winter temperatures in early December in Lyon, France

Seeing as it’s in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter season in Lyon, France technically begins sometime in mid-December and ends mid-March the following year.

But winter weather arrives much earlier than that. Temperatures in Lyon begin to decrease in November while cloudy and rainy days increase, particularly in December.

January is the coldest winter month in Lyon with averages hovering around 2.5°C (36°F).

What to Pack for a Winter Vacation in Lyon

All that said, and considering Lyon has several wintertime festivals taking place outdoors, you’ll want to pack the following:

  • Waterproof boots or shoes (I wear my Danner Vertigo Boots)
  • A long trench coat or parka
  • Scarves
  • Toboggan and gloves
  • Wind-proof or down jacket (like this one from REI)
  • Sweaters
  • Long pants
  • Insulated leggings
  • Rainjacket & umbrella

I know I can never be too warm when visiting Lyon (or any European city) in the winter (especially when it has been drizzling in Lyon, the wind factor adds to the dampness and chilliness).

I really dislike the kind of cold that soaks straight through to your bones, so if I have the chance to layer up, I do!

And if you still get cold with all of that, stop by one of the Christmas markets to warm up with a cup of steaming hot wine. 😉

Is Visiting Lyon in Winter Worth It?

Between the majestic Festival of Lights, inspiring Christmas markets, and cozy bouchon restaurants dimly lit with candles and laughter, Lyon is a truly special place to visit in the winter and is a very much worthwhile trip.

And while I prefer Lyon in the summer, I would be remiss to deny its magic and beauty that can only be experienced during the cold winter months.

Also Read:

  • The Perfect 2 Days in Lyon Itinerary
  • 9 Best Tours & Experiences in Lyon, France
  • Paris in a Weekend: The Perfect Itinerary for 2 to 3-Day Trips

What are you most looking forward to on a winter vacation in Lyon? Let me know in the comments!

Lyon, France riverside book market in December. Photo with text overlay "Magical Winter Activities Lyon, France".

By: Bri · In: France

you’ll also love

Aerial view of squares and hotel buildings in Lyon, France.Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Lyon, France
Yellow residence in Aix-en-Provence, France30 Epic Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France
A view of the Basilica of Fourvière in the distance between historic Renaissance buildings and residences of Old Lyon.The Perfect 2 Days in Lyon Itinerary

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

9 Best Tours & Experiences in Lyon, France

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Woman paddleboarding in the Caribbean on Bonaire Island.

20+ Amazing Things to Do in Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands

2 Week Itinerary Colombia's Carribean Coast | Bits of Bri

2 Week Itinerary Backpacking Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Tourists sunbathing at Pont de l'Arc near Grotte Chauvet 2 in southern France.

How to Visit the Chauvet Cave in France: The Oldest-Known Prehistoric Paintings

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

My travel blogging journey 👇✨ I started my f My travel blogging journey 👇✨

I started my first travel blog online in 2013 when I moved to France for 14 months as part of my undergrad study abroad program. It really was just a diary-style online journal recounting my cultural and outdoor adventures. 

Then, in 2015, I started another blog inspired by my adopted cat, Yoda, who was just one year old back then and was about to move across the world to Nepal with me. It was there, while living in Kathmandu that I bought my first travel blog domain, which evolved into what you now know as Bucketlist Bri (bucketlistbri.com). Slowly, through trial and error, I learned how to navigate SEO, monetization, and beyond.

It wasn’t until late 2019 that I decided to take travel blogging seriously, as in, pursue it as my career. Up until then, to keep me afloat while getting my master’s degree abroad, I worked as a freelancer writer on Upwork.com. Meanwhile, I was starting to publish more frequently on my travel blog.

I don’t have to explain what happened in 2020 to the travel industry, but what I can tell you is that I didn’t give up on my travel blog.

Now, three years later, and TEN years after I first started publishing online, I am a fully self-funded travel blogger. 

That means I don’t need to land brand sponsorships or grow my Instagram (although, tourism boards are a lovely addition and warmly welcomed), nor do I need to write for others/publish freelance pieces, or work in an unflexible 9-5 to fund my nomadic travel lifestyle. 

