During the holiday season, Christmas markets become must-visit events. In Annecy, Haute-Savoie, Savoie, and Switzerland, several markets invite you to dive into the festive atmosphere with their illuminated chalets, varied animations, and magical decorations.
The Christmas Market of Annecy
This is the major event of the holiday season in Annecy. Since its reorganization in 2025, the city hosts a single large Christmas market, which extends from the Lake district to the Gardens of Europe, passing through the streets and squares of the old town. A new organization that replaces the former markets spread between Courier, the Town Hall, and various delegated municipalities such as Seynod, Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, or Annecy-le-Vieux. The market notably takes place around the quay of Vicenza, the squares of Saint-Maurice and the Old Grenette, in the streets of Collège-Chappuisien and Joseph-Blanc, as well as on the quay Napoleon-III.
With its 200 chalets, the market highlights artisans, creators, and producers. Special attention is given to local actors to showcase the skills and products of our region. Jewelry, Christmas decorations, accessories, handmade creations, and gift ideas coexist with stands of delicacies. It’s hard to resist the smell of crepes, waffles, or mulled wine!
The Christmas market is part of the Christmas of the Alps in Annecy, which brings together each winter the illuminations, shows, concerts, festive area, ice rink, and numerous activities for young and old. The market generally runs from late November to early January, and access is free.
Book a hotel for the Christmas Market of Annecy
The Christmas Markets in Haute-Savoie
Want to change the scenery a bit? Several towns and villages in Haute-Savoie organize their own Christmas markets. Some last for several weeks, while others take place for just a weekend. A great opportunity to visit other parts of the department while enjoying the holidays.
The Christmas Market of Thonon-les-Bains
Set on the heights of Lake Geneva, the Christmas Market of Thonon-les-Bains, called Les Féeriques, is well worth the trip. Each winter, the Belvédère park and the streets of the city center host a large festive route, with gourmet and artisanal chalets, illuminations, and numerous animations.
More than 50 chalets are divided between a village dedicated to artisans and local products and a second space dedicated to gourmet specialties. You can find decorations, jewelry, gift ideas, but also food on-site, including Savoyard dishes, crepes, waffles, and hot drinks.
Les Féeriques also offers a large natural ice rink, an enchanted forest, concerts, and sound and light shows. Enough to easily spend several hours on-site, with a view of Lake Geneva as a bonus.
More information on the Les Féeriques de Thonon website.
The Fabulous Village of Flottins in Évian-les-Bains
In Évian-les-Bains, Christmas takes a slightly different form. Here, there is no large traditional chalet market, but a universe imagined around the Flottins, funny characters made from driftwood collected from the shores of Lake Geneva.
Every December, the city center hosts impressive sculptures, wooden installations, stories, and activities for families. Visitors encounter amazing characters around the streets, while artists and storytellers bring this unique village to life.
The Fabulous Village of Flottins is also appreciated for its approach focused on material recovery and handmade creations. If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that differs from the usual markets, it’s a great idea, especially with children.
The Christmas Markets of Haute-Savoyard Villages
The big cities are not the only ones celebrating Christmas. In the mountain villages and municipalities of Haute-Savoie, small artisanal markets also take place as the holidays approach.
In Chamonix, Megève, or Samoëns, the Christmas activities allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of the resorts and alpine villages. The chalets, artisan stands, and gourmet meetings vary according to the municipalities and editions. Some markets last only a day or a weekend, unlike the major events in Annecy or Thonon-les-Bains.
The Christmas Markets in Savoie
On the other side of the departmental border, Savoie also offers several events to enjoy the holidays. The Christmas markets take place in historic centers, spa towns, and some mountain villages.
The Christmas Market of Chambéry
In Chambéry, the Christmas market sets up in the city center, near the famous Elephant Fountain. The chalets offer a mix of artisanal products, decorations, gourmet specialties, and gift ideas.
An opportunity to stroll through the streets of the historic center, make some purchases from the exhibitors, and enjoy the activities offered during the holidays. Shows, musical parades, and meetings with Santa Claus usually accompany the market.
