In autumn and winter, and especially at Christmas, Paris is decked out in a thousand lights. It's the perfect time for a family outing. Between the window displays and the illuminations, discover the festivals of light that are taking over the Île-de-France this autumn-winter 2025-2026. A great program of outings with or without the kids, on weekends or during the Christmas vacations and even afterwards.
But what is a festival of lights? It's a magical event that takes place at dusk. It's an enchanted stroll through colorfullight installations, often accompanied by music, for an even more immersive experience! You'll stroll through magical, astonishing trails, sometimes in the aquatic world, sometimes discovering the world of insects, transformed into giants for the occasion. Between light shows, projections and animated modules, let yourself be transported, for an evening, into another shimmering universe. Whatever the case, there's something to make the eyes of children and adults alike sparkle.
So, would you like to join in the fun? Here are the next festivals and events to look out for!
Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2025-2026, immerse yourself in the enchanted dance of spirits.
Looking for a magical winter outing? Head to Yvelines to discover the new edition of Thoiry Lumières Sauvages and its mysterious Bal des Esprits. From October 17, 2025, to March 8, 2026, this 8th edition takes us into the world of spirits and Dia de los Muertos celebrations. [Read more]
Light Cycles, a trail of light in the heart of the Parc de la Villette in Paris this autumn
Light Cycles is the next trail of light to be set up in the Parc de la Villette from October 31, 2025. The program includes 5 artistic light installations to be discovered during this nocturnal stroll in the heart of nature. [Read more]
In the process of illumination: Lumières de la nature: the winter nocturnal festival at the Jardin des Plantes
This winter, from November 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026, don't miss En voie d'illumination: Lumières de la nature, a magical nocturnal tour of Paris for young and old alike. [Read more]
Lumières en Seine 2025-2026 at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud: we tested the new light trail
The Domaine National de Saint-Cloud will host Lumières en Seine from November 14, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This 2-kilometer illuminated trail features light and music installations for a magical nighttime stroll in the Hauts-de-Seine department. [Read more]
Grand Christmas 2025 at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: a magical immersion in the enchantment of the festive season.
The Grand Christmas at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is back to enchant the holiday season, from Saturday, November 15, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026. Immerse yourself in the dreams of the three brothers and embark on a magical journey through the château. The gardens also hold a few surprises, with a temporary ice rink and illuminated decorations. [Read more]
The Luminous Odyssey at Parc Floral 2025: discover a magical journey with a drone show.
The Luminous Odyssey awaits you once again at the Parc Floral de Paris, in the 12th arrondissement, from November 19, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This new edition features no less than 1,000 monumental lanterns, a drone show, and the Northern Lights in a huge immersive experience. We'll tell you all about it. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: A light trail in the heart of a remarkable garden in Seine-et-Marne (77)
For Christmas 2025, the Jardin du Point du Jour, classified as a Remarkable Garden, will be decked out in lights with a light trail: Les Fééries de Noël (Christmas Enchantments). During this visit, children and their parents will meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will share enchanting tales with them. Find out the dates for this year's event. [Read more]
Christmas 2025: an enchanted garden lights up at the Musée de l'Outil (95)
At the Tool Museum in Val d'Oise, the magic of Christmas awaits us from November 30, 2025, to January 4, 2026. During the festivities, the garden will be lit up with magical decorations! [Read more]
Good Deal: A free light trail awaits us this Christmas 2025 in Essonne (91)
For Christmas 2025, there's a great plan for families in Milly-la-Forêt in Essonne. As soon as night falls, you can explore a free illuminated trail from December 3, 2025, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Japan in Lights: the Jardin d'Acclimatation's luminous trail and lantern festival 2025
When winter envelops Paris, the Jardin d'Acclimatation lights up for its third edition of the Festival des Lanternes: Le Japon en Lumières. From December 10, 2025 to March 8, 2026, 2,000 glittering lanterns transport you from Mount Fuji to the bustling streets of Tokyo, between age-old traditions and kawaii heroes. A magical interlude in the Land of the Rising Sun, just a stone's throw from the capital. [Read more]
Santa's Wonderful Gardens at Parc Astérix 2025
Parc Astérix is once again celebrating the magic of Christmas during the 2025 Christmas holidays. Come and discover the Gallic Christmas festivities at the amusement park from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026. An ice rink, sleds, a trail of lights, a hidden tavern, and enchanting shows await you, with a new addition this year: Obelix's Slide on the Gaulish side. [Read more]
Lueurs de Mantes: return of the free light trail in the heart of the Yvelines 2026
Mantes-la-Jolie is shining brightly again this winter with the third edition of Lueurs de Mantes in the Yvelines. This free light show is back in a smaller format from Thursday, January 15, to Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a drone show to kick things off. Here's a rundown of the details. [Read more]
Enjoy your luminous strolls!
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