© france-montagne.com
Christmas is a magical time when we meet as a family for good meals and exchange gifts by the fire... Or not! Many people don't see the white gold on the morning of the 25th down the road. The ski resorts guarantee you an unforgettable time between visits from Santa Claus, fireworks, torchlight descents, free hot chocolate, shows and entertainment for children, concerts, etc... Le Petit Futé has therefore selected for you the 10 ski resorts (almost exclusively in the Alps) where you can make the most of the festivities with family or friends, all at the bottom of the slopes.

Christmas magic in Val-Thorens (Savoie)

Val-Thorens© DR
Unforgettable, this is the promise kept by this station if you choose it for your New Year's Eve! From December 19th to 26th, with mulled wine and torch-lit descents, the resort is decked out in lights. On the programme: discovery of a Lappish village with its inhabitants in traditional costumes, followed by the famous meeting of Santa Claus with his hood full of butterflies during his sleigh parade pulled by his faithful Scandinavian reindeer! Not forgetting the night shows and entertainment throughout the resort for children. Next door, all the classic high-mountain activities await the snow sports enthusiasts: downhill skiing, freestyle skiing, snowmobiling?

Santa Claus' village in Le Gets (Haute-Savoie)

Les Gets© O.T Les Gets
What if Santa's cabin was in Les Gets? In any case, this is the resort's gamble, with its elves revealing the secrets of this magical place in the heart of the enchanted forest from 19 to 24 December. On the programme: an elf carpentry workshop for children, a neighbourhood party, shows for the general public, musical street entertainment, fireworks, all rewarded by a tasting of chestnuts and hot chocolate to warm up and regain strength. Not forgetting the evening of the 24th, the long-awaited moment when Santa Claus comes out of his hut and goes to the Place de la Maison des Gets to offer a photo session with him

La Clusaz en Lumières (Haute-Savoie)

La Clusaz© O.T La Clusaz
From December 21st to January 1st, young and old alike meet in La Clusaz to discover the magic and enchantment of Christmas in the heart of the Alps. Throughout this long festival period, magicians, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, singers, musicians, artists and dancers will meet you in the centre of the village to experience spectacular moments. "Les Pestacles du Père Noël" promises a poetic and festive week in the land of the imagination... Street arts take on a very special dimension at the time of the end of year festivities and transport holidaymakers into the midst of a unique fairy-tale atmosphere

Les Menuires festives (Savoie)

Les Menuires© O.T Les Menuires
During the month of December, the resort of Les Menuires also does not fail to put on its Christmas colours. The festive season is guaranteed to bring the whole family together in a festive atmosphere, with lights and a multitude of activities for the whole family. Without forgetting the meeting with Santa Claus, a special moment for the children when you are surrounded by snow and mountains. While waiting to stroll here and there between the various animations, the holidays also lead the most sporty on the slopes, before warming up peacefully over a hot drink

Arêches-Beaufort, they are strong ! (Savoie)

Arêches-Beaufort© O.T Arêches-Beaufort
A smaller resort for greater sensations: the family charm will make more than one succumb to it. Come and experience the true warm atmosphere in the land of Santa Claus during the festive season with family and friends. Snow, luminous decorations, Christmas trees, animations, Christmas market, gifts, Santa Claus' elves village... Nothing is missing in this resort... except you of course! On the 24th, don't miss being outside to experience the arrival of the man in the red outfit with the white beard in the village for a distribution of chocolate papillotes. Then the Santa Claus Parade takes place, accompanied by the E.S.F. instructors from Arêches. Chocolate and mulled wine are offered by the Tourist Office for the occasion

Les Rousses in red and white (Jura)

Les Rousses© Station des Rousses
The resort of Les Rousses offers an ideal place to put down your suitcases at Christmas, only 45 km from the Swiss border. You don't hesitate to start exploring the four villages by sleigh or horse-drawn carriage to get into the mood. The flagship event takes place before Christmas (early December) on the occasion of the big market at Fort des Rousses with its forty or so exhibitors. Come and watch the reindeer races in a festive spirit in the form of ski-joering thanks to professional drivers. Other events will also put the resort in all its states to celebrate Christmas as it should be..

Valloire carved in ice (Savoie)

Valloire© O.T Valloire
The magic of Christmas works thanks to its thousands of elves. On the programme: numerous animations during your visit, without forgetting to admire the snow sculptures! The giant sculpture of Santa Claus and his house on the Town Hall Square is a unique moment to put thousands of stars in children's eyes. For those looking for crafts and tasting good products, don't miss from December 20th to 25th, the small Christmas market with its jewellery, foie gras, terrines, hot chestnuts and Savoy wines for the fans of wine tourism

Les Arcs, the timeless (Savoie)

Les Arcs© france-montagne.com
Les Arcs is the ideal place to stroll during the Christmas holidays with its traditional crafts and gastronomy, but especially for its many activities and animations taking place from December 20th to 27th. Opening of the Christmas village with free wine and hot chocolate, torchlight descent to welcome Santa Claus, majestic decorations, parades, 1-on-1 obstacle course, initiation to ski-Mojo, treasure hunt, the least we can say is that we're giving Les Arcs the all it takes to ensure that holidaymakers experience many unforgettable moments. Not forgetting the 27th of December an evening tribute to Roger Godino, founder of Les Arcs, with the screening of a documentary followed by a glass of friendship

La Plagne, the must-see (Savoie)

La Plagne© O.T de la Plagne
At the end of December, young and old alike will melt in front of the magic of Christmas: laughter, surprises, shows and gifts are on the menu in the mountain resorts. Christmas tree decorations, various games, dances, sports activities around skiing, there is something for all tastes and all ages. As for Santa Claus, he offers his must-have marshmallow curls and poses for souvenir photos. In general, La Plagne also offers the possibility to assist in the preparation of Santa Claus for his grand tour, and you can meet the characters and animals of the living nativity scene. On the 25th, direction La Plagne centre to attend the torchlight descent and the great Christmas fireworks display.

Valmorel, the waking dream (Savoie)

Valmorel© O.T Valmorel
After a wait of 364 days, Santa Claus returns on his sleigh for a big parade on New Year's Eve in Valmorel accompanied by his elves. Fireworks and distribution of sweets on the program for children and parents. On the 25th, another magical moment awaits the whole family with the traditional Christmas log ordered by Professor Morelus! Made by the Maryan bakery, it is sold in the rue du Bourg, with music, lighting, and the presence of Professor Morelus and his Minions.