9 of the most mesmerising light festivals around the world
From stunning candlelit streets to innovative installations and breathtaking projections, these annual light festivals are guaranteed to dazzle, delight and cheer the soul…
The seasons of autumn and winter bring with them longer and dreary days, but many destinations have found a way to combat the blues that so often come as a package with darker times.
Light festival popularity is only growing across the world, with spectacular digital installations, projections and shows illuminating the dark corners of our cities. But it’s not one size fits all: there are also festivals that have been celebrated for centuries, often using more traditional, yet dazzling, candlelit displays.
Here, we take a look at some of the world’s best light festivals. Let there be light!
1. Fête des Lumières, Lyon, France
When: 5-8 December
One of the oldest light festivals in the world, the Festival of Lights in Lyon can be traced back to 1643, when the city escaped the ravages of the plague sweeping across Europe at the time. The townsfolk lit candles and formed a procession in thanks to Mary, mother of God. Since then, it has evolved into one of the largest light festivals in the world, with light installations and projections created by artists from across the planet. In a nod to tradition, every local is expected to light a candle outside their window during the festival, held every December.
2. Light up Macao, Macao
When: 2025 dates TBC
First launched in 2015, Light up Macao bathes the former Portuguese colony in a rainbow of colours every December. A mix of light projections on landmark buildings, innovative light installations and an interactive festival game app – the festival has fast become bright spot on Macao’s cultural calendar, bringing life and light to different districts of the city.
More information: lum.macaotourism.gov.mo
3. Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai, Thailand
When: 5-6 November
Held every November, although not always, Loy Krathong marks the end of the rainy season and gives thanks to the Goddess of the Water. Special lotus-shaped baskets are lit and released into the river, as a symbol of letting go of the bad things that happened that year and asking for good luck in the next.The krathongs (flower baskets) are made from coconut shells and form an extraordinary sight as they float down the river en masse. Traditional Thai dance shows and concerts are an equally important part of the festivities.
4. Birgu Fest, Malta
When: 10-11 October
Every autumn in Birgu, one of Malta’s oldest and most historical cities, Birgu Fest takes place. It’s an annual arts and culture festival that culminates in the city’s electric lights being switched off and narrow cobbled lanes being illuminated by candles instead. Concerts are held on street corner. Hawkers sell traditional Maltese treats. And performers roam the winding streets, entertaining the street audiences by candlelight.
5. El Alumbrado, Medellín, Colombia
What started off as a way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas has transformed into a month-long visual feast for the eyes. From December through to January, Medellín truly does it’s Christmas lights (known as El Alumbrado) like no other destinations. Installations and projections – usually focussed on a particular theme – illuminate areas across the city, especially along Medellín River and La Playa Avenue. The exceptional displays are only getting bigger and better each year, as the event pulls in more international interest.
6. BLINK, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
When: 8-11 October 2026
First held in 2017, BLINK is the largest free public art event in America, taking over more than 30 city blocks from Cincinnati to Northern Kentucky biennially. More than 80 artists take part to create project mappings against the city’s most iconic buildings, and across the four days you can expect drone shows, live music and street food.
More information: blinkcincinnati.com
7. Lights in Alingsås, Sweden
When: 3 October-2 November
Starting life as an experiment from students at the University of Gothenburg, Lights in Alingsås has grown into the city’s biggest annual event. Students of lighting design and architecture, both international and local, come together to create their displays under a theme, with this year’s being ‘Movies in Lights’. The lighting trail covers 2.5km, and this year’s display has work from artists from Italy, India, the Netherlands, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, and, of course, Sweden.
More information: lightsinalingsas.com
Read next: Beyond the auroral zone: Discovering the best of Swedish Lapland while hunting the northern lights
8. Sharjah Light Festival, United Arab Emirates
When: 2026 dates TBC, likely February
While most travellers will have heard of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the emirate of Sharjah flies under the radar for many. Best known for its art and culture, this is on full display each February during the Sharjah Light Festival, when light animations are projected onto some of the emirate’s most popular attractions. The displays change each year, but areas that will be lit up include Sharjah Mosque, Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Heera Beach, with some displays in Khor Fakkan and other cities.
More information: sharjahlightfestival.ae
9. Vivid Sydney, Australia
When: 22 May-13 June 2026
Every May and June, Sydney shakes its fist at the approaching winter with a 23-day festival of light, music and ideas. The city is awash with concerts and immersive light installations and projections, the most famous and spectacular being the 3D mapping projections on the city’s most most landmark, the Opera House. The famous sails are the perfect canvas for all kinds of projections, from butterfly wings to traditional indigenous art.
