New Year’s Eve 2026 in Lyon: Your Complete Guide to Celebrations
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Lyon is set to host an array of exciting events and activities to ensure a memorable New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet experience, a cultural spectacle, a high-energy party, or family-friendly fun, the city has something for everyone. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best ways to celebrate December 31st, 2025, in Lyon.
Discover Lyon by Night Before 2026
Why not kick off your New Year’s Eve by rediscovering Lyon after dark? The city’s illuminated landmarks offer a magical start to the evening.
1. Panoramic Views and Light Show at Fourvière
Head to the iconic Fourvière hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Lyon. From December 26th to 31st, an 18-minute sound and light show will illuminate the basilica from 6:45 PM to 9:45 PM. This free spectacle is a perfect opportunity to admire the city lights and perhaps catch the first glimpses of distant fireworks.
- Location: Basilique de Fourvière, 8 Place de Fourvière, Lyon 5e
- Schedule: December 26-31, 2025, from 6:45 PM to 9:45 PM
- Admission: Free
2. Culinary Delights at Les Halles Paul Bocuse
For a gourmet start to the evening, visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse to pick up some of Lyon’s finest local products. Indulge in a Saint-Marcellin cheese from Mère Richard, a pastry from Sève, or a rosette from Gast to savor before the clock strikes midnight.
- Location: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon
- Hours: Vary by vendor (check website for details)
3. Immersive Show at Palais de la Bourse: Flow
Experience ‘Flow,’ an immersive sound and light show at the Palais de la Bourse. Relax on cozy beanbags and let the blend of classical and electronic music, enhanced by stunning visuals, transport you. This 30-minute experience is ideal for those who missed the Fête des Lumières.
- Location: 2 Place de la Bourse, 69002 Lyon
- Schedule: Time slots from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Tickets: Starting from 7 euros. Booking recommended via the event’s website.
4. Ride the Bellecour Ferris Wheel
Before midnight, take a ride on the Bellecour Ferris Wheel for a unique perspective of the city. From 50 meters up, enjoy stunning night views until 10:00 PM, perhaps with some churros or cotton candy for a sweet treat.
- Location: Place Bellecour, Lyon 2e
- Hours: Until 10:00 PM
- Tickets: 9 euros for adults, 6 euros for children
Gourmet New Year’s Eve Dinners
Many of Lyon’s renowned restaurants are offering special New Year’s Eve menus for a truly indulgent celebration.
- Paul Bocuse Brasseries: Le Nord (Lyon 2e), l’Est (Lyon 6e), l’Ouest (Lyon 9e), and le Sud (Lyon 2e) will feature an exclusive menu including foie gras, scallops, and veal. Price: 115 euros. More information on their website.
- Cintra: This authentic Lyonnaise brasserie at 43 Rue de la Bourse (Lyon 2e) offers a high-end menu with foie gras, lobster risotto, and a soufflé for dessert. Price: 110 euros. Details on the restaurant’s website.
- Brasserie Georges: Located at 30 Cours de Verdun Perrache (Lyon 2e), this institution will offer a festive à la carte menu. Prices vary. Visit their website for more.
Dance into 2026: Techno Parties and Club Nights
For those looking to dance the night away, Lyon boasts a vibrant techno and electronic music scene with several parties planned for December 31st.
- Opéra Techno Night: 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM, 40 euros. (Link to ticketing)
- Euronight at La Rayonne: 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM, 28 to 38 euros. (Link to ticketing)
- Petit Salon: 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM, 10 to 19.99 euros. (Link to ticketing)
- Le Sucre: 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM, 35 euros. (Link to ticketing)
- Amour Festival: December 31st to January 2nd, 10:00 PM to 5:30 AM. 36.69 to 69.99 euros for a 2-day pass. (Link to ticketing)
New Year’s Eve 2026: Spectacular Shows and Entertainment
Beyond traditional celebrations, Lyon offers a rich selection of humorous, acrobatic, and theatrical performances.
1. Comédie Odéon: A Day of Spectacles
The Comédie Odéon offers a full afternoon of entertainment with four shows: ‘Mon Pote’ (3:00 PM for young audiences), ‘Dernier réveillon avant l’année prochaine’ (5:00 PM comedy), ‘La Machine de Turing’ (7:30 PM), and ‘Le Père Noël est une ordure !’ (10:00 PM). A dinner and show package (120 euros) is also available, followed by a DJ set.
