Plan your perfect trip to Epernay’s Habits de Lumière in France: Champagne houses, Christmas events, food, hotels, attractions, & travel tips!
The Habits de Lumière festival in Epernay is one of the brightest events in the Champagne region, France. It takes place each Christmas season and brings lights, music, food, and joy to the Avenue de Champagne. The town becomes a warm and lively place with shows, tastings, and open houses.
People visit from all over the world because the event blends local culture with holiday magic. You see historic Champagne houses lit up with color, taste fine Champagne,enjoy street art and live acts. The energy is strong, and every moment feels festive.
Be sure to check out our other posts about Christmas travel in France:
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This guide helps you plan a smooth trip. It covers where to stay, how to get to Epernay, what to do at Habits de Lumière, and how to make the most of your Christmas visit.
Habits de Lumière 2026: Key Information for the 25th Edition
The City of Epernay will host Habits de Lumière on 11, 12 and 13 December 2026.
The event is held in partnership with the Avenue de Champagne Committee. These three days mark the start of the festive season in the Champagne region. Visitors can enjoy light shows, street art, food events, and open houses along the famous Avenue de Champagne.
Each year the Habits de Lumière celebrates the way of life in Epernay. The festival highlights taste, culture, and the warm spirit of Christmas in the heart of Champagne country. The 2026 edition will continue this tradition with a full program spread across the city.
If you need help planning your visit or want local guidance, you can contact the Epernay “Pays de Champagne” Tourist Office, located at 7 Avenue de Champagne.
Telephone: +33 3 26 53 33 00.
The festival is organised by the City of Epernay, led by the Communication Department. More information and program updates are available on the city’s official website: habitsdelumiere.epernay.fr/en.
Brief History of Habits de Lumière in Epernay, France
The Habits de Lumière started as a small street celebration along Avenue de Champagne. The aim was simple. The town wanted to show pride in its wine heritage. Over time the event grew into a three day festival. Today the lights, art shows, and Champagne tastings are known across France.
The name Habits de Lumière means “clothes of light”. It describes how each Champagne house shines during the festival. The colors and displays change each year. Visitors love the design work because it tells the story of Epernay in a bright, modern way.
The festival now runs with help from local producers and the city. It highlights culture, food, and the spirit of Christmas. This mix makes it one of the top winter events in the Champagne region.
Where is the “Habits de Lumière” and How to Go
The Habits de Lumière takes place in Epernay, a small city in northeastern France. The event centers on the Avenue de Champagne. This street is home to some of the world’s most famous Champagne houses. You can walk the entire festival route without a car.
The surrounding region is full of vineyards and soft hills. It is peaceful all year, yet lively during the festival. Many travelers choose Epernay because it is calm, safe, and beautiful.
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- How to Get to Epernay
Getting to Epernay is easy. Most people start from Paris. You can reach Epernay by train in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Trains run often, and the station is near the town center.
You can also drive. The route from Paris takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Parking during Habits de Lumière can be tight, so arrive early or park outside the center.
You can also fly into Paris airports and take a direct train or rental car. Many visitors enjoy the drive because the Champagne region is full of scenic roads.
- Tips for Transport During the Festival
Moving around during Habits de Lumière is simple. Walking is the best option. The whole festival is compact and safe. You can also rent bikes during the day to explore the vineyards.
If you plan to taste Champagne, avoid driving at night. Use local taxis or walk. The streets fill with people, so walking is often faster.
What Are the Best Times to Visit
- When to See Habits de Lumière
The Habits de Lumière usually takes place in mid December. It marks the start of Christmas time in the Champagne region. The festival lasts three days, with most night shows on Friday and Saturday.
If you want to enjoy the lights with fewer crowds, arrive early in the evening. If you want the full energy of Epernay, come after dark when the Champagne houses glow.
- Best Times to Visit Epernay in General
You can visit Epernay all year. Spring and summer are good for vineyard walks. Fall is great for the grape harvest. Winter is best for Habits de Lumière and Christmas markets.
During the festival, hotels get full fast. Book at least one to two months ahead.
- Climate Tips
December is cold. Bring warm clothes. Wear comfortable shoes. Streets get wet as the night goes on. A warm coat and gloves help you enjoy the shows.
