Noël des Alpes - Esplanade de l'Hôtel de Ville

Set against the striking façade of Annecy's City Hall, the Marché de Noël d'Annecy on the Esplanade de l'Hôtel de Ville is the beating heart of the city's beloved Noël des Alpes winter festival. Nestled in Annecy's historic center — a city often called the 'Venice of the Alps' — this intimate, convivial market transforms the esplanade into a warm gathering place where locals and visitors come together throughout the festive season. The market runs from late November through early January, welcoming guests daily from 11:00 to 21:00, with extended hours until 21:30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and during school holidays. Wooden chalets line the esplanade offering a tempting array of food and drink, including mulled wine, hot chocolate, and hearty Savoyard specialties such as tartiflette, raclette, and mountain sandwiches. Communal wooden tables and benches invite visitors to linger, sip, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Free concerts and family-friendly entertainment are held regularly throughout the season, making this a lively spot for all ages. The esplanade also serves as the prime viewing area for the nightly sound-and-light projection show illuminating the City Hall façade — a spectacular free spectacle running from 17:00 to midnight each evening. The broader Noël des Alpes festival extends across several nearby locations, including the Quai de Vicenza, Place François-de-Menthon, and the Santa Claus Village at the Square des Martyrs de la Déportation, making the esplanade market an ideal starting point for a full festive evening stroll through Annecy's enchanting old town. Arrive early on weekday evenings to secure a spot at the communal tables before the after-work crowds arrive.