What to do in Haute-Savoie on the weekend of December 20 and 21

Last weekend for the preparations for the end of year celebrations, and the start of the Christmas holidays. All ski resorts are ready to welcome holidaymakers, with or without snow, but always in a friendly atmosphere! Here is a small selection of activities, events, manifestations, in short, outing ideas for the weekend of December 20 and 21, 2025 in Haute-Savoie.

All weekend

The Christmas Village in Cluses

On the place des Allobroges, the Christmas village of Cluses opens its doors in a friendly atmosphere. The local Cluses associations run tasting chalets where aromas of fondue, raclette, oysters and other winter specialties mingle, to be enjoyed with family or friends.

Friday 19, Saturday 20, and Sunday 21 December, on the place des Allobroges in Cluses.

Discover the full program of the Christmas Village of Cluses

Le Fabuleux Village or the Legend of the Flottins – Evian les bains

Every winter, the town of Évian-les-Bains transforms into a magical setting with Le Fabuleux Village or the Legend of the Flottins, a must-see event that immerses young and old in an imaginary, poetic, and totally free universe. Inspired by fantastic characters and creatures carved from driftwood, this unique event combines art, tales, street performances, and activities for the whole family.

Along the streets, on the quays, and in the iconic areas of the city, visitors discover an enchanting world where Flottins, dreamlike sets, illuminations, and artistic performances intersect. Theatrical scenes, parades, creative workshops, tales, and musical animations punctuate the walk and make each passage a different and immersive experience.

Practical information

  • Name of the event : Le Fabuleux Village or the Legend of the Flottins
  • Location : Downtown and quays of Évian-les-Bains
  • Period : From mid-December to early January (depending on annual schedules)
  • Access : Entirely free event
  • Audience : All public – families, children, visitors passing through
  • Activities : Street shows, short scenes, workshops for children, artistic strolls, immersive decor
  • Access & parking : Parking near downtown, Évian train station a few minutes’ walk away
  • Catering : Restaurants, cafés, gourmet chalets and shops open during the event
  • Program : check the program

Our advice : come at dusk to fully enjoy the illuminations and the magical atmosphere of the village.

Les Féeriques in Thonon-les-Bains

The Christmas market of Thonon, also called « Les Féeriques« , is one of the largest and most magical in Haute-Savoie. Located on Avenue du Léman, this market offers about fifty chalets where you can discover artisanal products, regional decorations, and treats. A natural ice rink and activities like the enchanted forest and Santa Claus’s House make this market an unmissable family event.

A lire :  The grand return of the Fête du Lac d’Annecy in 2025!

The Santa Claus is settled in his house at Belvédère, accompanied by his elves, and will welcome children and adults until December 24!

From November 28, 2025 to January 4 2026, every day.

Annemasse Christmas Market: Hello Winter

  • From Friday December 5 to 24, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Until 4 p.m. on December 24
  • Come enjoy the Annemasse Christmas Market, which is part of a Street Arts Festival. Stroll through the Christmas Market and enjoy the ice rink, musical activities, fire shows… for the whole family!
  • Location: City Hall Square, Annemasse

Christmas in Sallanches

  • From Saturday December 6, 2025 to Sunday January 4, 2026.
  • Once again, a chance to feast your eyes thanks to the animated fresco on the church façade, to meet Santa Claus, to enjoy the activities, workshops, and shows offered for the whole family, to skate and have fun at the rink installed under the Grenette hall, to gather at the Village around a hot chocolate or mulled wine
  • Location: Place Grenette

The Christmas and New Year Village – Samoëns

The magic of Christmas comes alive in Samoëns! Dive into an enchanting universe with the Christmas Village: a craft market, shows, workshops, and many activities. The Christmas and New Year Village of Samoëns offers you memorable moments from December 6, 2025 to January 2, 2026.

The Christmas and New Year Village – Samoëns

Christmas of the Alps – Annecy

Every year-end, the town of Annecy transforms into a real open-air festive village for the occasion of Christmas of the Alps. This 2025 edition promises to be particularly rich: from November 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026, squares, quays, streets, and gardens will be animated by Christmas markets, activities, ice rink, and illuminations.

Noel des Alpes 2025 Annecy

See all information about Christmas of the Alps in Annecy

The Santa Claus Castle – Menthon Saint Bernard

The magnificent Château de Menthon‑Saint‑Bernard transforms, from November 14, 2025 to January 3, 2026, into the magical domain of the Santa Claus Castle. Come dive with family or friends into a warm atmosphere made of sparkling lights, spicy scents, local artisans, and creative workshops for young and old.