Where to Stay Close to the Festival Habits de Lumière
Stay near the center if you want to walk to the Habits de Lumière. The area around Avenue de Champagne, Place de la République, and Rue du Général Leclerc is ideal. You will be close to food, shops, and all festival events.
Be sure to look for the best options in Épernay on the Booking.com.
- Best Hotels and Resorts
Epernay offers many places to sleep. You can choose luxury, mid range, or simple rooms.
Top picks include:
- Boutique hotels near Avenue de Champagne
- Spa hotels with vineyard views
- Upscale resorts outside town with shuttle service
These places fill quickly during Christmas, so reserve early.
- Best Hostels and Bed & Breakfasts
If you want a warm local stay, pick a Bed & Breakfast in the village hills around Epernay. The hosts are friendly and offer homemade food. Hostels are fewer but work well for solo travelers. You can reach the festival by foot, bike, or taxi.
What to Do During Habits de Lumière in Eperney, France
- Enjoy the Light Shows
The main draw of the Habits de Lumière is the night light show. The Champagne houses and buildings shine with color and music. Each facade becomes a work of art. Shows run in cycles so you can watch from different spots.
Walk slowly along Avenue de Champagne. Look for small details like moving shapes and hidden symbols. Each house tells its own story.
- Taste Champagne
Many houses open their cellars during the festival. You can taste different Champagne styles and learn about the region. Some offer small workshops. Others offer outdoor tastings under warm lights.
If you love Champagne, this is the best moment to explore. You can try rare cuvées and meet local producers.
- Join the Street Entertainment
Street food stands, live music, dancers, and fire acts fill the route. Kids enjoy the playful shows. Adults enjoy the mix of art, food, and sounds.
Arrive hungry. Many stands serve warm dishes and sweet Christmas treats.
Check out the best deals on tours, guides, and tourist attractions near the Éperney and Champagne Region in France.
Top 10 Attractions During Habits de Lumière
- The Avenue de Champagne Lights. This is the heart of the festival. Walk the full street at least twice. The lights change often.
- Champagne House Openings. Many houses like Moet & Chandon and Mercier open their cellars. Each offers tastings for the event.
- The Gastronomy Village. Local chefs prepare food in the open air. You can try regional dishes with Champagne pairings.
- Street Performances. Fire shows, dance groups, and live bands appear throughout the night.
- Classic Car Parade. A fun show with vintage cars covered in lights. Watch the route for the best views.
- Epernay Museum Visit. Learn more about the Champagne region during the day before the night shows.
- Balloon Rides (Weather Permitting). Some years offer tethered balloon trips for sky views of Epernay.
- Guided Vineyard Walks. Some agencies offer short walks in the morning. It is peaceful and beautiful.
- Christmas Markets Nearby. Small Christmas markets pop up near the center. Good for gifts and warm drinks.
- Fireworks Display. The weekend sometimes ends with fireworks above the Avenue. Check the program for updates.
What and Where to Eat
Try dishes like ham baked in Reims wine, local cheese plates, and gingerbread. Warm soups and stews help on cold nights. Pair meals with a light or full-bodied Champagne.
- Best Restaurants
Restaurants near Avenue de Champagne cook seasonal food. Many offer special menus during Habits de Lumière. Book early for dinner because crowds grow after sunset.
Look for places that serve regional dishes with simple, fresh flavors. The staff often recommend the best Champagne pairings.
- Bars and Tasting Rooms
Bars around Epernay offer flights of Champagne. You can taste styles from small producers. Some bars stay open late during Christmas weekends.
Key Tips and Practical Information to visit the Habits de Lumière 2026 in Epernay in Champagne Region, France
- Book hotels early because Habits de Lumière weekends fill fast.
- Wear warm clothes because nights are cold in Epernay.
- Walk the event route to enjoy all light shows.
- Taste Champagne from both big houses and small producers.
- Carry cash for food stands and small gifts.
- Arrive early to enjoy sunset views on the Avenue.
- Check the event schedule because times change each year.
Suggestions for Tours in Paris
And finally, be sure to read our tips on what to do in Paris:
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If you are traveling in December, see what Christmas is like at Disneyland Paris – Tips, hotel, itinerary, attractions, costs and meal plan.
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