Top Events in France in December

For four days around December 8th, people flock from all over Europe to see Lyon transformed by its spectacular Festival of Light. In 1852 the construction of a statue of the Virgin Mary, designed to stand on the hill of Fourvière, was stopped by bad weather and the inauguration was postponed from its initial date of September 8^th. Three months later, December 10^th was threatened  with storms and tempests, but as evening approached, the clouds dispersed and the people of Lyon came out to celebrate, carrying lanterns in the streets and decorating their houses with lights.

The Fêtes des Lumières has since become a fantastic annual, 4-day Festival, always celebrated around December 8th. Every year a new team creates the fabulous lights which cover many of the city's most beautiful buildings. It’s a wonderful excuse for a winter festival and there are plenty of other events to produce a festival for everyone to enjoy.

The city is completely full for those 4 days and you'll find it difficult to get a hotel on those dates. But if you are near Lyon, then try to get into the city to see the illuminations.

Lyon Tourist Office Festival of Light Information
Lyon Tourist Information

For three days in mid December, Epernay in champagne celebrates with three spectacular days of events, drinks and food along the famous Avenue de Champagne. There are extraordinary installations like Spiderman; imaginative light shows; son et lumiere; street theater groups; music and fireworks. Each day has different offerings but there is one constant. Many of the major Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne are open to the public, with Champagne bars, illuminations and tastings.

In 2011, the dates are December 9th to 11th. On Friday December 9th, there is a continuous changing programme of street events. On Saturday the famous chefs of the region gather around La Halle Saint-Thibault to demonstrate (with tastings as well) just why they are so famous. And on Sunday, in addition to all the regular events, there is a huge parade of vintage and veteran cars, open to anybody who has such a vehicle.

Information on the Festival (French only)
Epernay Tourist Office

During the whole of December, the Living Horse Museum (Musée Vivant du Cheval®) housed in the grand stables at the Chateau of Chantilly, just outside Paris, puts on a show for all the family, from December 1^st to January 2^nd, 2012 and takes you on a magical journey with the Horse and the Child in a grand, hour-long show.

Information:
Living Horse Museum (Musée Vivant du Cheval®)
Chateau de Chantilly
Chantilly, Picardy
Tel.:00 33 (0)3 44 27 31 80
Website on the Show

Stables open Wednesday to Monday 2p.m.-6p.m.
Show: 2.30p.m. and 6.30p.m. on different dates.
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Since the Middle Ages, the Fêtes de Saint Nicolas(Saint Nicolas Festivals) have filled the streets of Nancy on the first weekend of December. It’s become a family affair, and celebrates St Nicolas Day on December 6^th when according to the ather gruesome legend, three children got lost…were seized by an evil butcher…and finally rescued by St Nicolas. Every town and small village has its own celebrations on December 6^th, with gingerbread and small gifts given to all the children.

Nancy, the capital of the Dukes of Lorraine, takes the festival seriously, with a weekend of events attended by thousands of people. This year it takes place on December 3^th and 4^th. From 2p.m. on Saturday, the streets are full of actors and musicians announcing the arrival of Saint Nicolas. From 8pm, Stanislas Square is the center of the action with a show of lights, fireworks, sound and music and spectacles. Get there by 7p.m. for a good spot.

On Sunday, December 5^th, there’s a parade of floats to music from 4p.m. to 7p.m. then another fabulous firework display from 7p.m. at the Palais du Gouvernement. There are also special events for children, shows and workshops.

More information on Nancy

Nancy Tourist Office
Place Stanislas
Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 83 35 22 41
Website

Disneyland Park in Paris is full of excited children of all ages who flock here for Disney's annual Christmas spectacular. From November 7th, 2011 to January 8th, 2012, the park is alive with snowflakes, a huge Christmas tree above Town Square, a transformed Sleeping Beauty Castle, Santa Claus in his village, a new Princess Rapunzel and of course Mickey and his friends putting on quite a show.

You’ll have to book in advance for December 31st for the fabulous New Year’s Eve Party.

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