Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the winter festivities of Annecy-le-Vieux with our detailed guide to end-of-year celebrations. Our guide caters to both locals and visitors wishing to explore Savoyard traditions.
Place Gabriel Fauré hosts the traditional Christmas market, where wooden chalets offer artisanal products and local specialties. Along the illuminated streets of the old town, activities extend to Gabriel Fauré park, while the view of Lake Annecy and snow-covered mountains provides a natural backdrop to the festivities. Visitors can also enjoy events in the neighboring city of Annecy, just minutes away.
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Annecy-le-Vieux Holiday Markets and Shopping
Local Producers Market
- What to Expect
- Discover the local specialties of Haute-Savoie.
- Description
- The local producer markets in Annecy offer a variety of fresh and local products, such as fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, and mountain honey. These weekly markets take place in various neighborhoods of the city, providing a unique experience to discover the specialties of Haute-Savoie.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Local Producers Market
La Clusaz Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Christmas market with local products and gourmet food stalls.
- Description
- The La Clusaz Christmas Market is a prominent event that brings together local vendors and visitors for a festive experience. The stalls offer a variety of local products, delicious gourmet food, and unique gifts.
- Where
- La Clusaz | More Info : La Clusaz Christmas Market
Annecy-le-Vieux Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Alpine Christmas
- What to Expect
- A rich cultural program featuring workshops, games, and theater, storytelling, and dance performances.
- Description
- Noël des Alpes in Annecy is a cultural event for both children and adults, offering a variety of activities throughout the city and its territory.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Alpine Christmas
Sound and Light Show
- What to Expect
- A synchronized light and sound show with visual effects to tell the story of a place.
- Description
- The sound and light show is a nighttime performance that combines speech, music, and lighting effects to highlight the history of a historic site.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Sound and Light Show
Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle
- What to Expect
- Guided tours in a historic castle with gardens and terraces.
- Description
- The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a Savoyard architectural jewel, occupied by the same family for almost 1000 years. It offers breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, and features a permaculture vegetable garden and biodynamic vines.
- Where
- Menthon-Saint-Bernard | More Info : Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle
Pesticales du Père Noël in La Clusaz
- What to Expect
- A unique event that brings families together with various street performances.
- Description
- The Pestacles du Père Noël in La Clusaz is a family street art festival that animates the heart of the village with acrobats, musicians, and other street artists.
- Where
- La Clusaz | More Info : Pesticales du Père Noël in La Clusaz
Annecy-le-Vieux Other Holiday Activities
Open-air Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Free and accessible outdoor ice rink for all.
- Description
- The outdoor ice rink in Annecy is a free attraction open to all, located on the town hall square in Seynod. It offers a sliding experience for all ages, with skates and protective gear available for rent.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Open-air Ice Rink
Christmas Workshops for Children
- What to Expect
- Fun and convivial workshops for children aged 5 and above.
- Description
- The Friends of Old Seynod offer two Christmas workshops for children: the Advent Crown Workshop and the Christmas Decoration Workshop. These fun and convivial activities are designed for children aged 5 and above, with adult accompaniment required for children under 7.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Christmas Workshops for Children
Nativity Scenes in Churches
- What to Expect
- Traditional nativity scenes in historic churches.
- Description
- The nativity scenes in churches are artistic representations of the birth of Jesus, set in a rich religious and cultural context.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Nativity Scenes in Churches
Exhibitions at Bonlieu
- What to Expect
- 185 m² exhibitions featuring local artists.
- Description
- The Forum Exposition Bonlieu showcases emerging artists and figures from Annecy in a 185 m² exhibition space, hosting approximately eight exhibitions annually.
- Where
- Annecy | More Info : Exhibitions at Bonlieu
Meeting with Santa Claus
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa in a festive reindeer park.
- Description
- Discover the Château du Père Noël in Menthon-Saint-Bernard, a charming place where childhood memories come to life. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with various activities, an artisan market, a guinguette, and an ice rink.
- Where
- Menthon-Saint-Bernard | More Info : Meeting with Santa Claus
Christmas Festival in Megève
- What to Expect
- Majestic tree lighting
- Description
- Megève celebrates Christmas with streets lit up by lights, scents of cinnamon, and festive animations. The Féérie du sapin attracts thousands of spectators to admire the majestic tree lighting up.
- Where
- Megève | More Info : Christmas Festival in Megève
Fireworks in Megève
- What to Expect
- Prohibition of fireworks in the department.
- Description
- Fireworks are prohibited in the Haute-Savoie department by prefectural decree, meaning any use or firing of fireworks is strictly prohibited.
- Where
- Megève | More Info : Fireworks in Megève