Practical information :

  • Opening hours :
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (outside school holidays), opening from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.;
    • Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and during school holidays, the site welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Prices :
    • Adult: from €6 to €8, Child: from €3 to €6.
    • Free for under 3 years old.
    • Unlimited adult pass: €16.
    • Unlimited child pass: €12.
    • Free entry from 6 p.m.
A lire :  Flea markets, fairs, second-hand markets & clothing swaps in Haute-Savoie in January 2026

A magical moment to experience the festive spirit at the heart of a historic setting overlooking Lake Annecy.

To read: Visit the Santa Claus Castle in Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Opening of ski resorts in Haute-Savoie

All ski resorts in Haute-Savoie have opened or are opening their ski areas this weekend, at least partially. For all ski enthusiasts, come enjoy the first snowfalls.

Discover the opening dates of ski resorts in Haute-Savoie

Friday December 19

Skating Gala – Megève

Ahoy sailors! The Megève Artistic Skating crew is setting sail for their Christmas Gala.
The skaters will make you sail between ice, treasures, and glitter, in a magical adventure.
Come in large numbers to encourage them Friday December 19, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Palais ice rink, Megève. Free entry.

Saturday December 20

Christmas at the beach – Publier

Come experience an original and magical Christmas at the municipal beach of Publier. Concert, activities, treats and surprises on the shore of Lake Léman. A warm atmosphere for the whole family, between lake and mountains, illuminated for the holidays!

On the program :

  • 5 p.m.: The School of Elves show (under the big top, from 3 years old)
  • 6 p.m.: parade of the Les lutins musiciens brass band
  • 7 p.m.: fireworks, Oscen concert
  • All day: Mulled wine and treats offered by the municipality. Catering onsite
  • Hours : Saturday December 20, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Location : Rue du miroir Amphion – 74500 Publier

Parade of illuminated tractorsCruseilles

The Young Farmers will make their parade of illuminated tractors and will bring Santa Claus to Cruseilles. On site you will find a drinks stall with Mulled Wine, as well as light catering! The evening is hosted by DJ Arthur Event

  • Hours : Saturday December 20, 2025 starting at 5 p.m.
  • Route :
    • Departure at 5:00 p.m. from Villy-le-Bouveret
    • Arrival at 8:45 p.m. on the main street of Cruseilles.
  • Location : Grande Rue and Gymnasium Hall of Ebeaux, 130 avenue des Ebeaux, 74350 Cruseilles
  • Price : Free entry.

Ice Hockey Championship Match – Morzine

Championship Match: The Penguins of Morzine Avoriaz face Villard – be there to cheer them on!

  • Hours : Saturday December 20, 2025 starting at 8:30 p.m.
  • Reservation: online ticket office
  • Location : Morzine-Avoriaz ice rink – 502 Route du Palais des Sports – 74110 Morzine

Sunday December 21

The Christmas MagicLa Roche-sur-Foron

The downtown of La Roche-sur-Foron offers children and adults a day full of festive activities. A great opportunity to spend time with family while finishing your Christmas shopping.

A lire :  The Great Odyssey: An Extraordinary Adventure in Haute-Savoie

On the program :

Strolls – In the streets of downtown:
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Little Wood Christmas: choir renditions of Christmas standards with a country touch.
2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Just For Winter: Claire & Véronique will make you want to sing with them your favorite Christmas and gospel tunes.
– The Leukosphères: this trio of white stilt walkers will offer you a suspended moment.
– Théâtre Tout Terrain: clownish stroll of quirky characters.

Imitation game “The Christmas Feast” – 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Under the big top: in this 100% French gastronomy universe, little starred chefs discover the Christmas market stalls to select the products they will cook on Christmas Eve. For children aged 2 to 8. 25 minutes. Free, registration at the tourist office or at 04 50 03 36 68.

Elf light show – 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. – Place Saint-Jean: when night falls over La Roche-sur-Foron, the magic happens… Two mischievous elves take the stage to offer a luminous juggling show full of sparkle and poetry. By Cie Déo.

  • Hours : Sunday December 21, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Location : Downtown – 74800 La Roche-sur-Foron

The Toy Parade – Megève

Toys, dolls, automatons, kind robots, magical elves, soft stuffed animals… have an appointment with you…
They escaped from the department store to find you, here they come flooding the street with mysterious lights and sounds… Their energy is overflowing and they are hardly manageable because they only want to play: 1, 2, 3 sunshine, hide and seek, ball games, horse carousels, puppets… They absolutely want you to play with them but absolutely do not want to lose…

Itinerary : Departure Ambroise Martin street (Maison de la Montagne), Village Square, Old Washhouse, Resistance Square, Monseigneur Conseil street.
Subject to modifications.

  • Hours : Sunday December 21, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • Location : Village Square – 74120 Megève

Haute-Savoie Markets

Many markets take place throughout the week and weekend in the department, find the list here: Haute-Savoie Markets

Special Christmas Gift Idea

Discover the excellent book by Julien Audigier, a great gift idea for the Christmas holidays: The book on Haute-Savoie


And always, to visit all year round:

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