A trip to the Upside Down? Lyon's Festival of Lights stirs controversy with Stranger Things

Patronage, sponsorship or advertising? Netflix's financing of a light show for Lyon's treasured Fête des Lumières this year has some elected representatives up in arms.

The French city will once again light up for four days in December, with historic monuments, public buildings and squares serving as a canvas for illuminated works of art. The event attracts millions of visitors, and this year comes with a controversial installation.

Stranger Lights, a Stranger Things-themed light show, will plunge visitors into the Upside Down. And not everyone is thrilled about taking a trip inside the mysterious alternate dimension from the cult series.

Quoted in Le Figaro, French centrist politician Béatrice Gailliout expressed surprise at this "commercial collaboration" with "an American company known for its daring commercial optimisation".

In the same article, the French outlet quotes Nathalie Perrin-Gilbert, the former cultural councillor of the town hall, who denounces "the direct promotion of a commercial brand" which, in her view, does not fall under the heading of patronage.

For her part, first deputy Audrey Hénocque assures that this is indeed sponsorship.

"The city of Lyon has entrusted the space to an artist inspired by the series, and the patron is funding the artist," she told France 3 régions.

The installation is being funded to the tune of €152,000 by Netflix.

Julien Pavillard, the artistic director of the Lyon event, insists that this is not an advertisement and refers to "the slightly worrying, slightly wonderful contribution that Stranger Things can make to the Fête des Lumières".

A representative of Netflix told Euronews Culture that "it's the organisers and the community that set the rules for partnerships".

The controversy comes just a few months ahead of the March 2026 municipal elections, for which Nathalie Perrin-Guibert is a candidate.

The Stranger Lights installation can be seen on Place Sathonay in Lyon from 5 to 8 December.

The Fête des Lumières takes place in Lyon from 5 to 8 December. Stranger Things Season 5 launched on Netflix this week.