guide
Between the old town’s canals, the illuminated Palais de l’Île and the snowy peaks surrounding the lake, Annecy offers one of the most magical Christmas settings in France. Every winter, its Christmas market sets up in the historic centre and along the quays, with more than a hundred artisans’ chalets.
2026 dates, locations, Savoyard specialities, ideas for outings around the lake and campsites open in winter nearby: here is our guide to the Annecy Christmas market.
| Information | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Dates 2026 | From late November 2026 to early January 2027 |
| Where? | Old town and quays, around Place Saint-Maurice and Place de l’Ancienne-Grenette |
| Size | About 135 artisans’ chalets |
| Specialities | Mulled wine, fondue, tartiflette, diots, reblochon |
| To combine with | Lake tour, Aravis resorts, Palais de l’Île |
| Campsite open in winter | About ten minutes away, in La Balme-de-Sillingy |
The Annecy Christmas market, long known as Noël des Alpes, spreads through the old town and along the quays: around Place Saint-Maurice, Place de l’Ancienne-Grenette, Quai de Vicenza and the shopping streets of the centre. Around 135 chalets offer crafts, decorations, Savoyard products and specialities to eat on the spot. The announced 2026 dates run from late November to early January 2027: check the final dates on the city’s website before setting off.
The most beautiful moment of the visit is at nightfall. The Thiou canals reflect the illuminations, the Palais de l’Île, a former prison set in the middle of the water, lights up, and the Pont des Amours offers a superb view over the lake and the mountains. Take time to wander the arcaded lanes between two chalets.
Here, Christmas tastes of the mountains: mulled wine, fondue, tartiflette, diots and croziflette are enjoyed in the chalets or in the old town’s restaurants. Take home a reblochon, a Tomme de Savoie or a few bottles of Savoy wine to keep the celebration going.
Several campsites in Haute-Savoie stay open all year round around Annecy. The closest is La Caille, in La Balme-de-Sillingy, about ten minutes from the town. On the lakeside, camping La Chapelle Saint-Claude, in Talloires-Montmin, offers a more mountainous setting. To combine the Christmas market with skiing, Le Tréjeux, in Thônes, and L’Escale, in Le Grand-Bornand, are on the Route des Aravis.
Find all campsites open all year round in Haute-Savoie and our advice on camping in winter.
The Annecy Christmas market is worth it above all for its setting: the canals, the lake and the snowy mountains make it one of the most beautiful in France. Come on a weekday, stay for the evening illuminations and use your stay to discover the lake in winter and the nearby Aravis resorts.
