Step into the Magic of the Paris Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes
Held each year at the city’s renowned Jardin des Plantes, the Paris Festival of Lights has become one of the most enchanting winter traditions. As night falls, the garden’s pathways glow with monumental lanterns and dazzling light installations that illuminate this historic landmark and invite visitors to reconnect with nature.
If you’re visiting Paris at Christmas time, don’t miss this breathtaking Paris light show, a true celebration of the beauty and diversity of the natural world!
What is the Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights?
The Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights (Festival des Lumières in French) is a night exhibition that takes place at the historic Jardin des Plantes in the 5th arrondissement.
This Paris light festival is an enchanting experience for kids and adults, with monumental light structures set in the alleys and pitches of this beautiful garden.
The Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes features a new theme each year, often highlighting endangered species from around the world, making it both a fun and educational way to spend an evening in Paris
Often referred to as the “Jardin des Plantes Christmas Lights,” this event is a delightful addition to the more traditional Christmas activities in Paris – even though its theme is never specifically related to the holiday.
Since its inauguration in 2018, I have explored other light festivals in Paris, but the Jardin des Plantes light show is always the best one!
READ MORE – Quick Guide to Paris for Kids
Jardin des Plantes Light Festival 2026
The Paris Festival of Lights is one of the must-see events of winter in Paris. Following the success of previous editions, the Jardin des Plantes will once again illuminate the city’s year-end celebrations with a brand-new, extraordinary show.
The 2025 edition of the festival, titled Lumières de la Nature, invited visitors to explore the hidden lights of the plant and animal kingdoms, as well as the mineral and celestial worlds. The theme of the 2026 edition isn’t unveiled yet.
The entrance to the Paris Festival of Lights is through 2 Place Valhubert. The closest metro station is Gare d’Austerlitz (lines 5 and 10).
More festive tours and activities in Paris:
Festival of Lights Paris 2026 – Dates & Opening Times
The dates of the Festival of Lights Paris 2026 aren’t published yet. Last year, the festival took place from 12 November 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Opening Hours Outside School Holidays:
- Wednesday to Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last entrance at 9 p.m.)
Opening Hours During School Holidays:
- Every day, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last entrance at 9 p.m.)
Tickets can only be purchased online, and are for a specific date and time slot. Price tickets are from 13€ (reduced price) to 28€ (full price). There are family discounts and free entrance for kids under three years old.
Insider Tips to Make the Most of the Jardin des Plantes Christmas Lights
» If possible, avoid the weekends and Christmas holidays. The Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights has always been a big success from the very first day, and everybody wants to visit it!
» Not sure when to visit this Paris light festival? Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., the garden is full of excited kids running around, while later in the evening, there are fewer children, but it’s much colder. Ultimately, it comes down to what you can tolerate better: the chill or the chaos!
» The Jardin de Plantes light show covers most of the surface of the garden, so allow 1-1.5 hours to visit everything. And wear extra warm clothes! – Check out what to pack for Paris in December
» I also recommend bringing a thermos flask with hot tea or something similar to keep your body warm; Paris is cold in winter!
» If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to spend 28€, you can see the giant lanterns during the day for free. However, they are not as beautiful as when they are lit up at night.
A Look Back at the Jardin des Plantes Light Show
Here’s the list of previous Festival of Lights Paris since its creation:
2024 – Jurassique en Voie d’Illumination. A memorable journey of 200 million years to discover the species of the Jurassic illuminated
2023 – La Jungle en Voie d’Illumination. This illuminated night stroll was dedicated to the creatures and ecosystems living in the jungle
2022 – Mini-mondes en Voie d’Illumination. A spectacular night walk to discover the tiny wildlife
2021- L’Evolution en Voie d’Illumination. A fabulous night tour to discover the astonishing species that have populated the earth over the last 600 million years.
2019 – Océan en Voie d’Illumination
2018 – Espèces en Voie d’Illumination.
And here’s a sneak peek from previous editions, so you can get a sense of what to expect from this year’s show. Join me on a magical, moonlit stroll to discover some of the beautiful sculptures from past exhibitions.
Winter nights in Paris can be chilly, but these giant lanterns (perhaps paired with a cup of mulled wine) are sure to warm your heart!
About the Jardin des Plantes in Paris
The Jardin des Plantes de Paris is a park and botanical garden located in the Latin Quarter, which opened to the public 400 years ago. In addition to the typical green spaces and flower beds, there is also a menagerie, greenhouses, several museums, food stands, and a carousel.
The Jardin des Plantes is great for kids and adults to learn about flowers and plants, or just for a stroll.
Other Things to Do In and Around the Jardin des Plantes (day and night):
- Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (Gallery of Evolution)
- Ménagerie – Zoo at the Jardin des Plantes
- Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie Comparée
- Galerie de Géologie et Minéralogie
- Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes (Greenhouses)
- Free Latin Quarter Walking Tour
- Arènes de Lutèce
- Seine River Cruise (there’s a pier just in front of the Jardin des Plantes)
- The Panthéon of Paris
- Le Marais
