Lyon in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Lyon
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Magical Christmas markets from November 25-December 24, including Marché de Noël Place Bangui with 60+ chalets selling local crafts and mulled wine for €3-5 per cup
- Fête des Lumières (December 8) creates the world's most spectacular light festival with 4 million visitors illuminating the entire city for free
- Indoor cultural season peaks with Opéra de Lyon winter performances and heated traboules (Renaissance passageways) perfect for rainy day exploration
- Restaurant comfort food season features traditional Lyonnaise winter dishes like coq au vin and pot-au-feu at bouchons, with lunch menus starting at €18-25
Considerations
- Persistent dampness and 85% humidity makes 2°C (35°F) feel much colder, requiring waterproof layers beyond typical winter gear
- Only 8 hours of daylight (8:15am-5pm) limits outdoor sightseeing time and affects photography opportunities
- Accommodation prices spike 200-300% during Fête des Lumières week, with many hotels booked 6+ months ahead
Best Activities in December
Traboules and Renaissance Quarter Walking Routes
December's rain makes Lyon's covered Renaissance passageways ideal for exploration. These 16th-century hidden corridors connecting buildings stay dry and offer authentic architecture viewing. Most traboules are heated by surrounding buildings, providing comfortable 45-minute to 2-hour walking routes through Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse districts.
Presqu'île Shopping and Covered Market Tours
Lyon's pedestrian shopping peninsula stays bustling in December with covered Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market offering heated indoor food experiences. December brings seasonal specialties like châtaignes (roasted chestnuts) and vin chaud. The shopping streets Rue de la République and Rue Victor Hugo provide 2 km (1.2 miles) of covered galleries.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Hill District Exploration
December's clear cold air provides exceptional city views from Fourvière Hill at 300m (984 ft) elevation. The funicular railway (€1.90) eliminates uphill walking in wet conditions. The basilica interior offers warm shelter and December often features special advent concerts and exhibitions.
Musée des Confluences and Modern District Tours
Lyon's striking contemporary museum at the confluence of Rhône and Saône rivers provides 4-6 hours of climate-controlled exploration. December exhibitions often feature special winter programming. The building's architecture creates dramatic photo opportunities even in overcast conditions.
Christmas Market and Mulled Wine Circuits
Lyon's December markets span 8 locations across the city, creating perfect covered walking circuits. Place Bellecour market features 140 wooden chalets, while Place Bangui offers artisanal foods and regional wines. Markets provide heated gathering spaces every 200m (656 ft) along tourist routes.
Traditional Bouchon Restaurant Experiences
December showcases Lyon's legendary bouchons serving hearty winter dishes perfect for cold weather. These traditional bistros offer cozy atmospheres with seasonal specialties like quenelle de brochet and saucisson chaud. Many feature heated terraces and extended winter menus.
December Events & Festivals
Fête des Lumières
Lyon's world-famous light festival transforms the entire city into an illuminated artwork with 70+ installations. Four nights of free outdoor light shows draw 4 million visitors. Every building, bridge, and monument becomes a canvas for light projections and artistic displays.
Marchés de Noël de Lyon
Eight Christmas markets across the city featuring 300+ local artisans, regional food specialties, and traditional crafts. Place Bellecour hosts the largest market with amusement rides and outdoor ice skating rink.
Concerts d'Avent at Basilique Notre-Dame
Weekly advent concerts featuring classical music and traditional Christmas carols in the spectacular basilica setting. Free performances every Sunday at 4pm with professional choirs and orchestras.