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5 of the best Christmas ski holidays in France
Don't just dream of a White Christmas this December—ski it! With the season in full swing and snow flurries throughout the Alps, France Christmas ski holidays are a no-brainer for those wanting to enjoy some of Europe's best December ski resorts alongside the joy of Christmas activities and fantastic festivities.
With French Alps Christmas holidays, you can enjoy celebrations as enchanting as the snow-covered landscapes. Join Père Noël, Father Christmas's French counterpart, and his merry band of elves and reindeer for a day filled with festive fun and games. As night descends, the sky dazzles with spectacular fireworks and light shows, and who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of Père Noël himself, celebrating a successful night by skiing down the slopes with you on Christmas morning!
For those undecided about where to head this festive season, our Heidi experts have you covered with their pick of France's best Christmas ski resorts. From the snow-capped high altitudes of Val Thorens and Alpe d'Huez to the torchlit descents and fireworks of Morzine and La Plagne, these are the top Christmas ski resorts in France to book this December:
1. Val Thorens
For families seeking a Joyeux Noël filled with skiing, skiing, and more skiing, Val Thorens offers the ultimate powder party as Europe’s highest resort, perched at a remarkable 2,300m! Now THAT’S what you call a White Christmas!
With plenty of convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation putting you at the doorstep of the epic 600km Three Valleys ski area - the largest in the world - Val Thorens is perfect for ski-loving families. With numerous runs in every colour and some of France’s most consistent snow records, Christmas ski holidays in Val Thorens are among the best for those who want to spend every spare moment on the slopes.
In addition to the action-packed skiing, a Val Thorens Christmas holiday offers plenty of festive goings on too, with a week-long programme of fun activities for little ones! Stay on the pistes to witness sparkling shows, ice carving, elf fanfare, and Père Noël himself gliding down the slopes. Back at the resort, there’s the chance to meet Père Noël in his igloo (after he’s done skiing, of course!), plus a winter concert and the “Alaskan games” - an escape room experience suitable for the whole family.
On Christmas Eve night, head to Place Caron to witness the torchlit descent down the pistes while enjoying glasses of hot chocolate and vin chaud (mulled wine), followed by an epic fireworks display illuminating the glaciers under the stars. Chin chin!
What’s on at Val Thorens at Christmas?
Run up to Christmas:
- Activities on the slopes include ice carving, elf fanfare, shows, and games.
- Meet and greet with Père Noël in town
- “Alaskan Games” escape room experience
- “Winter Concert” by a professional gospel group at the church
24th December:
- Meet Père Noël in his igloo for a treasure hunt and mulled chestnuts!
- Watch the torchlit descent down the slopes by the resort ski instructors.
- Enjoy the fireworks display.
25th December:
- Free kids' balance bike experience with the ESF ski school.
- Kids can join the torchlit descent with electric torches.
- “Lady of the Winter Snow” show: a music, dance, and light performance.
- Enjoy the Christmas day fireworks display!
Search France Christmas ski holidays in Val Thorens
2. Chamonix
Often regarded as one of France's most beautiful mountain towns, Chamonix, or "Cham," ranks among our most popular Christmas ski resorts for good reason. With its traditional alpine architecture, babbling river, lofty peaks, and lack of cars, a Chamonix Christmas ski holiday is its own mini winter wonderland - fantastic skiing included!
As part of Mont Blanc's impressive ski area, Chamonix's skiing is world-renowned for offering some of the best and wildest experiences for experts and intermediates alike. It features the epic 23km-long Vallée Blanche, one of the most spectacular off-piste descents in the world. However, it’s also fantastic for little ones, with some of France's finest ski schools and plenty of beginner-friendly runs at Les Houches, Le Tour, and the base of the Brévent lift.
When you're all skied out, explore Chamonix's famous winter market, where spiced vin chaud, gooey raclette, and sparkling decorations create mesmerising Christmas magic. The central festive feast occurs on the 24th in France, so be sure to reserve a table at a local restaurant for duck, guinea fowl, figs, cheeses, and decadently rich slices of chocolate yule log. After dinner, meet Père Noël and his elves before witnessing the torchlit descent at Les Houches, accompanied by fizzing fireworks illuminating the night sky. Pure magic!
What’s on at Chamonix at Christmas?
Run up to Christmas:
- Famous Chamonix Christmas market and lights in town.
- Meet Père Noël at his grotto to hand him your Christmas lists.
- Witness the “Farandole Parade” through the town centre, where performers in costume dance on stilts and light up the night!
- Christmas concerts most nights, including some right on the slopes!
- Ice skating at Les Houches.
23rd December:
- Music on the Slopes: a joyful brass band performs popular festive tunes.
- Père Noël arrives at the Maison de Village via a torchlit procession.
24th December:
- The Christmas Parade: dancing elves, illuminated Christmas floats, and the “Rouge Passion” troupe present a dazzling dance performance!
- Enjoy meet-and-greets with Père Noël at the tourist office.
25th December:
- Evening Christmas parade
26th December:
- Treasure hunts
- Night skiing at La Poya
- Torchlit processions down the slopes
- Family fire and LED show
- Chamonix Ice Show: figure skating performances
Search France Christmas ski holidays in Chamonix
3. Alpe d’Huez
Another high-altitude winter wonderland for ski-mad families looking to send it this Christmas, Alpe d'Huez -at a lofty 1,869m - frequently ranks among France's most snow-sure resorts.
A classic French favourite, Alpe d'Huez's Grand Domaine ski area boasts an enormous 250km of pistes to explore, suitable for all abilities. From advanced skiers to beginners, everyone can find their perfect Crimbo slope here, along with a snow park and boardercross zone for those seeking an extra thrill. If you're looking for a recommendation, you can't beat a Christmas ride down La Sarenne, a 16km run that descends 2,000m from the top of Pic Blanc back to Alpe d'Huez. Now THAT'S a ride!
