If you wonder what to do in Annecy with kids in the winter, don’t worry – there are plenty of activities, including two of the most popular ones: skiing and sledding.
The town of Annecy operates on a year-round basis, as there are plenty of locals, like me! You can still visit restaurants and even go paragliding (yes, kids can fly too – more on this later).
Christmas Markets
From late November until early January, you can enjoy Christmas markets in the city full of stalls selling incredible French yummies, including sausages, raclette, and mulled wine.
Annecy Christmas Markets aren’t as busy as those in Germany or Colmar, so that’s a plus. I’d say they’re comparable with Verona Christmas markets.
There is also ice skating at the Village des Alpes at the Christmas market. City Hall has light animations projected onto the building.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing, also known as “raquettes” in French, is a great way to explore the stunning winter landscapes of the region. There are several snowshoeing trails around Annecy. Some popular options include La Clusaz, Semnoz, and Les Confins – all with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Activ’Annecy is a company to book with.
Night in Igloo
If it gets very cold, you can book a night in an igloo. We haven’t done it yet, but I really want to next season!
Carnival
Every year, generally at the beginning of March, hundreds of people dressed in magnificent costumes parade in the street. Several activities related to make-up or mask creations can be done in Annecy during the Venetian Carnival.
Skiing
Where to go skiing near Annecy? Possibilities are endless with mountains like La Clusaz, Semnoz, and Le Grand Bornand nearby are accessible via bus from Annecy. For ski day passes, expect to pay between €15-40 plus rentals, which cost around €20-30, depending on what you need and where you get it.
For toddlers, I recommend Semnoz as it’s a small local mountain with hills that even a beginner preschooler can conquer.
For more spectacular views, I’m a big fan of Le Grand Bornand. My kids voted this spot as their favorite, because first they need to take a gondola and then they have a long magic carpet available. The longer runs are also very beginner-friendly.
Enchanted Forest
If you’re coming with kids and the weather is bad (like in rainy March) you might want to take kids to indoor play spots. My kids loved Enchanted Forest and were very impressed by how nice it was made.
Ice Skating
Annecy has a nice ice skating rink that’s accessible to the public (check the hours here). My kids enjoy the “Jardin du Glace” time the most, as they split the rink into two and make the kids area with ride-on seals and pushers.
Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne
Parc Animalier de la Grande Jeanne is a wildlife park located on the way to Le Semnoz ski resort and it’s open during the winter. It’s been our go-to activity to visit all the cute animals on the way down from the mountain.
Le Hameau du Père Noël
About 30 minutes outside of Annecy, in the town of Andilly, you’ll find the home of Father Christmas and his elves, Mother Christmas, Father Whipper, and the Attic of Dummies.
The moment you set foot through the door, you are immersed in the magic of Christmas – just a really charming, beautifully presented setting, and kids can meet Santa Claus.
