Marché de Noël Annecy
Annecy's Christmas market transforms the 'Venice of the Alps' into a winter wonderland with festive chalets, delicious food, and enchanting lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical lights
Marché de Noël Annecy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Annecy's Christmas market transforms the 'Venice of the Alps' into a winter wonderland with festive chalets, delicious food, and enchanting lights.
"The market truly shines at night with enchanting lights and a vibrant, festive ambiance."
🎯 Embrace the Food Scene
Don't miss out on vin chaud, raclette bagels, and churros! Many stands offer delicious international and local options.
🛍️ Shop for Unique Gifts
Discover handcrafted items from local and international artisans. Perfect for finding special Christmas presents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chalet Delights
Throughout the market
Indulge in festive treats like vin chaud, raclette bagels, and churros from a wide array of food stalls.
Artisan Crafts
Various chalets
Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local and international artisans, perfect for holiday shopping.
Magical Evenings
Market square
Experience the market come alive at night with enchanting lights and a vibrant, festive ambiance.
Château du Père Noël
Menthon-Saint-Bernard (nearby)
A fairytale castle hosting a beautiful Christmas market, offering a unique festive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Food Scene
Don't miss out on vin chaud, raclette bagels, and churros! Many stands offer delicious international and local options. 
🛍️ Shop for Unique Gifts
Discover handcrafted items from local and international artisans. Perfect for finding special Christmas presents.
✨ Evening Ambiance
The market truly shines at night with enchanting lights and a lively atmosphere.
🚗 Parking Convenience
The Hotel de Ville parking is pricey but convenient and located right in front of the market.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Food Scene
Don't miss out on vin chaud, raclette bagels, and churros! Many stands offer delicious international and local options.
🛍️ Shop for Unique Gifts
Discover handcrafted items from local and international artisans. Perfect for finding special Christmas presents.
✨ Evening Ambiance
The market truly shines at night with enchanting lights and a lively atmosphere.
🚗 Parking Convenience
The Hotel de Ville parking is pricey but convenient and located right in front of the market.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Enjoy the light show on the hotel wall, which is super entertaining for children.
🎶 Music Vibe
Expect a lively atmosphere with music, though some find it leans towards rap.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Annecy Christmas Market offers a magical festive atmosphere, especially in the evenings with its enchanting lights and lively ambiance. Visitors enjoy the wide selection of food, including vin chaud and raclette bagels, and the opportunity to find unique artisan crafts. However, some reviews note a prevalence of non-French goods and a desire for more traditional local products.
"If it is the same as last year, don't go. I can only assume the local reviewers who call themselves 'local guides' have never been or it is the only one they have visited. No decorations, rap music only, no local food, chinese tat on the stands.
Frankly it is embarrassing but seems to be what the local left-wingers think is 'Noel'.
So, just look at the photos. Most are of the stands in the old town and not related to the Nel des Alpes by Courier. The photos show Canadian, Italian, Swiss and others but very few French and the only one I found selling French stuff sold inedible 'aligot'.
The reviews seem to come from many 'local guides' but I reckon this is a con since there are very few registered local guides, if any.
And BTW, most of the stuff sold is Chinese anyway
As an Annecy resident, I find this to be a disgrace when we consider what it could be"
stuart hotchkiss
"Very nice setting, good selection of food and vin chaud. Nice selection of stands, good international food and goods offer. Parking in the Hotel de Ville is pricy but very easy to get to and right in front of the Christmas Market. Lights show on the hotel wall is super entertaining for kids."
Marcus Perez y Schmidt
"Bad mood"
Divine alice Kaps
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is centrally located in Annecy, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If arriving by car, the Hotel de Ville parking is a convenient, albeit pricey, option located directly in front of the market.
Annecy has a good public transport network. Buses are a great way to reach the city center, and the market is a short walk from most central stops. Check local bus schedules for routes and times.
Yes, the Annecy train station is within walking distance of the Christmas market. It's a pleasant stroll through the charming streets of Annecy, taking approximately 15-20 minutes.
The Hotel de Ville parking is highly recommended for its proximity, though it can be expensive. Other public parking garages are available in the city center, but may require a slightly longer walk.