- Location: 6 Rue Grolée, Lyon 2e
- Schedule: December 31st from 3:00 PM
- Tickets: From 11.50 euros (show only)
2. Cirque Imagine: Luxury Circus Evening
Experience a grand New Year’s Eve at Cirque Imagine in Vaulx-en-Velin. While the Cabaret-Circus evening is sold out, the family-friendly circus evening under the big top includes a dinner-show with modern circus performances, aerial acts, and a DJ set until morning.
- Location: 5 Avenue des Canuts, Vaulx-en-Velin
- Schedule: December 31st, 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM
- Tickets: 185 euros for adults, 95 euros for children
3. KA-IN by Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger at Théâtre des Célestins
Witness the captivating ballet-circus ‘KA-IN,’ featuring thirteen acrobats exploring themes of time, rebirth, and unity. This 70-minute show is suitable for families with children aged 7-8 and up.
- Location: 4 Rue Charles-Dullin, 69002 Lyon
- Schedule: December 31st, 8:00 PM to 9:10 PM
4. Comedy at Espace Gerson: Mickaël Bièche’s ‘Classe moyenne’
For a humorous take on New Year’s Eve, enjoy Mickaël Bièche’s one-man show ‘Classe moyenne’ at Espace Gerson. He comically dissects the everyday life of the middle class, offering relatable and funny observations.
- Location: Salle Edouard Herriot / Palais de la Mutualité, 1 Place Antonin-Jutard, 69003 Lyon
- Schedule: December 31st from 6:00 PM
- Tickets: 35 euros (full price), 32 euros (reduced)
5. The Grand Soir de l’Année at Bourse du Travail
Following previous successes, ‘Le Grand Soir de l’Année’ returns as a premier New Year’s Eve comedy event. Hosted by Tristan Lucas, this collective evening features a diverse lineup of artists including Antek, Lise Dehurtevent, Rémi Boyes, Cécile Marx, and Umut Köker, promising a night of varied comedic styles.
- Location: 205 Place Guichard, 69007 Lyon
- Schedule: December 31st from 8:00 PM
- Tickets: Starting from 37.50 euros
Game-Filled New Year’s Eve for 2026
For a more playful New Year’s Eve, Lyon offers several alternatives to traditional celebrations.
1. Challenge Your Mind with Escape Games
Escape games are a popular choice for an action-packed New Year’s Eve. Several venues offer special sessions:
- Lyon Escape Game: Three rooms will be open on December 31st, with themes like ‘Mentalist: The Hour of Truth,’ ‘The Dungeon,’ and ‘The Devil’s House.’ Slots available from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, starting from 18 euros per person. Booking essential.
- Enigmatic Live Escape Game: Offers personalized New Year’s Eve experiences with customizable scenarios and difficulty levels. Slots available from 10:45 AM to 6:00 PM, starting from 25 euros per person. Book quickly as spots sell out fast!
2. Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve at Yakapiocher
Yakapiocher, a board game bar, hosts an early New Year’s Eve celebration for families with children starting at 4:00 PM. Enjoy board games, animations, a child-friendly dinner, and an early countdown. Adults can continue the party until 3:00 AM.
- Location: 8 Rue Rivet, Lyon 1er
- Schedule: December 31st from 4:00 PM (children) or 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM (adults)
- Tickets: 48 euros for adults, 28 euros for children
3. Games, Tournaments, and Buffet at Tire-toi une Bûche
For a more dance-oriented yet game-focused evening, Tire-toi une Bûche (Lyon 7e) offers a New Year’s Eve celebration from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM. The event combines a DJ set, game tournaments, collective challenges, and a buffet, providing a unique way to welcome the new year.
- Location: 51 Rue Saint-Michel, 69007 Lyon
- Schedule: December 31st, 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Tickets: 30 euros. Reservation via the bar’s website.
With such a wide variety of options, Lyon is poised to offer an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience for everyone, ensuring a festive and joyful welcome to 2026.
Source: https://www.affiches-parisiennes.com/69000-lyon/nouvel-an-2026-les-meilleures-idees-de-sorties-a-lyon-236529.html