Chamonix Christmas market
Chamonix will become a winter wonderland with an authentic Christmas craft market.

© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

© Alison Shayler

© Stuart Hamilton
A growing village situated under its own glacier with a train station and post office
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.
Chamonix will become a winter wonderland with an authentic Christmas craft market.
The snow is here and the Christmas lights in Chamonix are on, and there's plenty to do in the week before Christmas day.
Depending on when you see them will depend on what festive entertainment you will enjoy.
The local Chamonix ice hockey team, the Pionniers, play in France's Ligue Magnus, the first division. See them battle against other national teams at Chamonix's ice rink.
Take a look at the 2025 to 2026 schedule of 'spectacles', from the classical theatre of Shakespeare to hip hop dance shows.
The best electronic music acts on breathtaking mountain stages all over the Mont Blanc range. More than just a long weekend, the Unlimited Festival is six days full of DJs, parties and events both on the mountain and in town.
The village is situated opposite the stunning Les Bossons glacier and has breath-taking views of Mont Blanc. The glacier is the longest in Europe at 7km long and is visible from pretty much everywhere in town. In the summer there is a chair lift, which is the starting point for the Pyramides and le Jonction hiking trails, and also has Chalet du Glacier des Bossons where you enjoy a drink and the scenery from their terrace.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
The museum is currently closed for renovations
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
There is a limited choice of restaurants in Les Bossons but the few there are, are pretty good! The Aiguille du Midi Hotel’s gourmet restaurant is a popular place to have a delicious evening meal.
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day on the mountain, Big Mountain Bar has you sorted. Settle into the relaxed bar area or soak up the sunshine from the terrace.
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day on the mountain, Big Mountain Bar has you sorted. Settle into the relaxed bar area or soak up the sunshine from the terrace.
At Bighorn in Chamonix, the food blends gourmet flair with comforting alpine soul. The menu offers dishes like succulent steaks grilled to perfection, smoky ribs, and hearty burgers — ideal after a day of skiing. Fresh salads, seasonal sides and crispy fries round out meals for a balanced touch. Locally sourced produce and fine cheeses enhance flavor and authenticity. For dessert, expect rich chocolate creations or creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re hungry for a filling dinner or a casual bite, Bighorn delivers.
L'Amnesia (formally Le Garage) is ideally located near to the Aiguille du midi cable car in Cham'Sud and is a legendary Chamonix nightclub and melting pot for all the late night (and sometimes all-night) party-goers!
When altitude meets relaxation, Brev’Bar is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the mountains. Ideally located on the Brévent slopes in the Chamonix valley, this welcoming bar offers skiers and sightseers alike a well-deserved break with front-row views of Mont Blanc.
Step into Le Janssen Cocktail Bar, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties meets the charm of the Alps. With its Gatsby the Magnificent ambience, this elegant bar is the perfect spot to start a winter evening in style. Plush interiors, soft lighting, and tasteful décor create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, sip, and savour the moment.
La Folie Douce in Chamonix is the ultimate destination for après-ski with a twist. Perched in the heart of the resort, its vibrant terrace provides panoramic mountain views that make every sip and every step feel unforgettable. From early afternoon onward, the lively atmosphere builds with energetic performers, live music, and DJ sets, creating a celebratory environment where guests can unwind, dance, and fully embrace the spirited, high-altitude party culture throughout the entire afternoon there.
Back on the valley floor, Les Bossons has direct access to some great walking tracks including the Petit Balcon Sud which runs from Servoz to Argentiere. From the Petit Balcon you can connect to walks around the Merlet Animal Park, Brévent and Flégère.
The village activities aren’t just limited to walking. Les Bossons boasts its own Olympic ski jump where a number of competitions take place throughout the winter including the French Championship. During the summer, it is also the end of the 7km, grade-2 rafting route which takes you right through the centre of Chamonix.
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
Depending how keen you are there are many classic cols within a few hour’s drive. At the other side of Megeve, Flumet is a good start point for the Col de Aravis or the Col des Saises. Further on is Beaufort for Cormet de Roseland (but this would make for a long day).
This short but challenging ride can be done in half a day, including getting from Chamonix to the start point and back. It is a 15km climb with 855m of ascent that passes by farmhouses and old chalets, through a couple of quiet little villages and amongst dense pine forest to emerge on a sunny plateau with stunning views of the valley below.
This is a fairly short, easy run that can be done in about an hour. It’s about 25km there and back, the climb averaging just 3% or so.
If you have a big supermarket shop to do in Sallanches then this is a good way to slip in a nice training ride but it does need a co-operative partner to drive the car back... unless you cycle down there to start with!
