When’s the last time you enjoyed a white Christmas with your family? The picture-perfect Christmas consists of snowy scenes, ice skating in the open air, and cuddling up around the fire. So, where can you visit that has all that to offer?
If you’re yet to visit the French Alps at Christmas, then you’re lucky enough to have this unmissable trip to experience for the first time. But before you pack your bags, you need to decide where to go. That’s why we’ve compiled our top 5 best places to spend Christmas in the French Alps. Scroll to find out more…
La Clusaz
The skiing in La Clusaz is some of our favourite in the Alps! But – it’s also a fantastic place for families to visit at Christmas. A highlight is ‘Les Pestacles du Père Noël’, a 20-year-old annual street theatre festival, which sees La Clusaz transform into a winter wonderland of activities, performances, and festive spirit!
On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus makes an appearance on the Champ-Giguet, which is an unforgettable experience, especially for younger children. Enjoy the Christmas cheer with a Vin Chaud or hot chocolate in hand from one of the many local bars and restaurants in La Clusaz.
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in La Clusaz, be sure to attend the ESF torchlit descent. Instructors put on an impressive light show to round off the year in the most memorable way possible.
Avoriaz / Morzine
With fairy lights twinkling and horse-drawn sleighs carrying people through this charming resort, it’s like Christmas every day in Avoriaz!
However, throughout the holiday season, the Christmas cheer definitely ramps up a notch, making it a completely enchanting place to visit. Again, you can expect Santa to pay a visit to the resort bearing gifts, as well as snowman workshops and local delicacies.
The neighbouring town of Morzine is equally as incredible at Christmas time. Expect the same level of festivity along with fireworks and a fantastic wide range of eateries to warm up in after the events!
Megève
Megève buzzes with a merry atmosphere from early December when they put up the stunning Christmas tree in the centre of town.
From the 20th to 24th December, children can also have their photo taken with Santa Claus in his magical Yurt and give him their wishlists and letters.
Megève’s neighbouring town of St Gervais is also a hidden, picturesque gem! Located about 20 minutes drive from Megève, it’s a great option for families who are driving, that want a quieter Christmas with the option to explore Megève if they feel like it.
If you want to find out how to get to Megève from the UK, click here.
Samoëns
Samoëns is next on our list for the best places to spend Christmas in the Alps. Although not the highest ski resort in France, Samoëns tends to be pretty snow sure over the Christmas period. This means you can ski and make the most of the exciting programme of activities available including:
- Ice sculpture demonstrations
- Concerts
- Christmas workshops
- Snowman making
- Raffles
- Magic shows
Find out more about Christmas in Samoëns here. If you’re driving to Samoëns from the UK, have a look at this blog on how to get there.
Chamonix
Chamonix has some of the most reliable snowfall in the French Alps. Although the town itself may not be covered in snow over the beginning of the season, the chances are you’ll be able to get some good skiing the higher up you go. So, if you’re a really keen skier, it’s a good option if this is your main priority.
As far as events in the town go, Chamonix meets the standards of all our recommended resorts at Christmas. Expect Santa visits, promenades, and Christmas carolling!
Chamonix is a particularly large resort though, so if you’re looking for a buzzing and lively atmosphere, it’s a great option. However, if you’re after a quieter Christmas, the neighbouring resorts of Argentière and Les Houches may be a better choice for your family.
These are just some of the fantastic resorts you can choose to spend the festive period. Head over to our destination page to discover more brilliant areas of the French Alps for Christmas.
To book your dream stay in one of our partner properties this Christmas, click here.
