Habits de Lumière in Epernay — Your complete guide to a Magical Champagne Weekend

Who better than local residents to introduce you to one of the most anticipated events of the year?
If you’re planning a December weekend in the Champagne region, you will definitely hear about Habits de Lumière — Epernay’s iconic light festival.

Every year, we gather along the stunning Avenue de Champagne to enjoy the light projections, street performances, festive atmosphere and Champagne tastings that make this event truly special.

I’m Sarah, I’ve been calling Epernay home for eight years, and honestly, I think Champagne has welcomed me just as much as I’ve embraced it… And now I welcome guests in our holiday rentals (gîtes) right here in town. With Romain, we love sharing our favourite places and helping travellers discover Champagne the way we experience it every day: warmly, simply, cheerfully.

So today, I’m taking you with me to discover Habits de Lumière — a magical celebration blending light, heritage and Champagne culture.
If you want to know what the event is about, how to prepare, where to stay and what to do, you’re in the right place.

Presentation of Habits de Lumière in Epernay

If you haven’t heard of Habits de Lumière in Epernay yet, get ready to fall in love. Every year in December, the whole town lights up and the iconic Avenue de Champagne turns into a magical stage. For two evenings, it’s all about illuminations, street performances, large-scale video projections, concerts and gourmet food stalls. It’s honestly one of the most festive moments of the year, both for locals and for visitors who come especially for this winter weekend in Epernay.

The event started more than 20 years ago with one simple idea: to celebrate the town, its heritage and the world of the Champagne houses. Since then, Habits de Lumière has become a true must-see event in Champagne, a tradition we all look forward to. The Champagne houses are transformed by light, music fills the streets, and the whole atmosphere becomes wonderfully magical.

What I love most is how welcoming it feels. You can stroll along the avenue, stop to watch a show, enjoy Champagne tastings, discover surprising artistic worlds and feel this special energy as soon as the first lights are switched on.

If you’re looking for a December event in the Champagne region that combines culture, celebration and discovery, Habits de Lumière is definitely the one you shouldn’t miss. It’s the perfect moment to experience Epernay in a different way, to the rhythm of bubbles, lights and emotions.

Dates, Schedule and Key Highlights of Habits de Lumière

Habits de Lumière takes place over three days, usually on the second weekend of December. During this time, the Avenue de Champagne becomes the beating heart of Epernay, with a rich programme designed for families, Champagne lovers and anyone curious to discover the region in a festive way.

Even though the programme changes slightly from one year to another, the main highlights remain the same and make the event so special:

Illuminations and Night Shows

This is the moment everyone waits for. As soon as night falls, the facades of the Champagne Houses light up with colourful projections, artistic visuals and musical atmospheres. The whole avenue is transformed — almost like a fairy-tale scene.

Street Performances

You’ll come across artists, dancers, acrobats and even surprising moving installations. Every year, the city brings new artistic worlds to life to amaze both adults and children.

Champagne Tastings and Pop-Up Bars

Many Champagne houses open temporary bars, organise special tastings or create unique experiences for the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to try new cuvées and explore Epernay’s heritage differently.

Habits de Saveurs (usually on Saturday lunchtime)

A delicious moment where local chefs prepare gourmet bites paired with Champagne. If you enjoy good food and great bubbles, you’ll love this.

The Habits de Lumière Rally

On Sunday morning, it’s time for vintage car lovers! The rally is a highlight of the weekend, with a parade of beautiful classic cars driving through Epernay’s streets.

Each edition also includes children’s activities, concerts, workshops and sometimes last-minute surprises. To make the most of your visit, I always recommend checking the official programme a few days before, as times and locations can change slightly.

Where to Stay in Epernay During Habits de Lumière

Now that you know the programme, let’s talk about something essential for enjoying your weekend: your accommodation.

If you’re planning to come to Habits de Lumière in Epernay, let me be honest with you: book as early as possible. It’s not just advice — it’s almost a golden rule. Every year, my holiday rentals in Epernay are fully booked around six months before the event, and the same is true for most places in town. The event attracts a huge number of visitors, and anything close to the Avenue de Champagne is the first to go.

I welcome guests in our cosy, fully equipped gîtes, only a few minutes’ walk from the avenue. It’s practical, warm and comfortable — and you’re right in the heart of the atmosphere without needing a car.

Book early (really early!)

The Habits de Lumière weekend is the busiest of the year in Epernay.

If you already know you want to come, secure your dates as soon as you can. It guarantees a well-located place and avoids any last-minute stress.

Choose accommodation near Avenue de Champagne

You’ll be just steps away from the illuminations, the silent disco, the video mappings and the pop-up bars of the Champagne Houses.

Being able to walk everywhere is a real luxury — especially on cold winter evenings.

If you can’t find accommodation in Epernay: book a VTC (private driver)

This is honestly the easiest solution, for two main reasons:

• Parking is extremely complicated during this weekend. Many streets are closed, and car parks fill up quickly.
  A private driver will drop you right at the entrance of Avenue de Champagne, without stress.
• You’ll probably need a “designated driver” (SAM)… And let’s be honest: during a weekend like this, with tastings and Champagne bars everywhere, it’s much nicer to let someone else drive.

If you’re staying in the villages around Epernay, a VTC remains the most comfortable and safe option to fully enjoy the evenings.

Practical Tips for Visiting Habits de Lumière

Habits de Lumière in Epernay attracts a lot of people, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. So it really helps to be well prepared — particularly if you’re visiting with family.

Arrive early for the video mappings

The video mappings, including the large projection on the town hall, run every 30 minutes.

