Christmas in Tignes

Enjoy a parade and fireworks in Tignes wherever you're staying.  There is a Father Christmas Parade, torchlit descents, fireworks display, free mulled wine and hot chocolate.

24 December
Tignes Val Claret: 17:30 departure of the parade accompanied by Father Christmas, then at 17:45 the torchlit descent begins followed at 18:00 by the fireworks display.

Tignes Le Lac: 18:30 the torchlit descent begins, and Father Christmas will be waiting for them as they arrive at the snow front, and from 19:00 is the final show and parade followed by a 30-minute fireworks and lights show. 

25 December
Tignes 1800: the parade starts at 17:30 followed by the 18:00 torchlit descent, and then the festivities continue…

Tignes Les Brévières: 18:15 watch the end of the torchlit descent and from 18:30 the artistes return to their musical float to display acrobatics and magic.

With so many families visiting the valley for the festive season, there is a real child-like excitement as the big day draws ever closer, and usually there's an opportunity to spot the main man himself meeting and greeting people on 24th December in Tignes Le Lac, along with a torchlit descent, fireworks and chocolate party. When the twinkly lights and animations are switched on at the Maison de Tignes Le Lac, it's hard to ignore that Christmas is nearly here.

To prepare you for your French Christmas, here are a few festive facts that make the French Santa Claus a little different:

• Rather than a red hat, Père Noël wears a red cloak with a hood trimmed in white fur - a small difference easily unnoticed.
• Children do not wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas morning, because traditionally le Père Noël brings toys to good little boys and girls after evening Mass on Christmas Eve.
• Children do not leave milk and cookies for Papa Noël, but at the very least they'll leave him a glass of Calvados or wine.
• Children do not hang stockings, but rather leave their shoes and slippers out and if they have been good Père Noël will fill them with treats.
• Children in France behave around the holidays out of fear of Le Père Fouettard, who follows Père Noël to discipline naughty children.