Epernay, France, 15 miles south of Reims, lies in the heart of the Champagne region and is home to many well-known producers, such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. On the second weekend of December each year, Epernay hosts its three-day Habits de Lumière festival.
Each edition of the event revolves around a theme. This year it’s “the illusory world,” and it provides inspiration for activities showcasing the city’s cultural heritage and culinary prowess.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Avenue de Champagne offers street entertainment, a sound and light show, gigantic sky lanterns floating overhead, a fire show and a musical program.
Many of the grand art-deco Champagne houses along the route will have Champagne bars in their yards.
Fireworks go off at 8:30 p.m., followed by a flash mob dance at 10. On Saturday starting at 9 a.m., chefs linked to Champagne producers offer cooking demonstrations at the Halle Saint-Thibault. Saturday evening, a parade departs from the town hall at 6:45. Sunday at 9 a.m., more than 450 vintage automobiles converge upon the Charles-De-Gaulle esplanade. See www.habitsdelumiere.epernay.fr (English is available).