If you’re coming with children (like I do), I recommend getting there early to secure a good spot. Once the show starts, the sidewalks fill up quickly and little ones sometimes struggle to see.

Parking: all your options (and what’s new)

Let’s be honest: parking during Habits de Lumière can be challenging.

From 2025, a new underground car park with 400 spaces will help ease the pressure, but planning ahead is still essential.

Here are the free car parks close to the city centre:

• Parking Pastural – 4 Allée de Cumières
• Parking Raoul-Chandon – Rue des Petits Prés
• Parking Hall des Sports Pierre-Gaspard – Parc des Loisirs Roger-Menu
  ⚠️ This car park must remain free on Sunday morning for the vintage car parade.

And the paid car parks in town:

• Le Jard Underground Car Park (Rue Eugène-Mercier) – open 24/7
• Centre-Ville Underground Car Park (Boulevard du Cubry / Place Hugues-Plomb) – open 24/7
• Rempart Perrier Open Car Park – paid 7am to 7pm (free on Sundays and bank holidays)

👉 Good to know:
You get 1 hour of free parking in each of these closed/secure car parks.

Free shuttles & buses around Epernay

If you’re visiting with children, this is a real advantage.

Epernay provides free shuttles and buses throughout the city during the event.
As a mum, I find it ideal: distances are short, you don’t walk too much… and since it’s very cold, the shuttle is always welcome!

If you’re staying outside Epernay: choose a VTC (private driver)

This is the simplest solution, for two reasons:

1. Parking is extremely difficult during the Habits de Lumière weekend.
   A private driver will drop you right at the entrance of Avenue de Champagne.
2. You’ll likely need a designated driver… and with all the Champagne tastings and festive bars, it’s much nicer not to be the one driving.

Expect to walk

Many streets are closed to traffic, and the shows and installations are spread along the entire avenue.
Walking lets you enjoy everything at your own pace.

Dress warmly

It’s worth repeating: December is very cold in Champagne, especially in the evening.

Gloves, scarf, hat… bring everything.
When you’re outside watching the illuminations, you’ll be happy to be properly wrapped up.

Coming by train: simple and budget-friendly

Epernay’s train station is a 2-minute walk from Avenue de Champagne — incredibly convenient.

And there’s a great offer for the event:

Special TER deal for Habits de Lumière:

• €6 return ticket (12 and 13 December)
• Valid in 2nd class for a same-day return
• From any station along the line Reims – Epernay – Châlons-en-Champagne
• Additional TER trains from Epernay to Reims around 11 pm on Friday and Saturday nights

Stations included:

Avenay • Aÿ-Champagne • Châlons-en-Champagne • Franchet-d’Espèrey • Germaine • Reims • Reims Maison Blanche • Rilly-la-Montagne

It’s a great solution if you’re coming from nearby towns or if you’d prefer not to drive.

What to Do During the Day During Habits de Lumière — Activities, Champagne Houses & Ideas

Habits de Lumière isn’t only a nighttime event.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to enjoy Champagne country during the day — visiting cellars, exploring nearby villages, wandering through Christmas markets or doing fun activities with the kids.

Book a Champagne Cellar Tour During the Habits de Lumière Weekend

Daytime is ideal for discovering the big Champagne Houses before the evening crowds arrive.

You can book a tour or simply a tasting at:

• Champagne Moët & Chandon – the iconic house, perfect for a first introduction
• Champagne Mercier – fun, accessible and great with families
• Champagne Boizel – more intimate, very refined
• Champagne Pierre Mignon – warm atmosphere and excellent sommellerie insights

It’s a wonderful way to add a relaxing, delicious touch to your weekend.

Discover the Reims Christmas Market

If you have a little extra time, the Reims Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in France.

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Epernay, or a short TER train ride — and with the special Habits de Lumière train offer, it’s even easier.

A lovely festive outing before returning to Epernay for the illuminations.

Enjoy the Epernay Ice Rink

In December, a temporary ice rink is installed right in the town centre.

With my kids, it’s the perfect afternoon activity before the evening shows.
It’s fun, simple, and just a few steps from everything.

Explore Small Producers & the Villages Around Epernay

If you have free time during the day, I really recommend exploring the villages around Epernay.
They’re all less than 15 minutes away, each with its own personality and charm.

It’s ideal if you enjoy more intimate visits or want to see a different side of the Champagne region.

• Aÿ-Champagne – home to big Champagne names but also excellent independent producers
• Hautvillers – the village of Dom Pérignon, perfect for wandering and tasting
• The Côte des Blancs – Avize, Cramant, Oger… the heartland of Chardonnay

It’s a beautiful way to experience Champagne at a slower pace, away from the excitement of the Habits de Lumière evenings.

Guided Vineyard Walks (a perfect daytime activity)

If you prefer staying in discovery mode, guided vineyard walks are a great alternative.

It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the vineyard, the grape varieties, the winemaking culture and the landscapes — without wandering alone in the cold or wondering which path to take.

Here are two vineyard experiences I really love:

• Half-Day Champagne Tour in a Vintage Van
• Winemaker Discovery Tour & Lunch

Whether you join a small group or a private tour, these are perfect activities to enjoy before the light shows begin in the evening.

As the event is highly anticipated, we advise you to book your accommodation in our apartments, located just a few minutes from the Avenue de Champagne, Epernay.

And if you can’t make it during this period, Epernay still invites you to discover its most beautiful corners, and we give you our best advice for visiting the region.

The Habits de Lumière is a memorable celebration in Epernay. After the festivities, extend the magic by visiting some of my favorite places to have a drink in the town.

We are waiting for you to create your best memories!

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