Midweek Christmas Day Provides The Gift Of An Extended Festive Break

I once enjoyed seeing more than 100 Santa Claus’s doing a torchlit descent down the mountain in Les 2 Alpes on Christmas Eve. It was spectacular, but why there were so many Santa Claus’ took some explaining to my two toddler daughters as they believed there was only one!

Plus, there was a bit more explaining to do when, a couple of hours later, they spotted one of the white-bearded men in red taking a slug from a bottle of whisky while making a call in a local phone box.

However, the point is, the torchlit descent is just one example of the type of magic you will find in ski resorts at Christmas time. They already have ingredients such as snow-covered mountains and crisp mountain air. Add impressive decorations, illuminations, plus seasonal festivities and you have the perfect conditions for winter wonderlands.

Whether you are a pro or a beginner, the slopes provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and the endless round of visiting or hosting relatives. And the mountains are particularly attractive to children at Christmas time.

A week away during the festive period is always exciting, but this year, Christmas day falls in the middle of the week on a Wednesday. This, combined with the various bank holidays, presents the opportunity to extend your festive break by including both weekends in your trip to make a nine-day holiday.

Ski companies have put together special packages for those who want to take advantage of this opportunity, and you will find a complete list on the Ski Line website or go to the Christmas ski deals section.

You can also take advantage of the special events in resorts, including holiday markets, torchlight parades, and cosy après-ski gatherings. Here are a few examples to give you a flavour of what will be on offer in ski resorts around the world.

Meribel, France

On Christmas Eve, 24th December, Santa Claus will arrive in Méribel Centre in a horse-drawn carriage at 4.30pm, accompanied by a festive parade. There will be a torchlight descent and fireworks at 5pm. Guests can join in the outdoor carols in Méribel Centre at 5.30pm and a Christmas Eve mass will be held at 6.50pm at the ice rink.

On Christmas Day, 25th December Santa Claus will be on parade again and there will be another torchlight descent in Méribel Centre. Many local restaurants offer special festive meals, such as the Evolution Restaurant, serving roast turkey with all the trimmings from noon through to the evening.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Méribel CLICK HERE

Courmayeur, Italy

On Christmas Eve, 24th December: children can experience the traditions of Rhémy de Noël, the protagonist of a legend whose roots lie in the link between the Italian town and Mont Blanc and provide the area with its snow.

There will be children’s workshops, theatrical performances, special guest appearances with gifts and the lighting of lanterns to direct Rhémy de Noël down from the mountain to Courmayeur.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Courmayeur CLICK HERE

Tignes, France

Father Christmas will be leading a special parade on Christmas Eve and then handing out chocolates prior to a special show and fireworks. At the Maison de Tignes le Lac, children are invited to drop a letter into the Santa Claus’ letterbox.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Tignes CLICK HERE

La Plagne, France

Throughout Christmas week La Plagne embraces the ‘Magie de Noël’. Meet Santa in his grotto, see an elf parade, sip hot chocolate, enjoy festive events, fireworks and ski shows, and on Christmas Day, Santa Claus will ski between the French mountain villages to meet children and families.

In nearby Montchavin-les-Coches visitors can stroll between the Christmas market stalls to find that last-minute gift on Monday 23rd December 2024 between 3-8pm.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in La Plagne CLICK HERE

Les 2 Alpes, France

The streets of Les 2 Alpes in France are always impressively decorated during the festive season and there will be a ski show which includes entertainment, a torchlight procession, fireworks, and other attractions on Thursday 26th December starting at 6.30pm.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Les 2 Alpes CLICK HERE

Les Carroz, France

All during the festive period the French resort of Les Carroz will be putting on torchlight descents, Christmas markets, firework displays, and fairy tale shows for children.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Les Carroz CLICK HERE

Ortisei, Italy

Ortisei, the capital of Val Gardena, a UNESCO heritage site nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, will be transformed into a Christmas Village this season. Traditional wooden stalls will showcase regional products, culinary delicacies, an extensive variety of desserts, wines, and premium spirits.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Ortisei CLICK HERE

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck has become famous for its many winter markets. The Austrian city is transformed into a fascinating winter wonderland with festive lighting and treats that appeal to all the senses. The markets all have a different theme and can be found all over the city.

The days leading up to Christmas are also celebrated in style in neighbouring towns and ski villages. A Victorian-style Christmas market is to be held for the first time in neighbouring Telfs, with the new musical ‘Scrooge,’ based upon Charles Dickens’s famous tale, A Christmas Carol to be performed in the town hall.

On the 23rd December there will be a Christmas procession in the village of Igls when the Christ Child, Mary, and Joseph, accompanied by numerous angels, shepherds and animals, will parade through the village.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Innsbruck CLICK HERE

Saas Fee, Switzerland

The 3km forest path between the Swiss resorts of Saas-Fee and Saas-Almgaell will be illuminated daily between 5-11pm from mid-December to mid-January.

On the Kalbermatten ice rink, there will be an ice disco with Snowli – the mascot of the Swiss Ski School on the 18th December between 5-6pm. Mulled wine and punch will be on offer and admission is free, but you will need to bring your own skates or hire them.

From the 1st-24th December, villagers in the hamlet of Unter dem Berg in Saas-Grund, will create a Christmas atmosphere by decorating windows in advent calendar styles.

For details of Christmas offers and other accommodation options in Innsbruck CLICK HERE

Midweek Christmas Day Provides The Gift Of An Extended Festive Break: A Summary

Spending Christmas in a ski resort creates a unique holiday atmosphere. With snowy mountains, festive lights, and charming activities, resorts across Europe go all out for the season. Torchlit descents, like the one in Les 2 Alpes with over a hundred Santas, bring enchantment to the slopes. Many resorts, including Méribel, Courmayeur, and Tignes, host holiday parades, firework displays, and Christmas markets. Innsbruck and Saas-Fee have winter markets and themed events to add to the magic. Skiers and families can enjoy a memorable, extended nine-day holiday with special packages that include these festive experiences.