From the banks of Lake Annecy to the Aravis valleys, the streets burst into life with decorations, bright lights, festive shows and Christmas markets. Welcome to the magic of Christmas!
© Mlle Rouge /
© Mlle Rouge
From 18 November to 1 January, there are surprises galore in store for both children and adults at the Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Come and stroll in the Christmas village set in the castle grounds. Giant Christmas tree, enchanted forest, skating rink, activities, shows, craft market with food stalls, concerts and musical entertainment… not forgetting the chance to meet Father Christmas! Guided storytelling tours and history tours also offer an opportunity to (re)visit the inside of the castle.
In Annecy, the Noël des Alpes festival also invites you to anticipate the end-of-year celebrations in a magical atmosphere. You can walk from one Christmas market to the next admiring the lit-up decorative features along the way or straying into the narrow streets of the old town to see the brightly-lit façades. Workshops, parades, shows, games and much more… a whole programme to liven up your days until Father Christmas arrives!
© Numerica Photos Club
© Numerica Photos Club
From 26 November, you’ll find a Christmas market every weekend in Faverges-Seythenex, Lathuile or Doussard plus a chance to finish off your Christmas shopping in a picturesque little village of art & craft chalets, on Place Piquand and outside the Market Hall of Faverges-Seythenex on 16, 17 and 18 December. During these 3 days, a host of activities and entertainment are lined up: the first pedestrian Christmas corrida in the streets of Faverges on the Friday evening, visits from Father Christmas, musical entertainment that takes to the streets, make-up and balloon sculpting workshops for children, magic shows and a fireworks display… Come to the Sources of Lake Annecy to enjoy all that Christmas magic to the full!
The mountains are full of Christmas magic too! On 10 and 11 December, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is hosting its own Christmas market where you’ll find local producers and creators. The arrival of Father Christmas will be celebrated with a show and dramatised walkabout in the village’s new pedestrian area on 22 December from 4pm to 6pm. Manigod invites you to come along and share moments of togetherness in a casual, musical atmosphere, on 18 and 24 December.
From 17 to 25 December, Le Grand-Bornand will be transformed into a Christmas village with illuminations, a living nativity scene, a chance to meet Father Christmas, street performances, activities, wooden games… and la tradition artisanale bornandine. Venez confectionner des figurines de Noël en bois ou en chaussettes. Vous pourrez ensuite les déposer au pied de votre beau sapin !
À La Clusaz, les « Pestacles du Père Noël » attendent petits et grands pour le plus grand festival d’arts de rue familial organisé l’hiver à la montagne ! Deux semaines de spectacles gratuits pour découvrir les Tik Taks, marionnettes géantes aux vêtements colorés, Bob dit l’âne, énergumène des montagnes aux chansons remixées, les Mirror Walkers, couverts de miroirs étincelants, les Lego people… avant de célébrer l’arrivée du Père Noël ! Et après la messe de Noël et la crèche vivante, les festivités continuent jusqu’au 31 décembre !
From 9 December to 1 January, the Christmas market in the heart of the Aravis mountains will bring to life Place Avet in Thônes. This is both a festive venue – with a main bar and various eateries for getting together with family or friends to enjoy activities, concerts, DJ, etc. -and a pop-up craft market for all those Christmas gifts and gourmet treats! Father Christmas will be there from 23 December at 6pm on Place Bastian where a fabulous walkabout show will take to the streets of Thônes.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
