Celebrating the festive period in Megève is a special experience, with the highly anticipated annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marking the start of its magical winter wonderland!
The village truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering a dazzling blend of holiday cheer and Alpine charm. Located in the French Alps, Megève is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, snow-covered landscapes, and seamless blend of traditional Alpine culture with modern elegance. Renowned as a premier ski destination, it also boasts a variety of winter activities beyond the slopes, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Megève lights up the Alps with the 15th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony
The heart of the Alps will glow with festive magic on 7 December 2024, as Megève celebrates the 15th edition of its beloved Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This year’s inauguration marks the start of the village’s renowned end-of-year festivities, showcasing a spectacular 20-metre-high tree created from 273 fir trees and adorned in collaboration with renowned jeweller, Messika.
The partnership with Messika adds a prestigious touch to this year’s event. The tree, inspired by Messika’s iconic Move collection, dazzles with sparkling lights and artistic details, blending timeless elegance with the enchanting charm of Megève. “Megève is the jewel of French resorts,” says Valérie Messika, Artistic Director and Founder of Messika, “I cherish its authentic atmosphere and snow-covered streets – it’s where I make precious memories with my family each year.”
The festivities begin at 7.30 pm with a captivating sound and light show, featuring a live orchestra and performers, creating a magical atmosphere. Highlights include the illumination of the village’s architectural gems, such as the church, the newly renovated town hall, and the Magdelain Tower, designed by expert heritage lighting engineers. To toast the season, 5,000 glasses of champagne from Vranken-Pommery will be served.
Redefining heritage with innovation
This year, the iconic tree takes on a new form, combining a metal structure with hundreds of locally grown fir trees, crafted into a flawless conical masterpiece. The illuminated fir tree will stand as a beacon of Alpine Christmas magic, delighting visitors every evening throughout the winter season.
Join Megève as it kicks off the holiday season in sparkling style – an unforgettable celebration of tradition, elegance, and festive cheer.
A magical Christmas village awaits families
This holiday season, Santa Claus is calling for reinforcements! With his elves overwhelmed and unable to keep up with toy-making, Santa has decided to recruit helpers for his enchanting workshops. From 22 December to 3 January, the Christmas Village in Megève will offer a magical lineup of activities for families.
Visit Santa’s office from 22 – 24 December to meet Santa himself, snap a keepsake photo, and share gift lists or thank-you letters in a warm and festive setting. Delight in Winter Tales storytelling sessions for children aged, featuring age-specific morning and afternoon programs from 27–31 December and 2–3 January.
Budding creators can explore the Little Elves Chalet with wooden crafts for kids, crafting lanterns, ornaments, puppets, and more, while older children can enjoy making macramé gnomes, Christmas boxes, and other festive treasures in the Adults’ Chalet. Don’t miss the highlight of Christmas Eve—the Santa Claus Parade, as Santa rides through Megève in his sleigh. Bring the whole family to experience the wonder and joy of the season!
This Christmas, stock up on activities
For those weary of traditional family Christmas meals that stretch on endlessly, Megève offers the perfect escape into the great outdoors. This picturesque destination invites visitors to break free from routine and embrace a wide array of unique activities imbued with festive conviviality. Imagine snowshoeing under the moonlight, visiting a charming reindeer farm, or experiencing the thrill of dog sledding and rail sledding. Guests can also skate beneath the stars in the heart of an illuminated village, savour a cosy dinner in a yurt, or enjoy an aperitif inside an enchanting igloo. With options catering to all interests and budgets, Megève ensures magical moments for families and friends alike during the end-of-year celebrations. Here, the spirit of Christmas comes alive through extraordinary experiences that invite everyone to step back and fully embrace the holiday magic.
Spoil loved ones with artisan gifts
In the charming village of Megève, shops line the cobbled streets, offering a range of gift possibilities. From ready-to-wear fashion and accessories to home decor, beauty products, and winter sports equipment, old toys made from wood, concept stores… the selection is boundless. Tableware, books, and local specialties further enrich the choices. Each shop boasts knowledgeable salespeople eager to help, ensuring visitors leave with just the right gift.
Go There
Megève is only one hour from Geneva Airport, which benefits from direct, low-cost flight access from Dublin, London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva with easyJet are priced from just €60 pp during the 2024/2025 ski season.