What's On Over the Festive Period...
Christmas & New Year Activities in the Chamonix Valley
The chances of it being a White Christmas in Chamonix are looking as likely as Michael Fish predicting a hurricane’s on its way….. But whilst there may be no powder skiing on Christmas day, there’s still plenty of fun to be had between now and the new year - whatever your taste in activities.
For Families
On the night before Christmas Eve, Santa will make one last visit to Chamonix before Christmas itself, but this year he’s joined in the town centre by giants performing mechanical art. The parade by Compagnie L'Homme Debout will finish at 6pm in the Place du Mont Blanc with the arrival of Father Christmas, carols from the Chambelles and hot drinks for everyone.
On the 27th and 28th you can meet Santa again by taking a ride on the Montenvers. Railway to the Mer de Glace. The visit includes a treasure hunt, puzzles, balloon sculpture workshops, Christmas cards, magic and gifts for children and is included in the price of the train ticket. Departures are at 14:00, 14:30 and 15:00. And are 25, € for adults and 21.30 for children, or free with the Mont Blanc Unlimited card.
If you haven’t yet bought all your Christmas nibbles and stocking fillers then the Les Houches Farmers Market on Route du Pont is open on Christmas Eve from 16:00-20:00 selling fresh local produce, Alpine meats & cheeses, freshly baked bread and regional specialities on Route du Pont.
On the 29th the Clownoufs will be on the slope in Les Houches to entertain kids with their long balloon legs and there are several torch lit ski processions taking place; on Christmas day and New Years Day the French Ski School Les Houches will hold their events from 17:30 on the Piste du Tourchet,. There will be fireworks, mulled wine and hot chocolate. Admission is free. On Tuesday, December 30th ESF Argentiere will have their torchlit procession from the middle station of the Grands Montets. Meet at the ESF office at Lognan / Grands Montets at 17h to take the last cable car up. The Best costumes will win ski lessons. On Friday, January 2, it’s the turn of the instructors of the ESF Chamonix at the Planards slope after the European Slalom final. This starts at 9.30pm but may change depending on when the 2nd race finishes.
For partygoers
All the bars and clubs in Chamonix will hold their own Christmas and New Years Eve parties, and most restaurants will be laying on a special menus and entertainment.
Most revellers will be popping champagne and unleashing fireworks in Chamonix town square for the big countdown. It’s not an official event but a long-held tradition. If you do want to continue partying afterwards most of the bars are ticket-only, so make sure you get yours in advance.
In Les Houches there’s a New Year's Eve Party organized by the women's hockey team, the Chamonix Angels. They’re preparing for their trip to Canada so the theme this year theme is "Canada,” so try to dress accordingly! For the buffet dinner and dance party tickets are 50 € or 20 € for the dance party and can be bought from the tourism Office in Les Houches, La Lucarne and also at Gouthé.
Culture/Education.
On Monday, December 29, a documentary film "Wild France: the Alps, the peaks of the extreme" is being screened at Argentiere town hall at 17:30 and on December 30, the documentary film "Some bearded vultures and Men" is being screened. These are both free and in French.
Every Thursday from December 25th you can take a 2 hour guided tour around Chamonix to learn about the town’s history. Meet at Chamonix Town centre at 10am The price for adults is 8 €. On Christmas Eve you can take a guided tour around Vallorcine from 09:30. Meet at the tourist office there.
Every Monday, La Terrasse hosts free lectures on Avalanche safety and awareness with the Avalanche Academy. Lectures run for just over one hour, and cover the causes of avalanches, ways to travel more safely, spotting danger signs, and emergency procedures
Sports
On Tuesday, December 23 at the Ice Skating Centre, Patinoire Richard Bozon, the Chamonix ice hockey team "Les Chamois" play a gala match against Dijon as part of the Magnus League. This starts at 20:30 and costs 13 € for adults and 8 € for children (free for children under 8 years). Also on Tuesday, 23rd there is the chance to try Biathlon with ESF Argentière – meet at 10:00 at their offices.
From Friday 2nd to Saturday 3rd of January the Nocturnal Mens’ Slalom World Cup takes place. The French national team will compete against skiers from all over the world at Les Planards. Just before the prize ceremony, the ski instructors of the Chamonix ESF French ski school will make a torchlight descent. Then on Wednesday, January 7th and Thursday, January 8th, Les Planards will host two FIS slaloms starting from 18:00.
On Tuesday, January 6, the Ski Mountaineering Race Relay, the Relais des Chamois takes place. Teams of two take on a course of 4 loops of 200m ascent and descent. Registration starts at 18.00: and race starts at 20:30.
Or why not swap your festive ski for a festive run up the vertical km to Brevent? I’m reliably informed that there is some snow but its soft enough for just trail shoes. Don’t forget some money for a coffee at the top!
