When 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 2025 illuminations!
1. 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: new ‘Lausanne reveries’, in 30-minute loops, on the themes of art, nature and Switzerland, will enchant young and old spectators from here and elsewhere.
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.
2. 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 a luminous work entitled ‘Exoplanets’. It’s a safe bet that children will love it.
Practicalities: From 20 November to 31 December.
3. 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. ‘Carnet de lumière: a painted journey around the world’ is the promising title of this year’s creation.
Practicalities: Every evening, from 11 to 24 December (except Christmas Run). Screenings every hour, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Duration: 15 minutes.
4. Place de la Madeleine
In addition to the usual decorations and illuminations, new light displays will be introduced this year. This is particularly the case for the University steps, where imaginary umbrellas will light the way for passers-by. Or Place de la Madeleine, whose balustrade, visible from Riponne and Rue du Tunnel, will appear to be dripping with rain of light.
Practicalities: from 20 November to 31 December
5. 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.
Practicalities: From 20 November to 31 December.
6. The Cathedral
For one winter, the city’s most iconic monument will once again see the contours of its majestic silhouette enhanced by light. This year, the Montfalcon Gate will be brought to life by a projection of luminous images onto its statues.
Practicalities: From Saturday, 29 November to Thursday, 1 January 2026
7. Pont Bessières
The Pont Bessières bridge will be transformed into a poetic carpet of shining stars, entitled ‘Nappe céleste’ (Celestial Tablecloth), making crossing it a truly magical experience.
Practicalities: From 20 November to 31 December.
7. Rue de Bourg
As for Rue de Bourg, this year it will be the setting for light projections depicting an enchanting world, beautifully entitled ‘La rue des merveilles’ (The Street of Wonders)…
Practicalities: From 20 November to 31 December.