This ride is 62km there and back with a demanding climb from Finhaut up to the top of the Emosson dam (averaging 8.5% with a couple of sections over 10%).
This ride is about 60km there and back with a less demanding climb than Emosson from Le Chatelard up to Col de Forclaz (average gradient 5.8% and never steeper than 8%).
Leaving the village of Les Bossons this walk takes you through the forest to a viewing area situated a stone's throw away from the impressive Glacier des Bossons.
This short hike starts at a lake and ends at an animal park, with plenty to see along the way.
Cascade du Dard is a dramatic waterfall tucked away in the forest beneath the Aiguille du Midi.
A shaded classic trail.
Starting and finishing at the animal park in Merlet this full day walk takes in the summit of the Aiguillette des Houches, Refuge Bellachat and offers a magnificent panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif.
The walking route up to the old La Para mid station of Les Glaciers cable car via La Cascade du Dard Refuge is a popular forest route with stunning valley views towards Les Houches through breaks in the tree line.
Experience the most aquatic all out activities with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Experience the perfect way to see areas of the valley that are otherwise inaccessible with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.
Given its tranquil location and picturesque surroundings, Les Bossons is home to a number of luxury chalets.
This charming, small self-catered chalet is the perfect getaway for a couple or small family. Situated in the village of Les Tines, between Chamonix and Argentière, it offers an ideal location for those who want to ski at both Les Grands Montets and Flegère in winter, while in summer it serves as a great starting point for numerous country walks.
Magnificent traditional four-bedroom farmhouse within walking distance of Chamonix centre.
Chalet Scierie is a beautifully renovated and recently upgraded chalet in the hamlet of Les Tines, a quiet spot ideally located for skiing in both Chamonix and Argentière. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the Flegère lift or five minutes from Les Grands Montets. Set next to a charming chapel, with the gentle sound of a river running past and fabulous views of Mont Blanc, this pretty chalet offers a truly idyllic mountain setting.
This chalet is ideally located close to Chamonix in a quiet setting, with beautiful mountain views. Just a ten-minute drive from the nearest ski lift, it’s perfect for families or groups of friends.
Chalet Grand Cru is a ten person chalet located in the heart of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc; this great value property features incredible views of Mont-Blanc and is only a few minutes walk from the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of the town.
You will feel like you’re holidaying in your second home when you book this chalet located right next door to the hotel.
There are a small number of apartments to rent in Les Bossons in both summer and winter and you can pretty much guarantee they will have great views of Les Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers!
Chez Florence is brilliantly located to enjoy all that Chamonix has to offer, in a peaceful road, yet only a short stroll from the centre.
Beautiful two-bedroom flat just a five-minute walk from the Grands Montets cable car.
Traditional 4-bedroom chalet within walking distance of the centre of Chamonix.
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
Located at the heart of Chamonix, the “La Ginabelle” residence proposes spacious apartments with an excellent standard of facilities and services. Ideally located for easy access to the finest tourist sites: the little Montenvers train will take you to the “Mer de Glace” while the “Aiguille du Midi” cable car will carry you up to magnificent summits.
A smart, modern apartment situated in a historic 1903 building which has been lovingly converted into 10 modern apartments in the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car.
There are a small number of hotels in Les Bossons.
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
The village is well connected to the rest of the valley and the ski areas via regular local bus and train services, making it an attractive destination for tourists all year round.
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Chalet Maria is a magnificent, recently built 4-bedroom chalet located at the foot of the Les Planards ski area, just a few minutes' walk from the very heart of Chamonix.
An exceptional chalet of over 300 m², nestling in the heart of the Bossons district of Chamonix. Completely redesigned using the finest materials, this former ironworks offers a unique living environment combining charm, elegance and absolute comfort.
Apartment Flégère is a modern, stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment within a stone’s throw of the Flégère lift, adjacent to the village of Les Praz. Gut-renovated in 2015, the apartment is currently set up as a 2-bedroom unit with separate studio, but very easily converted back to a 3-bedroom apartment.
Spacious apartment in the center of town close to all the action, easy to maintain, with fantastic mountain views.
Four bedroom chalet in les Bossons a quiet and residential area, 5 minutes by car from Chamonix or 15 minutes by bike via the new cycle path. Also 5 minutes by car to Les Houches.
Available to move into from June 2025. This lovely chalet is a perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience, recently renovated and in impeccable condition.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
See allUpcoming Events