Noël des Alpes - Village des Alpes

Noël des Alpes – Village des Alpes brings an authentic slice of the Savoyard Alps to the heart of Annecy each winter, transforming Place François de Menthon into a charming mountain village that draws more than 500,000 visitors every season. As part of the broader Christmas in the Alps festival, this sub-market stands out for its innovative circular arrangement of wooden chalets that faithfully recreates a traditional Savoie village atmosphere, complete with a central bar and live performance stage. The Village des Alpes is anchored by its beloved open-air ice-skating rink — 430 square metres of ice, including a dedicated 30-square-metre section for young children — making it a natural gathering point for families and friends. The wider Noël des Alpes event spreads more than 160 chalets from the Lac district all the way to the Jardins de l'Europe, where the festive zone and ice rink are positioned right on the lakeside for a truly spectacular Alpine backdrop. Santa Claus greets children at Place de l'Ancienne Grenette, while magical walks, live musical entertainment, and creative workshops animate the program throughout the season. Shopping and tasting are equally rewarding: chalets offer regional Savoie crafts, handmade artisan goods, and hearty Alpine food specialties like tartiflette, raclette cheese, gingerbread, and nougat. Illuminations light up Annecy's historic buildings after dark, adding a romantic glow to evening strolls. Cultural programming extends beyond the market dates, running from late November through early January. Entry to the market is completely free, so plan to arrive in the early evening to enjoy the illuminations and the lively atmosphere at their most magical.