The market is well-signposted and centrally located. Simply follow the festive decorations and crowds towards the main squares and lakeside areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Annecy Christmas Market is free to enter. You only pay for the food, drinks, and goods you purchase from the chalets.
The market typically opens in late November and runs daily until early January. Specific hours can vary, but it's generally open from late morning through the evening. Check the official market schedule for exact times.
The market usually opens around the last weekend of November and closes around January 6th.
Yes, the market often features live music, entertainment, and a light show projected onto the Hôtel de Ville, which is particularly popular with children.
Since entry is free, there's no need to buy tickets in advance. You can simply show up and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Food
You'll find a wide variety of festive foods, including vin chaud (mulled wine), raclette bagels, churros, crepes, and international specialties. Some stands offer halal options.
While there are many food stalls, some visitors have noted a significant portion of the market is dedicated to food. Expect a good selection for snacking and dining.
The market features a range of artisan crafts, including handmade bags, jewelry, and decorative items. You can find unique gifts from both local French artisans and international vendors.
While some stalls offer local French products, a few reviews mention a significant presence of international and even Chinese-made goods. Look for specific artisan chalets for authentic French crafts.
Prices vary, but expect to pay around €4.50 for a bretzel, €9-16 for bagels or aligot, and prices for gifts can range from €10 to over €50 depending on the item.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the magic of the market with its charming chalets, twinkling lights, and the beautiful Annecy skyline as a backdrop. The lakeside area offers stunning views, especially at dusk.
Absolutely! The market is incredibly picturesque at night when illuminated by festive lights, creating a magical ambiance perfect for photography.
The light show on the Hôtel de Ville is a fantastic visual spectacle and a great photo opportunity, especially for families.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. For more professional shots, a camera with a wide-angle lens can help capture the bustling atmosphere and scenic views.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or them. Most are happy to oblige.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the market, consider visiting the nearby Château du Père Noël for an extra dose of fairytale magic. The market is generally stroller-friendly, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends, so keeping a close eye on little ones is advised. Many food stalls offer kid-friendly options, making it easy to find snacks and light meals for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for smaller, less elaborate crafts if you're seeking souvenirs. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially find better deals or simply enjoy the atmosphere without the pressure of peak crowds. Packing your own reusable water bottle or coffee cup can also help save a little money and reduce waste.
couples
Combine your market visit with a romantic walk along the canals of Annecy's Old Town, which are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the area after your market exploration for a perfect winter date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Annecy Christmas Market Experience
While the market is celebrated for its festive spirit, some reviews suggest a mixed experience regarding the authenticity of products, with mentions of a significant amount of Chinese-made goods and a preference for international food over traditional French fare. However, many visitors still find joy in the diverse offerings, the lively music, and the overall convivial atmosphere. The proximity to Annecy's stunning Old Town and its canals adds another layer of charm to the Christmas market visit, making it a well-rounded holiday destination.
For those seeking a truly immersive experience, consider visiting during the week to avoid the peak weekend crowds. This allows for a more relaxed exploration of the stalls and a better chance to interact with the vendors. Don't forget to sample the local delicacies and perhaps find a unique handcrafted souvenir to remember your visit.
Culinary Delights at the Market
+1Beyond the classic French winter fare, the market boasts a diverse international food selection. While some reviews point out a prevalence of non-French items, this diversity also means you can explore global tastes. For those with dietary considerations, some stands offer halal options, such as halal chicken in pasta dishes, and vegetarian choices like cheese-based bretzels or aligot without sausage.
It's worth noting that while the food selection is extensive, some visitors have expressed a desire for more traditional French regional products. However, the overall consensus is that the culinary offerings contribute significantly to the market's vibrant and festive atmosphere, making it a delightful gastronomic adventure.
Shopping for Unique Gifts
While the market aims to feature local products, some visitors have observed a significant presence of international and mass-produced items. To ensure you're purchasing authentic, handcrafted goods, look for stalls that clearly highlight their artisanal origins and craftsmanship. Engaging with the vendors can also provide insight into the origin and creation of their products.
Beyond the typical market fare, the nearby Château du Père Noël in Menthon-Saint-Bernard offers another charming market experience with a focus on local artisans and unique gift ideas, providing an alternative or complementary shopping destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit