Christmas markets: traditions in Savoie, chalets, craftspeople and festivities

Winter in Savoie brings a unique atmosphere, where snow-capped peaks echo the twinkling lights of the villages. It is a time when traditions come back to life, filling the air with the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine. To fully experience the season, there is nothing like immersing yourself in the warmth of a Christmas market in Savoie. From your ideal base at Camping Eden De La Vanoise in Savoie, set off to discover the festive events that bring the whole department to life.

What is on at the magical Annecy Christmas market?

Considered the biggest Christmas market in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the “Noël des Alpes” event in Annecy (about a hundred kilometres from the campsite, around 1 h 40 by road) is a destination in itself. With more than 500,000 visitors every year, the town turns into a real fairy tale. Nearly 150 wooden chalets are spread over several sites, each with its own atmosphere.

The heart of the event beats in the old town, where the 80 chalets of the “Marché de Noël du Vieil Annecy” line the canals and the Saint-François-de-Sales church. You will find handmade products, Savoie specialities and original creations. Nearby, the “Village des Alpes” on Place François de Menthon offers an open-air ice rink and a music stage, while the “Village des Artisans”, near the Courier centre, showcases local craftsmanship. The atmosphere is especially memorable at nightfall, when the lights reflect on the water, living up to the nickname “Venice of the Alps”.

Practical information for the Annecy Christmas market:

• Locations: mainly Place Saint-François de Sales, Quai du Semnoz and Place François de Menthon.
• Dates: usually from the last weekend of November to early January.
• Opening hours: open every day, often from 11 am to 9 pm, with longer hours at weekends.
• Tip: go on weekday mornings for a quieter visit and to chat with the exhibitors.

Where to find the magic of Christmas in Chambéry, city of the Dukes?

The Chambéry Christmas market (about 105 km from the campsite, 1 h 20 by road) turns the historic centre into a warm, family-friendly village. Set up on the picturesque Place Saint-Léger, it brings together around twenty chalets offering crafts, treats and gift ideas. The event is known for its rich programme of activities open to all.

The festivities often begin with a big parade through the town and the spectacular arrival of Father Christmas. Children are the centre of attention with Father Christmas's chalet, where they can post their letter and take a souvenir photo, pony rides and creative workshops. Throughout December, the town comes alive with concerts, street shows and musical parades in the evenings and at weekends. An authentic event, perfect for soaking up the festive spirit.

Practical information for the Chambéry Christmas market:

• Location: Place Saint-Léger and the surrounding streets of the town centre.
• Dates: from the last weekend of November to 31 December.
• Not to be missed: the Christmas parades in the different districts and the musical performances on the market stage.

What to do at the Aix-les-Bains Christmas market?

In Aix-les-Bains (about 120 km from the campsite, 1 h 35 by road), the Christmas market takes a resolutely festive and foodie turn. The main event, “Les Chalets du Casino”, sets up on the terraces of the Casino Grand Cercle as a true food village. It is the ideal place to taste winter specialities: oysters, cheese boards, tapas and, of course, the essential Savoie dishes, all with a warming mulled wine.

At the same time, the Casino hosts a “Designers' Market” over two weekends in December. Nearly 60 local craftspeople and designers present their unique creations, an excellent opportunity to find original gifts. The atmosphere is boosted by concerts and DJ sets at weekends, making this market a friendly meeting place to celebrate the end of the year.

Practical information for the Aix-les-Bains Christmas market:

• Location: 200 rue du Casino, 73100 Aix-les-Bains.
• Dates: from mid-November to late December for the food chalets; two weekends in December for the designers' market (exact dates to be checked each year).
• Opening hours: note that the chalets are usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Open in the late afternoon on weekdays and from midday at weekends.

Which Christmas markets to discover in the Tarentaise, near the campsite?

For a more intimate, mountain experience, the Tarentaise valley, where our campsite is nestled, offers several charming events. These smaller markets are a chance to discover an authentic Savoie Christmas, close to local traditions.

• Aime-la-Plagne: for one day, usually in late November, the Grande Rue in Aime comes alive with its Christmas market. It is a local event that showcases the valley's producers and craftspeople.
• La Rosière: just before Christmas, the resort of La Rosière holds a market full of surprises. On the programme: a treasure hunt for children, illuminated stilt walkers, a giant fondue and concerts.
• Séez: in early December, the Foyer Rural de Séez hosts a craft market with activities, a refreshment stand and the eagerly awaited visit of Father Christmas. A guaranteed village atmosphere.

Attending these events in the Tarentaise is an excellent way to complement your ski holiday or winter hikes.

Practical information for the Tarentaise Christmas markets:

• Locations: Aime-la-Plagne, La Rosière, Séez and other villages in the valley.
• Dates: mainly on specific weekends from late November to late December. It is advisable to check exact dates with the local tourist offices.

To round off your winter stay, our Eden De La Vanoise campsite welcomes you in an exceptional natural setting. After a day wandering around a Christmas market in Savoie, come back to the comfort of our accommodation and enjoy our heated indoor pool. Book your magical getaway in the heart of the Alps now!