Christmas in the Mountains: your holiday celebrations at the resort | Chalet Collection
Spending Christmas in the mountains means choosing a different way to experience the festive season.
Here, the days begin with a view of the snow-capped peaks and end with a hot chocolate, in the comfort of a chalet after a few hours on the slopes. As the festive season approaches, the villages of the Alps are decked out in their finest decorations and take on a particularly warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, a Christmas holiday in the mountains offers a rare balance of activities, wide-open spaces and quality time together.
And in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the authentic charm of a Savoyard village is combined with access to one of the world’s largest ski areas.
The festive season at high altitude: an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world!
There is something special about the festive celebrations in the mountains. First and foremost, when the snow falls, it transforms the landscapes and gives the villages a picture-postcard feel. The streets are lit up, Christmas trees are put up in the streets, and shop windows are decked out with decorations.
In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, this atmosphere really comes into its own. The village retains a genuine Savoyard identity, with its traditional houses, heritage and local shops. During the festive season, concerts, torchlit descents, shows and culinary events add to this winter scene.
Christmas, a magical time to explore the mountains
With decorated chalets, illuminated villages and a magical atmosphere
A Christmas in the mountains is about more than just skiing. It’s also about the pleasure of settling into a more leisurely pace: strolling through snow-covered streets, admiring the village’s festive lights, or stopping for a few minutes to enjoy a hot chocolate.
In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the ‘Saint-Martin s’illumine’ event perfectly captures this spirit. The Christmas market brings together artisans, local crafts and delicacies, whilst musical entertainment and shows take place in the heart of the village.
The quintessential mountain traditions
Festive celebrations also offer the chance to discover a more authentic side to the mountains. Savoyard produce, cheeses, cured meats, local wines and traditional specialities naturally find their place on Christmas tables.
And then there are the experiences that are truly part of the mountain dream: a sleigh ride, a snowshoe hike or a horse-drawn carriage ride through the narrow streets of a snow-covered village. So many ways to enjoy the mountains without necessarily having to put on your skis.
Things to do during your Christmas holidays in the mountains
Non-skiing activities to enjoy as a family
Even in a ski resort, it would be a shame to spend your entire holiday on the slopes. Les Menuires offers a range of activities, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, rail tobogganing and walks.
Indoor activities, such as the swimming pool, cinema and play areas, also provide a welcome change of pace.
For families, the range of activities is particularly well suited: the resort has the ‘Famille Plus’ accreditation and recommends booking certain activities in advance, including ski lessons, childcare and dog-sledding trips.
Special Christmas events
During the festive season, the festive atmosphere continues even after the ski lifts have closed. Shows, concerts, illuminations, torchlit descents and children’s entertainment set the pace for each day.
In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the festive programme included horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, concerts, fireworks and entertainment around the village. As the schedule changes every year, it’s best to check the official programme before you set off, directly on the tourist office’s website.
L'importance de réserver son séjour de Noël en avance...
The festive season a time when demand skyrockets!
Christmas holidays are one of the most sought-after periods for a ski holiday. The best-located accommodations, large chalets, and family-friendly properties can quickly be booked up, sometimes as much as a year in advance!
Planning ahead is even more important when looking for accommodation with specific criteria: close to the slopes, sleeps a certain number of guests, a fireplace, wellness area, terrace, or mountain views.
Maximize your chances of finding the property that’s right for you.
Booking early is above all about having a choice rather than having to settle for what’s left. Whether you’re looking for a family chalet, a ski-in/ski-out apartment, or a property with several bedrooms, it’s best to start your search several months before the holidays.
You can also submit a pre-booking request directly through our local agency.
Holiday rentals then become much easier to organise: you can compare properties, check their location, and choose accommodation that is truly suited to your group.
Christmas with family, friends or as a couple? Experience the mountains at your own pace.
The beauty of Christmas in the mountains lies in being able to enjoy it at your own pace.
For families, a comfortable and practical accommodation, close to activities and the slopes, is often the ideal choice. With friends, a large chalet provides plenty of space to share meals and evenings together, while still allowing everyone to have their own space. As a couple, an intimate accommodation with beautiful mountain views can be all it takes to create a truly special escape.
Whatever the occasion, the chalet remains one of the symbols of a winter holiday: you come back after a day outdoors, take off your snow-covered boots, and gather in the warmth around a traditional Savoyard dinner.
Where to spend christmas in the mountains?
A large ski area or a charming mountain village?...
The choice of resort largely depends on the experience you are looking for.
A large ski area such as the 3 Valleys offers a wide range of possibilities on the slopes, with routes suitable for different ability levels.
For the 2026–2027 winter season, Les Menuires are scheduled to be open from December 5, 2026 to April 18, 2027, while Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is expected to open from December 12, 2026 to April 18, 2027.
On the other hand, a village such as Saint-Martin-de-Belleville appeals with its character and atmosphere... Here, the experience is not only about skiing: heritage, local traditions and village life also play an important role.
The atmosphere and amenities you’re looking for during your festive season getaway
When choosing your accommodation, it is important to think beyond the number of beds. A successful holiday rental is also one that matches the way you want to enjoy your holiday.
Access to the slopes, shops nearby, parking, a ski locker, outdoor space, fireplace, sauna or hot tub can make all the difference during a Christmas week in the mountains.
Christmas in the mountains: a special escape that will make you want to come back.
There are the memories you take home in your suitcase, and those that stay with you long after you leave. A shared meal in a chalet, your first tracks in the snow, a torchlit descent watched from the village, or an afternoon of skiing in the soft December light.
That is probably what makes Christmas in the mountains so special.
Your dream holiday in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville with Collection Chalet
To make the most of the festive season, choosing the right accommodation is essential. With Collection Chalet, you can find a holiday rental in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville that suits your plans: a family holiday, a getaway with friends, or a romantic escape for two.
A welcoming chalet, beautiful mountain views, a convenient location, and spaces designed for spending time together: everything comes together to help you experience the resort in a different way.
And because Christmas holidays are best planned well in advance, now is the time to choose your ideal getaway.
Discover the Collection Chalet chalets in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and start planning your next Christmas in the French Alps today.
Charly.G
