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 exploring.

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

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

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

On this night, many of the city's monuments are illuminated with spectacular light displays, creating a beautiful atmosphere for all to enjoy. During the festivities, Lyoners and visitors alike gather to celebrate and admire the dazzling spectacles that take place all over 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 the 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 theatre itself is a highly recommended visit, especially for its neoclassical design. With its marble columns and grand interiors, the theatre is a perfect example of French elegance.

The opera house, like the museums and other attractions in Lyon are perfect to visit in winter as they are good options to keep out 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 night 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 a night of art. You cannot miss this experience!

Practical information

• Address: 1 place de la comédie
• Opening times: although subject to change, performances usually start at 20:00.
• Prices: vary according to location and play

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

There are several Christmas markets scattered around Lyon, each with their own unique offerings. Browse the stalls selling handmade gifts, sample some 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 something to do with children.

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

The Patinoire Char lemagne is a great place to skate in the city and offers skate rentals, group lessons or private lessons for those who want to learn how to skate better. It's open every day during the holidays, so there's no excuse not to take part 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 good 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 to stop at one of the bouchons. Bouchons are traditional Lyon restaurants known for their hearty food, cosy atmosphere and colourful décor.

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

But what really distinguishes them is their atmosphere. 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 organise 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.

Lyon has also become known as the epicentre 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 full of impressive works of art. Stroll through any neighbourhood and you're sure to find something new and unexpected around every corner.

The Croix-Rousse neighbourhood is a great place to discover murals. One of my favourites is at the intersection of Rue du Chariot and Rue des Pieces. It is a colourful work, full of life and inspiration. It 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 all over the city, turning it into a veritable open-air gallery. How about playing a game of discovery?

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

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

Espace Nordique Du Bario is located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of south-eastern France. It is one of the most popular ski resorts in France, with over 45 kilometres 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 kilometres of downhill slopes suitable for all levels and an extensive network of cross-country ski runs.

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 can be one of the best excursions from Lyon.

If skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, but you want to take advantage of what Annecy has to offer, there are plenty of other activities available in the town. The old town has cobbled streets lined with shops, 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 is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. Every day from November until 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 also makes it one of the most beautiful churches in Europe, and its combination of impressive 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 a chance 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 centre, Parc de la Tête d'Or boasts 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 provides the perfect backdrop for your holiday 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 kind 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 characterised 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 at this time of year. It's also a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket or coat to keep you warm and comfortable even when it's raining.

Snowfall

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