The city also organizes other festive events in its neighborhoods. A lovely outing for those who want to enjoy a Christmas market while visiting the historic center of Chambéry.
The Other Christmas Events in Savoie
Outside of Chambéry, several Savoyard municipalities offer artisanal markets and activities as Christmas approaches. This is particularly the case in the Aix-les-Bains area, in Maurienne, in Tarentaise, and in various mountain resorts.
These events are often shorter than those in large cities, with chalets set up in a village square, producer stands, and some family activities. The program depends a lot on the municipalities and the school holiday period.
To prepare for an outing, it’s best to check the calendars of local tourist offices, especially when looking for a market open on a specific date.
The Christmas Markets near Switzerland
Near Haute-Savoie, our Swiss neighbors also have very beautiful Christmas markets. Geneva is easily accessible from Annecy, while Lausanne and Montreux allow for an extended outing along the shores of Lake Geneva. Three different atmospheres, with numerous chalets, local specialties, and beautiful decorations.
The Christmas Market of Geneva
The main Christmas market in Geneva, called Noël au Quai, is set up on the Mont-Blanc quay, by Lake Geneva. A particularly pleasant setting to stroll between the chalets, with the city lights and the lake just a few meters away.
The market brings together artisans and creators from the region, as well as many gourmet stands. You can look for original gifts, taste Swiss specialties, or simply share a drink with friends. The famous fondue chalet also allows you to settle in for a meal in a warm atmosphere. Activities for children, a carousel, and various activities complete the festivities. And since the market is located in the heart of Geneva, it’s easy to take the opportunity to stroll around the city or do some Christmas shopping.
More information on the official Noël au Quai website.
The Christmas Market of Montreux
It’s hard to talk about Swiss Christmas markets without mentioning Montreux! Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux Noël is one of the most famous in the region. With over 150 chalets, it attracts many visitors each winter who come to admire the decorations and enjoy its lakeside setting. The chalets offer artisanal creations, local products, decorations, and many gift ideas. In terms of delicacies, you can find Swiss specialties, hot dishes, pastries, and of course, mulled wine.
But Montreux Noël is also known for its attractions. The big wheel allows you to gain some height over the lake, while Santa Claus flying crosses the sky above the quays. It is also possible to reach Santa Claus’s house, located at Rochers-de-Naye, at the top of the mountain.
More information on the official Montreux Noël website.
The Christmas Markets of Lausanne
In Lausanne, the end-of-year festivities are organized around Bô Noël, an event that brings together several markets and festive spaces in different neighborhoods of the city center.
You can find artisan chalets, local products, gift ideas, and many gourmet specialties. Each space has its own atmosphere, allowing you to move from one market to another while strolling through the streets of Lausanne. The program also includes activities for children, shows, and various festive events.
More information on the official Bô Noël website.
The Christmas Markets 2026
Do you want to enjoy the Christmas markets this year? Here are the announced dates for several major events in the region:
- Annecy: from November 26, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
- Thonon-les-Bains: from November 26, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
- Évian-les-Bains: from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027.
- Chambéry: from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
- Geneva: from November 19 to December 24, 2026.
- Montreux: from November 20 to December 24, 2026.
- Lausanne: from November 20 to December 31, 2026.
Hours may vary depending on the days, especially approaching December 24 and 31. Be sure to check them before hitting the road, especially if you plan a visit in the evening.
Featured events
Early March: Venetian Carnival
Mid-February to mid-March: Cinémino: The Children's Film Festival
Mid-April: The Lake Annecy Marathon
End of May, beginning of June: The Medieval of Andilly
End of June: The Annecy Triathlon
Early July to mid-September: The Annecy Paysages Festival
July 14: Fireworks
1st Saturday of August: The Lake Annecy Festival
End of September: The Annecy Italian Film Festival
2nd Saturday of October: The Descent of the Alpine pastures
Early November: The Feast of Caion
1st Tuesday of December: Saint Andrew's Fair
End of November to beginning of January: Christmas in the Alps
All year round: Theatre & Opera Bonlieu National Stage
All year round: Santa's Hamlet