The lights of Laval

Fantastic Christmas

When the city lights up: a magical journey through the heart of Laval

Les Lumières de Laval is a magical show that transforms the city into an enchanting place every year, starting at the end of November. This magical event immerses Laval in a warm and festive atmosphere, with impressive light installations and entertainment for young and old alike. This enchanting stroll is an invitation to rediscover the city in a whole new light. Come and experience the magic of the Lumières de Laval and let yourself be transported by this exceptional light show.

The lights of Laval

An event to look forward to in November

Cruises
Guided tour
Christmas market
Lights Market

Set sail on the Vallis Guidonis and experience the magic of the Cruises of Lights: sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, or musical dinners… a fairy-tale journey along the Mayenne River, right in the heart of Laval’s illuminations.

Sightseeing Cruise – Discover the lights from a privileged perspective: the Mayenne River.
Board the Vallis Guidonis just before the lights come on and enjoy the captain’s commentary as he guides you through the city from the water…
Cruise of Lights Dinner – Enjoy a special moment during a festive cruise. Swaying with the magic of Laval’s illuminations, savor a holiday menu while cruising along the Mayenne. An unmissable experience of Laval’s lights!
Harmony Dinner Cruise – Share an exceptional moment with your loved ones. During this cruise through the heart of the Lights, the pianist’s musical accompaniment will perfectly complement the chef’s festive menu, delighting all your senses. A unique and harmonious escape!

©Vg Lumieres 2022 011francois Parmentier Laval Tourism

Tour of the lights — ©François Parmentier

Let yourself be swept away on a magical discovery of Laval, a City of Art and History, through its illuminations.
Your guide will tell you the story of Lumières de Laval, from its creation to its evolution, sharing anecdotes and secrets of this unmissable year-end event.

Then, set off on a stroll through the illuminated streets of the old town, where every stone tells a story that spans centuries.
To end this experience on a sweet note, enjoy a cup of mulled wine or locally pressed apple juice at La Cave du Château, right in the heart of the lights — the perfect moment to chat with your guide and let the magic linger.

Craftsmanship, Flavors, and Traditions to Share

Each winter, Boston Square, by the river, transforms into a true fairy-tale village: from December 10 to 14, Laval’s Christmas Market spreads out across 52 sparkling chalets, offering a magical and convivial moment in the heart of the city.

Between local crafts, original creations, and gourmet treats, visitors wander at the rhythm of twinkling lights and festive scents. Here, there’s time to stroll, sip mulled wine or steaming hot chocolate, and nibble on local specialties while hunting for the perfect gift or a little extra to slip under the tree.

The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly: little ones marvel at the rides and duck fishing before visiting Santa Claus.

For over 30 years, Laval’s Christmas Market has been an unmissable tradition, where flavors, lights, and encounters create a magical setting that delights both young and old.

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Every year, around thirty artisan-creators invite you to discover their skills and unique creations.
Jewelry, decorations, accessories, gourmet treats, or works of art… plenty of original ideas to find the perfect gift, the one that will truly stand out under the Christmas tree!

A retrospective at the heart of the lights

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020

Fantastic Christmas

This winter, Laval lit up the holiday season with the 31st edition of Lumières de Laval. From November 29 to January 4, 2026, the city was transformed into a “Fantastic Christmas,” featuring enchanting decorations, illuminated reindeer, sparkling fireflies, and spectacular projections on Château-Neuf.

From downtown to the streets of Old Laval, the illuminated trail delighted visitors, with the highlight being the Ferris wheel at Boston Square, offering a magical view of the sparkling city. A must-see winter event.

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©Lumieres De Laval 2025 024 Pcg Laval Tourisme

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©Dinner Cruise Harmonie 006 Pcg Laval Tourisme

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Christmas enchantment

For 30 years, the Christmas festivities in Laval have been enhanced by the “Lumières de Laval”, a not-to-be-missed event that delights young and old alike.

For this anniversary edition, we’ve chosen to return to the very essence of Christmas, reviving the magic and wonder of tradition.

Immerse yourself in a magical world where tales and legends come to life, and where the warmth of the Christmas of yesteryear blends with spellbinding lighting. Let yourself be transported into a magical world, where every alleyway and every monument tells a unique story, inviting you to relive the enchantment of Christmas as never before.

©Les Lumieres 2024 6 Pauline Collet Gastinel 1

©Les Lumieres 2024 8 Pauline Collet Gastinel 1

Love

The 2023 edition of Lumières de Laval dazzled young and old alike!

The theme of love enchanted the city, with installations that made visitors’ hearts beat faster: the market of lights, the Christmas market, the Ferris wheel and the projection on the Château-Neuf lit up Laval in the colours of passion, creating a magical atmosphere.

One of this year’s surprising highlights was a breathtaking ballet of drones that lit up the skies over the old racecourse in Les Pommeraies, thrilling thousands of spectators.

After Hilard last year, it was the Fourches district that shone with a thousand lights, thanks to its brand new illuminations.

Travelling down the river

A not-to-be-missed feature of the festive season, the Lumières de Laval once again transformed the city into a veritable showcase of colour and magic.

The 2022 edition, more sober due to the energy context, was sure to charm all generations.
Under the theme of water and the river, the illuminations sparkled elegantly in the city centre.

And this year, after Le Pavement last year, it was the Hilard district that was given a beautiful illumination, further highlighting the diversity of Laval’s neighbourhoods.

Naive art

Les Lumières de Laval once again marked the festive season, and the 2021 edition shone with a special sparkle! With a host of new features, the city was transformed: a majestic Ferris wheel in Boston Square, magical projections on the façade of Château-Neuf, and the illumination of Vieux-Laval enchanted visitors.

The Pavement was also lit up with giant flowers adorned with faceted balls, lighting up the façades of the buildings in spectacular fashion. A first that promises to be repeated in other districts next year.

The Peacock feather

Despite the unusual backdrop, the magic of the Lumières de Laval 2020 was in full swing!

Under the enchanting theme of the peacock feather, the city was decked out in blue, gold and silver.

To avoid crowds, there was no official inauguration or fireworks display, but the illuminations were unveiled by surprise on 2 December, adding a touch of mystery.

The Christmas market, redesigned for the occasion, took place over two sites, with chalets filled with artisan treasures. As for the Market of Lights, it showcased local talent in a warm and festive atmosphere.