Despite its popularity during the summer months, Annecy is equally, if not more magical during winter. It’s the perfect spot for a festive mini-break, with the Annecy Christmas market alone being a good enough reason to visit.
For families of all ages, this picture-perfect town has so much on offer, so we’ve put together our top picks for the upcoming festive season.
Take a look at our favourite things to do this Christmas in Annecy, France…
The Annecy Christmas Market
When is the Annecy Christmas Market?
The market this year will be running from 19/11/2022 to 01/01/2023. The market opens from 11 am – 9 pm on weekdays and until 9:30 on weekends.
What can I expect at the Annecy Christmas Market?
Christmas stalls
The main Christmas market consists of various quaint chalets where Artisans sell their wares. Everything from festive delicacies to handmade clothing and local Savoyard dishes can be found here.
Here’s where to find the various stalls and what times you can visit:
Annecy centre
- Adjacent to the Thiou and around the Saint-Maurice and Saint-François-de-Sales churches
- Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
- Passage Monge
- Place François de Menthon*
The opening times are Monday – Thursday and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. On Friday, Saturday and during
school holidays, they’re open from 11 am to 9:30 pm.
*Aka La Montagnette, this is the heart and soul of the Christmas market. Expect plenty of food stalls (including all the cheese you could wish for), DJ sets and bars.
Annecy-le-Vieux
- Parking du Nant du Gobelet
- Avenue de Chavoire
Cran-Gevrier
- Place Chorus
Meythet
- Place Jean Jaurès
Pringy
- Parking de la Gare
- Route d’Annecy
Seynod
- Patinoire 400m² (ice skating rink) open from 11 am – 7 pm
- Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Santa Claus Village
Children are invited to visit Santa in his workshop every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and school holidays from 3 -5 pm.
The access is free and they can have their photo taken with him too! Find him at the Square des Martyrs de la déportation, Annecy (next to Bonlieu shopping centre).
Light shows
Each evening, enjoy a spectacle like no other with these festive light shows. Five historical buildings will be illuminated from 5 – 11 pm from 02/12/2022 – 03/01/2023 including:
- Palais de l’Isle
- Château d’Annecy
- Tour de l’horloge au Faubourg Ste-Claire
- Notre Dame de Liesse
- Conservatoire de Musique
If you fancy a guided tour of the light shows, you can join one for 6.50 € on the following dates:
- 3, 10 and 17 December
- 19 and 26 December
- 21 and 28 December
Contact the tourist office to book your slot.
More events
Discover the full programme of events here. (Please note the programme is in french only).
Christmas Shopping
This year, from the 16-18th of December 2022, the ‘Marché de Noël Des Créateurs de l’Impérial Palace Annecy’, a small creator’s market will be set up in front of the Imperial Palace. Here, many gifts, clothes, jewellery, and handmade goods can be found. Not only is this the perfect chance to finalise your gift shopping, but you can also drink hot chocolate and crepes!
The Annecy Christmas Market is a fantastic spot to find a Christmas gift for that special someone. But don’t forget about all the other great shops in the town!
From the Courier Centre to small, independent merchants, there’s no end of places to do your Christmas shopping in Annecy. Here are some of our favourite places to buy gifts in Annecy:
- Søstrene Grene – Gifts for recipients of all ages including homeware, crafts, food and more
- Les Palettes – Quality clothing and accessories
- Murmur – Homeware, gifts and accessories
- Le Comptoir de Mathilde – Gifts for French-loving foodies!
- Retropical Vintage – Vintage clothing and accessories
Food and Drink
At the Market
One of the joys of Christmas markets everywhere is being able to experience the local cuisine. The Annecy Christmas market is peppered with chalets and stalls offering Savoyarde dishes such as Tartiflette and Diots, making hearty, on-the-go lunches, or early dinners.
For those with a sweet tooth, every corner holds a crêpes stand and waffles, churros, toffee apples and more are never far away.
In the Town
If you’re after a warm drink, then Haven and Le Bar Roux d’Heure are great spots for a cosy hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. To discover other places to eat and drink in Annecy, check out our full blog post here.
Foire de la Saint André
Another event worth visiting during the festive season is the ‘Foire de la Saint André’. This is an annual market that has taken place in Annecy since the Middle Ages. This year it will be on Tuesday, December 6, in Annecy from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Stallholders from all over France make up nearly 5.5km of stands, which line the streets of Annecy selling everything under the sun.
Thousands of visitors descend on Annecy for the day, so if you’re driving, then plan to park away from the town centre and walk in.
Explore the Lake
Though it might not be the first thing you think of on your winter holiday, a cycle around Lake Annecy on a sunny winter’s day before the Christmas Market is simply stunning.
With beautiful white-capped mountains and quiet roads, it’s a magical time to explore the villages around the lake. Read more about the route on our cycling in Annecy page.
So, there was a snippet of what to do in Annecy throughout the Christmas period. If you’re still looking to book accommodation in Annecy, be sure to click on the link below to view the incredible properties we work with in the area!
