A sumptuous setting, a caring Santa, spectacular entertainment and a local craft market... Welcome to Santa's Castle!
© OT Lac d'Annecy /
© OT Lac d'Annecy
Since 2020, Santa has made a Christmas visit to the Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, above Lake Annecy. And he opens his doors to visitors. An opportunity for him to share the magic of Christmas and the New Year with children as well as adults. To join him, don’t hesitate to take the free shuttle buses operating from Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Their frequency will depend on the number of visitors. You’ll find yourself at the castle in less than 10 minutes.
© OT Lac d'Annecy
© OT Lac d'Annecy
If you visit during the day, you’ll be amazed by the majestic natural setting and the Christmas decorations that make this beautiful castle even more sublime, like a scene out of a fairytale. If you arrive after dusk… Wow!… The projections and light displays make it an even more magical sight. Walk round the lefthand side of the castle via the tunnel of lights to reach the orangery. Here, in a decor set up for the occasion, you can listen to the story of Gaspard, the castle’s former keeper, and you’ll understand why Father Christmas comes back every year.
Bring your family or friends to enjoy a whole programme of activities and shows for an outing they’ll never forget. When he isn’t busy getting presents ready for the children, Father Christmas can be found at home, in his lounge or office. You can visit his home and even meet him, for a photo souvenir. For the occasion, he also lets children visit his workshop for fairytales, face-painting, gift recycling and creative activities. For certain activities, sign up here for a creative and genereous Christmas.
New this year: children aged 7 to 13 years can take part in a fabulous treasure hunt. Accompanied by an adult, they’ll help Alfie the Elf to find the magic whistle and go for a ride on the wish train. Children and adults can have fun together on the skating rink installed at the foot of the castle, before going to see Mother Christmas to share a crêpe or one of her other sweet treats.
During the day and of course in the evening, your visit includes free shows and concerts with stilt walkers, acrobats, musicians, lit-up horses, fire displays, ice sculpting, choirs, theme parties and much more. Check out the programme.
Feeling peckish? The eating area, with a panoramic view over lake Annecy, features 7 sheltered, heated stands offering a variety of food to satisfy every appetite.
Make the most of your visit to join a guided tour of the castle and see the different rooms, all decorated up for Christmas. Suitable for both adults and children, this tour reveals the history of the Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and what it was like to live there. No need to book. Tours every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 20-minute intervals, from 1pm. If you love Christmas tales, come to the castle library, the same days of the week from 11am (December only) to be transported by the magic of the site and the tales it has to tell. Sign up when you arrive! Merry Christmas everyone!