I cannot understate that I did not have this vision for myself in 2013. Or 2015. Or even in 2019. It wasn’t until I started to commit myself to the work, the hustle, the dream, that I even saw the dream unfold. Still unfolding. 

I believe your life leaves you clues. Some of those won’t work out, but some will. 

And in those that do, there’s a common thread that, ultimately, weaves a beautiful tapestry (but that you might not see until much later and those that do are very fortunate). 

I know in my heart that I was always supposed to write. That’s my common thread. I just didn’t know it looked like blogging. 

(Continued in the comments!)

#travelblogging #travelbloggerlife #mystory
Behind the scenes of our dive in the Sea of Cortez Behind the scenes of our dive in the Sea of Cortez 🦭

1. Paul finishing his last dive to complete his PADI Open Water certification!! 🥳

2. A curious sea lion pup coming to play with us! 🥹 

3. Sea lions soaking up the sun on the rocks of Los Islotes ☀️ 

4. The arch of Los Islotes, which we dove under! 🤿 

5 & 6. After our first dive, these humpback whales surfaced right by the boats! This was our first time seeing these beauties up close — just amazing! 🐋 

7. You can see Paul’s nerves and excitement all in one here as he listens to his awesome dive instructor, Gus! @thedivegurusmex 

8. Dolphins followed our boat as soon as we left the marina on day 1. On day 2 of our dives, a huge pod of dolphins put on a show for us just off Espíritu Santo Island! 🐬 
 
9. My pure joy and excitement after my first encounter with the sea lions of Los Islotes 🥲 (sound on)

10. Divers will have an idea of what Paul is doing here before he suits up 😂 💀 

Still can’t believe we got to see all of this amazing marine life in one weekend! La Paz/the Sea of Cortez was named one of the top dive destinations in the world for a reason — have you added it to your bucket list yet?! 💛 

#padi #diving #scubadivers #sealions #losislotes #islaespiritusanto #humpbackwhale #dolphins #marinelife #seaofcortez #lapazbcs #natgeowild #wildlifeplanet #paditv #bajacaliforniasur #vivamexico
The first night after moving to Oaxaca as nomads, The first night after moving to Oaxaca as nomads, we were told by two tourists in our Airbnb, “Two people we know were mugged by dudes on motorbikes just a couple of months ago. Don’t walk at night!”

Our reaction went something like: “Oh, yikes, okay... Thanks for letting us know.” 😳 

That same night, Paul and I went out to grab food and were extremely anxious. I swear I jumped at every moving shadow—and I felt guilty about it!

At that point, I had lived in Mexico on and off for nearly three years. The Mexico that I know is pretty safe for tourists regardless of what the media portrays. 

But this sudden heeding of danger dug its claws into my core and made its nest in my stomach.

For the next two months, Paul and I walked back to our local apartment—a 10–15 minute jaunt outside of the historic center in a no-tourist neighborhood—multiple nights a week after getting dinner or drinks.

And I’m happy to share that we felt very safe. 

Apart from that first night, we felt safe the entire time in Oaxaca City, even at night (and, most importantly, despite the scary warnings of “true stories” from those tourists).

Of course, could we have gotten lucky during those two months and escaped danger? Yes, absolutely. 

But luck is not the whole reason, nor the point! 

Mexico is safer than most people have been told or taught, and my hope is that one day you will experience this lovely, welcoming, beautiful country for yourself! 🧡

Read the blog for more details about safety in Oaxaca + Mexico on my blog @bucketlistbri .com

#mexico #oaxacadejuarez #oaxacalotienetodo #oaxacacity #mexicotravel #nomadadigital #mexicosorprendente
Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure bucket list!! 

Literally a dream come true to be in the water with these playful pups 🦭✨🤿

Just watch your head and fingers, they like to nibble 😂 

📍 Los Islotes, Baja California Sur
🤿 w/ @thedivegurusmex 

Would you do this!?! Send to someone who would!🦭🥹

#divinglife #losislotes #lapazmexico #bajacalifornia #scubadivingmag #padi #divemexico #bajasur #seaofcortez #sealions #espíritusanto #mexicoadventures #ecotourism #ecoblogger #adventureblogger #wildlifelover
Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • Blog Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

0 shares