First weekend of the year 2026, Santa Claus has gone home, we are slowly recovering from the holidays, and most Christmas events are coming to an end. Here is a small selection of animations, events, demonstrations, in short ideas for outings for the weekend of January 3 and 4, 2026 in Haute-Savoie.
All weekend
Le Fabuleux Village ou la Légende des Flottins – Evian les bains
Every winter, the town of Évian-les-Bains transforms into a magical setting with Le Fabuleux Village ou la Légende des Flottins, a must-see event that plunges young and old into an imaginary, poetic universe and is completely free. Inspired by fantastic characters and creatures carved from driftwood, this unique event combines art, tales, street performances, and animations for the whole family.
Along the alleys, on the docks, and in the city’s iconic spaces, visitors discover an enchanted world where Flottins, dreamlike décors, illuminations, and artistic performances intersect. Theatrical skits, parades, creative workshops, storytelling, and musical animations punctuate the stroll and make each visit a different and immersive experience.
Practical information
- Name of the event : Le Fabuleux Village ou la Légende des Flottins
- Location : Downtown and quays of Évian-les-Bains
- Period : From mid-December to early January (according to annual schedules)
- Access : Entirely free event
- Audience : All public – families, children, visitors passing through
- Animations : Street shows, skits, children’s workshops, artistic strolls, immersive decor
- Access & parking : Parking lots near downtown, Évian train station just a few minutes’ walk
- 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, decorations, and regional delicacies. A natural ice rink and animations such as the enchanted forest and Santa’s House make this market a must-see family event.
Santa Claus has settled in his house at the Belvédère, accompanied by his elves, and will welcome young and old until December 24!
From November 28, 2025 to January 4 , 2026, every day.
Christmas in Sallanches
- From Saturday, December 6, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
- The opportunity once again to feast your eyes thanks to the animated fresco on the church façade, to meet Santa Claus, to enjoy the animations, workshops, shows offered for the whole family, to skate and have fun on the ice rink set up under the Grenette hall, to gather at the Village around a hot chocolate or mulled wine
- Location: Place Grenette
Christmas of the Alps – Annecy
At the end of each year, the city of Annecy transforms into a real open-air festive village on the occasion of Christmas of the Alps. This 2025 edition promises to be particularly rich: from November 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026, squares, docks, streets, and gardens will be animated by Christmas markets, events, ice rink, and illuminations.
See all information about Christmas of the Alps in Annecy
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 Santa Claus Castle. Come dive with family or friends into a warm atmosphere made of twinkling lights, spicy scents, local artisans, and creative workshops for young and old.
Practical information :
- Opening times :
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (except school holidays), opening is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.;
- Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during school holidays, the site welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.
- Prices :
- Adult: from €6 to €8, Child: from €3 to €6.
- Free for children under 3 years old.
- Unlimited adult pass: €16.
- Unlimited child pass: €12.
- Free entry from 6 p.m.
A magical moment to experience the festive spirit at the heart of a historic setting dominated by Lake Annecy.
To read: Visiting Santa Claus Castle at Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Markets of Haute-Savoie
Many markets take place throughout the week and weekend in the department, find the list here: Markets of Haute-Savoie
