This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Illuminations in Lausanne
December 3, 2024When you think of the festive season, you think of Christmas… And what a joy it is to discover what Lausanne has in store for us in the way of decorations and light displays every winter season! Take a sparkling stroll with your family or friends, and let your imagination run wild as you watch your loved ones’ eyes sparkle. No sooner said than done: the spotlight is on Lausanne’s 2024 illuminations!
1. Place de la Palud
Just like every year, or almost every year, there’s a fabulous sound and light show in front of the Hôtel de Ville. ‘Frozen tales from the past’ is the promising title of this year’s creation.
Practicalities: Every evening, from 13 to 24 December 2024 (except Christmas Run). Screenings every hour, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Duration: 15 minutes.
2. The Bel-Air Tower
A must-see in Lausanne, the New York-style tower will be decked out in its finest finery once again this year. On the programme: twelve bucolic tableaux, in 30-minute loops on the theme of plant and animal biodiversity, corresponding to the parks and gardens of Lausanne, will delight young and old spectators from near and far.
Practicalities: From 20 November to 31 December. Every evening from 5.30pm to 9pm, 10pm or 11pm (depending on Bô Noêl timetable) and until 12.30am on New Year’s Eve.
3. The Market Stairs
Lined with colourful, illuminated lanterns, the emblematic Escaliers du marché and their wooden canopy will guide your steps in the most beautiful way. Decorated with motifs from the cathedral’s stained glass windows, the lanterns will pay a warm and luminous tribute to this great lady, who is 750 years old.
Practical info: More information to come.
4. The Cathedral
For one winter, the city’s most emblematic monument will see every contour of its majestic silhouette enhanced by light.
Practicalities: From Sunday 1 December to Tuesday 31 December 2024.
6. Place de la Louve
A firm favourite with families, the swings in the Place de la Louve will be brought to life in a whole new dimension thanks to some charming illuminations. It’s a safe bet that children will love it.
Practical info: From 19 November 2024 to 12 January 2025.
7. The town centre
As well as the usual decorations and illuminations, there will be new light displays this year. These include the staircases of the University, where vesuvius lights will illuminate the path of passers-by from December 1. Or the Place de la Madeleine, where the balustrade, visible from the Riponne and Rue du Tunnel, will seem to light up warmly.
Practical info: The street decorations will be lit every evening from 19 November to 12 January, until 11pm.
Discover the Lausanners