Known for its lake, canals and medieval old town, Annecy is transformed into a fairytale setting at Christmas. With its festive market, streets festooned with fairy lights, decorated shop windows and delicious cuisine, the โVenice of the Alpsโ invites you to experience the magic of the festive season. Shopping, walks and food tastings will ensure that your Christmas break in Annecy is filled with joy.
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Christmas markets in and around Annecy
In 2025, the Annecy Christmas market will be held from 29 November to 4 January.
Place Saint-Maurice
Annecyโs main Christmas market is held every year around Place Saint-Maurice and along Quai de Vicenza. It features 135 charming chalets showcasing the work of local designers and craftspeople.
Youโll find everything from gourmet foods to handmade clothing, wellness products and decorative items. Itโs the perfect place to hunt for souvenirs from your stay in the Alps.
Christmas in the Alps
The old town will be decorated with thousands of lights, light displays on historic buildings, as well as sound and light shows and entertainment.
Place Franรงois de Menthon
This Christmas market in front of the Courier shopping centre offers an exciting range of festive decorations and gift ideas, including jewellery, candles and wooden toys.
You can also try a wide range of local products, including cheese, chocolate and jams, accompanied by comforting mulled wine.
Jardins de lโEurope
Les Jardins de lโEurope will host around 15 artisan chalets, a merry-go-round and a 450mยฒ ice rink. Drinks and meals will be available, accompanied by concerts and musical entertainment for all ages.
Chalets will also be erected along the Quai Napolรฉon III, where visitors can enjoy an illuminated stroll beside the lake.
Around Annecy
Youโll find more Christmas markets in several villages near Annecy and around the lake, such as Seynod, Meythet, Sรฉvrier, Talloires-Montmin, etc. The atmosphere promises to be just as festive, with the added charm of a small Alpine hamlet.
One of the highlights is the medieval-themed Christmas market held every year at the Chรขteau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, overlooking the lake 12km from Annecy.
Foire de la Saint-Andrรฉ
Held in Annecy since the Middle Ages, the Foire de la Saint-Andrรฉ is another unmissable end-of-year event. The market takes place on the first Tuesday in December.
Nearly 5.5km of stalls run by vendors from all over France line the streets of Annecy. Youโll find everything you can imagine, including food and drink stalls.
What and where to eat in Annecy
At the market
One of the greatest pleasures of Christmas markets is being able to try the local cuisine. The stalls and chalets at Annecyโs Christmas market offer traditional Savoyard dishes such as tartiflette and diots, which you can enjoy while strolling around or sitting on one of the public benches in the Jardins de lโEurope.
Those with a sweet tooth will find stalls selling crรชpes, waffles, churros, toffee apples and other delicacies on every street corner!
In and around the town
The capital of Savoyard cuisine, Annecy is packed with restaurants along its canals and cobbled streets, not to mention the surrounding countryside. Youโll find venues to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are just a few of our top picksโฆ
If you want to try local cheese:
Le Freti
Address: 12 Rue Sainte-Claire
Cost: โฌ20โ40
This restaurant serves fondues, raclettes and charcuterie platters in a traditional setting. It is a good idea to book your table in advance as the place is also very popular with locals.
Le Chalet
Address: Quai de lโรvรชchรฉ
Cost: โฌ30โ50
The charming wooden interior at this restaurant will make you feel as if you have stepped into a traditional chalet. The menu features seasonal dishes as well as typical Savoyard favourites such as fondues and raclettes.
For a cosy dinner by the fire
LโEpicurien
Address: 150, route de Chez Grillet, Chavanod
Cost: โฌ30โ50
This auberge showcases local produce, with dishes cooked over a wood fire in the dining room. Fun fact: the chef himself sometimes sits down at the piano in the restaurant to sing a song.
For a meal straight from the farm
Ferme de la Charbonniรจre
Address: 1539, route de Thรดnes, Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Cost: โฌ20โ30
This dairy farm restaurant serves traditional Savoyard dishes, with the accent on cheese. You can even see the dairy cows from your table. Here, everything is sourced locally, from dairy products to charcuterie.
Christmas gifts
The Annecy Christmas markets are, of course, the ideal places to find unusual Christmas gifts. However, donโt forget the wide range of shops in the town: from the Courier shopping centre to small independent shops, you will find plenty of places to do your Christmas shopping. Here is our personal selection:
- Le petit souk: all kinds of toys for children
- Fromageries Gay or Alain Michel: cheeses from Savoie and elsewhere
- Saveurs dโici et lร : local produce
- Murmur: furniture and decorative items
- Babeth: fashion, unique souvenirs and coffee
- Cocktail scandinave: interior furniture and decor
Christmas in Annecy is filled with sparkling lights, gourmet discoveries and festive shopping. Bordered by its tranquil lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the town is the perfect place to make lasting memories in the heart of the Alps.
Now that you know what youโll be doing this Christmas in Annecy, itโs time to book your accommodation:
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