When it comes to festive fanfare, Christmas in Alpe d'Huez resembles a scene straight out of a snow globe, illuminating December nights with dazzling displays of decorations and lights. Mini skiers can meet the big man at Santa's Cottage in the Red Chalet to hand over their lists and receive gifts and treats. Or, head to Palais des Sports to enjoy Christmas concerts, games, and events leading up to the big day.
And December here doesn't stop at celebrating Christmas; it's also about the Moguls World Cup! Which sees the world's best freestylers gather to race and compete for the coveted crown.
What’s on at Christmas at Alpe d'Huez?
Run up to Christmas:
- Moguls World Cup.
- Experience the resort’s lights and decorations.
- Christmas concerts and live music await.
- Meet Père Noël at Santa’s Cottage in the Red Chalet.
- Venture up to the glacier caves to see ice carvings and visit Père Noël.
- Festive market to explore.
24th December:
- Watch ski instructors as they perform their torchlit descent down the Signal piste.
- Experience the theatrical parade along Main Street.
- Enjoy the evening fireworks display on the front des neiges.
- Meet Père Noël and take a photo.
- Sip mugs of free hot cocoa and vin chaud.
- Enjoy free ice skating on the rink.
25th December:
- The figure skating club put on a colourful, festive parade
- Enjoy the evening fireworks display on the front des neiges.
- Witness Père Noël glide down the pistes!
Search France Christmas ski holidays in Alpe d'Huez
4. Morzine
Huge ski area? Check.
High-altitude skiing? Check.
Great for kids and beginners? Check and check!
With all this and more, it's no wonder Morzine remains a firm family Christmas ski holiday favourite at Heidi. Just an hour's transfer from Geneva airport, it's one of the most accessible large resorts, with the expansive snowy playground of Portes du Soleil right at your doorstep. And, more importantly, if you're seeking some serious Christmas wow factor, Morzine delivers the festive spirit in abundance.
In December, the town centre transforms into an "Enchanted Village," taken over by a Christmas market and winter fair. There's a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, and a stage for daily events and performances among the traditional stalls selling festive treats, drinks, and gifts. We recommend catching the 'Wonderland Light Juggling' show or the traditional 'Geese in Fanfare,' where a flock of geese marches to the beat of drums and whistles through the town centre - you need to see it to believe it!
And the best part of a Christmas in Morzine? You also get to enjoy a Les Gets Christmas ski holiday! With quick and easy lift access to this neighbouring resort, you can spend a morning skiing the slopes before exploring the Christmas Les Gets "Enchanted Forest," where illuminations brighten the snow-capped trees, accompanied by musical activities, face painting, and chocolate-making workshops with the elves. You might even have the chance to enjoy a magical story read by Père Noël himself!
What’s on at Christmas at Morzine?
Run up to Christmas:
- Christmas Market
- A ferris wheel, ice rink, and other attractions.
- ‘Wonderland Light Juggling’: an Alice in Wonderland-themed juggling and light show.
- ‘The Geese in Fanfare’: a flock of about eleven geese skillfully marches around town to the beat of drums and whistles.
- Les Gets: explore the “Enchanted Forest” for illuminations, games, and more!
24th December:
- ‘25D - The Hidden Sons of Santa Claus’: musicians dressed as Père Noël perform and hand out gifts.
- Les Gets: a torchlit procession descends the slopes, followed by a fireworks display.
25th December:
- Madame Ballon: a woman adorned in gold and surrounded by balloons strolls through the centre of Morzine.
30th December:
- “Luminous Rabbits” parade: two enormous, glowing rabbits stroll through the town to the sound of traditional music.
Search France Christmas ski holidays in Morzine
5. La Plagne
Searching for a family Christmas ski holiday in France that dreams are made of? La Plagne is the answer. As part of the extensive 425km Paradiski ski area, this resort offers numerous family-friendly accommodation options within easy reach of the slopes - ideal for fuss-free ski holidays with little ones in tow. Beginners and children will enjoy the gentle pistes around La Plagne’s five villages, while the tree-lined runs and open powder bowls will satisfy any adventurous mountain lovers.
When it comes to festive traditions, Christmas in La Plagne offers a variety of exciting, family-friendly events. The ‘Batuco Max Goblin’s Parade’ stands out, featuring live performers who dance and engage with the audience to music. Another highlight is the ‘Elves’ Mini Show’ in Plagne 1800, a Christmas-themed musical that encourages kids to participate in the performance!
After a wonderful morning skiing the pistes on Christmas Eve, gather the little ones at the Place du Marché in Belle Plagne for the much-anticipated Reindeer Ball. This free event honours Père Noël’s most loyal sleigh-pulling companions with music, dancing, and tasty treats. As the sun sets, meet at the Petit Flambeaux piste for the spectacular torchlit descent. Here, ski instructors showcase their skills and entertain before a magical fireworks display illuminates the night sky, preparing for Père Noël’s midnight arrival. Ho ho ho!
What’s on at Christmas at La Plagne?
Run up to Christmas:
- 23rd - 25th: ‘The Magic of Christmas in La Plagne’: Père Noël and his elves delight children and adults with surprises, shows, and gifts.
- Storytelling with Père Noël.
24th December:
- ‘Batuco Max Goblin’s Parade’
- Elves’ Mini Show and photo session with Santa's elves.
- ‘Reindeer Ball’ at Belle Plagne: music, dances, and tasty treats.
- Torchlit descent down the slopes.
- End of the evening fireworks display.
Search France Christmas ski holidays in La Plagne
New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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