Christmas Markets Lyon 2025: Your Festive Guide
Each winter, the city of Lyon in southeastern France transforms itself into a shimmering festive wonderland—and the 2025 edition promises to be no different. The town’s main Christmas market, held on the elegant Place Carnot, serves as the heart of this seasonal charm. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Marché de Noël de Lyon (Lyon Christmas Market) so special in 2025.
When & Where
For 2025, the market is scheduled to run from 21 November to 24 December at Place Carnot in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. As the calendar flips into December, you’ll find this square lined with charming wooden chalet-style stalls, twinkling lights overhead, and the crisp winter air filled with aromas of mulled wine and chestnuts.
What to Expect
Spread across dozens of stalls, the market offers a rich mix of artisanal creations and regional delicacies. According to local listings, there are over 90 to 100 stands brimming with handmade gifts, toys, jewellery, textiles, local food products and sweet treats.
Gastronomy plays an especially important role here—after all, Lyon holds the reputation of France’s gastronomic capital. Visitors can savour specialties unique to the region: for example, praluline (a brioche swirled with pink sugared almonds), warm saucisson chaud (sausage tucked in a baguette), roasted chestnuts, pain d’épices (gingerbread-style loaf) and the ever‐popular vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep the chill at bay.
Atmosphere & Additional Highlights
The setting at Place Carnot lends itself beautifully to the Christmas spirit—historic architecture, a central location, and easy access. Beyond the main market, there are smaller neighbourhood markets and artisan gatherings, such as at the Place de la Croix‑Rousse, featuring around 40 chalets focused on maker goods and crafts.
Another major draw during this period is the renowned Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), which runs 5–8 December 2025 and transforms Lyon into a spectacular city-wide light show. Even if you’re primarily visiting for the market, timing your trip to coincide with this light festival will amplify the magic.
Tips for Visiting
Go early in the season if you prefer a slightly quieter experience—late November tends to be mellower than the weeks just before Christmas.
Public transport is strongly recommended. Parking in central Lyon can become challenging during the festive season.
Evenings are best: the stalls lit up at dusk, the temperatures dropping, and the mulled wine flowing make for a perfect festive vibe.
Combine with sightseeing: While you’re in Lyon, consider exploring the hilltop Basilica of Notre‑Dame de Fourvière (and the view it offers), or stroll the riverside along the Rhône and Saône.
Wear layers: November and December in Lyon can be chilly—so warm clothing and comfortable shoes will enhance your visit.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Lyon’s Christmas market offers a delightful blend of festive charm, regional authenticity, and gastronomic indulgence—all set within a manageable, beautiful city that rewards slow wandering and discovery. Whether you’re browsing handicrafts for meaningful gifts, indulging in local treats, or simply soaking up the lights and sounds of the season, you’ll find plenty to love.