The Christmas holidays are fast approaching! With winter well underway, it’s not always easy to find ideas to entertain the whole family. Here is a selection of activities to do between young and old to fully enjoy the end of year celebrations.
Christmas activities
Santa Claus Castle in Menthon
Open until January 4, 2025, the Château du Père Noël in Menthon-Saint-Bernard welcomes you with a multitude of activities for the end-of-year celebrations. Young and old will be able to enjoy shows, workshops, treasure hunts, concerts, gospel and themed evenings ranging from blind tests to funk evenings. You can also make great finds at the stands of local artisans, who will offer you jewelry, local products, wooden games and many other of their handmade creations.
For gourmets, nine catering outlets offer a wide choice, ranging from Savoyard specialties to sweet treats, accompanied by wines, champagnes and hot drinks.
The Hamlet of Santa Claus in Andilly
Near Annecy, the Grand Parc de Noël and the Hameau du Père Noël offer a unique immersion in the world of the end-of-year celebrations. Meet iconic Christmas characters and be transported by wonderfully told tales throughout the day. Treat yourself to the original creations of Père Gourmand, for a culinary experience that will delight young and old. Many other surprises await you to prolong the magic of your visit. For those who are passing through the region and wish to discover these places without hassle, a luggage locker in Annecy can be very practical for storing your personal belongings.
Christmas in the Annecy Alps
Annecy’s Christmas in the Alps is an unmissable event during the end-of-year celebrations. Until January 4, 2025, the city is transformed into a real Christmas village, with its wooden chalets offering crafts, local delicacies and gift ideas.
You can enjoy the magnificent illuminations, taste Savoyard specialties and stroll among the many local artisan stands. Children will not be left out, with numerous activities to discover every week and the possibility of meeting Santa Claus in person!
The enchanted village of Morzine
For two weeks, this charming Alpine village offers activities for the whole family. Among the highlights, the spectacle of Santa’s arrival on December 24 followed by fireworks, and the ski instructors’ torchlight descent on December 31, accompanied by hot wine and chocolate. A great opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit in the heart of the mountains.
Outdoor activities
Le ski
In December, the ski resorts of Haute-Savoie open their doors to welcome the first ski enthusiasts! However, all eyes are turning to the sky, in the hope of seeing more snow fall to allow the opening of new slopes and provide ideal conditions for enthusiasts. Some resorts, such as La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Chamonix and Avoriaz, have already opened their slopes, while the others plan to open in December.
Another Light
At nightfall, immerse yourself in an extraordinary universe, where light, sound and interactivity combine to tell the story of a music peddler. Aboard his hot air balloon, this captivating character takes you on an extraordinary journey through the Alps, enhanced by light shows, projections and original scenography.
This secure 800 meter trail, marked by a few slopes and steps at the entrance, offers a walk accessible to all. The journey takes around an hour, depending on your pace. Throughout your visit, the Alta Lumina team is there to guarantee you a pleasant and hassle-free experience.
The thermal baths of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
The thermal baths of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, nestled in the heart of the Alps, offer an experience of relaxation and well-being perfect for enjoying your holidays. Powered by naturally pure thermal water rich in minerals, these thermal baths are a true refuge to recharge your batteries. In an exceptional setting surrounded by mountains, you can enjoy hot baths and relaxing treatments. The thermal trail, entirely dedicated to relaxation, invites you to travel between indoor and outdoor pools, hammams and rest areas, while enjoying the benefits of water known for its soothing properties.
Note that there are several formulas, some of which are specifically dedicated to families, with options for babies from 6 months to 3 years old and for children from 3 to 12 years old.
Photo credit of the article © Morzine Reservation
