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What's on in Tignes over Christmas & New Year

Where to find Father Christmas & all the best parties

featured in News & reviews Author Lara Bugle, Tignes Reporter Updated

With Christmas finally round the corner, Tignes festive celebrations are set to be better than ever this year. Even leading up to Christmas day itself, Tignes is jam packed with loads of activities will cater for everyone and set the whole festive spirit into full swing.

Leading up to Christmas

On Wednesday the 23rd from 3pm to 6pm there is the opportunity to come and meet Father Christmas at the ‘rond-point des pistes’ with free chocolate being handed out as well as scratch cards with loads of fantastic prizes to be won. Following that, from 6pm until 8pm you can enjoy some brilliant live festive music thanks to Batuc O Max right in front of the Curling square in Val Claret at 6pm or in front of the Maison de Tignes in Le Lac from 7pm so everyone can have a bit of festive fun.

Father Christmas will also be touring around Tignes on Christmas Eve with even more candy, starting his journey at 12.30pm down at Tignes Les Brevieres snowfront then at 1.30pm he can be found at the Tignes 1800 square. From 3.30pm until 5.30pm Father Christmas will be in Val Claret finally finishing his visit at 4.30pm in Lavachet allowing all the children in Tignes a chance to say hello!

Christmas eve also plays host to a number of spectacular torchlit descents by the ESF Tignes instructors. At 5.30pm the ESF instructors in Brévières will begin their decent whilst piste Carline in Val Claret will be lit up at 5.40pm. There will also be an opportunity where you can also grab yourself a delicious cup of Vin Chaud or hot chocolate, compliments of ESF!

The day will then be beautifully rounded off with a Christmas Tale and fantastic firework display at 7pm right in front of the Maison de Tignes in Le Lac allowing you a free evening to spend time with family and friends.

Another great opportunity to have some fun on this special week is to pop into Evolution 2 ski school and see what they have to offer on their adventure timetable. You can do anything from a helicopter ride right over the whole Espace Killy for just 85 euros, Husky rides, Ice-Diving under Tignes famous lake or even a Wilderness evening including a Savoyard meal in a traditional yurt followed by a 4km sledge descent, perfect family fun for the week.

If you are not on a family orientated holiday then Tignes is also the place for you. All the bars and clubs will be open even later than usual allowing you to continue your celebrations way into the night.

For those in Val Claret, Couloir followed by Blue Girl or Melting Pot will be the places for you to go or even adventure down on the bus to Le Lac where you will find Loop Bar packed. If that doesn’t take your fancy, Underground will be playing host to a brilliant party as well as The Marmot Arms just a couple of doors down with everyone, undoubtedly, ending the night in Jack’s Club.

If you are looking for a quieter more sophisticated evening then Lavachet is the place to go with Le Brasero playing host to a lovely live music night on Christmas eve or La Queue de Cochon across the road with the best cocktails and gin selection in Tignes whilst pumping out classic 70's rock throughout the evening. La Queue de Cochon are also offering a brilliant Christmas menu of Pheasant and cranberry terrine, venison with all the trimmings, a Yule log for desert all polished off with a glass of Prosecco for the amazing price of just 40 euros per person.

Tignes also plays host to a lovely market selling everything from fruit and veg to region classic produce and we are lucky enough that it happens every Thursday and Sunday, a perfect opportunity to search for some last minute stocking goodies.

New Years Eve

I have never had a New Years Eve quite like one in Tignes. This year the pop and rock radio station RTL2 will be hosting one of the biggest parties in the region right in front of the Maison de Tignes in Le Lac underneath the starts.

From 11pm you should wrap up warm for an evening of amazing music and brilliant atmosphere ending with the notorious giant firework display at the stroke of midnight. All the bars are licensed to stay open later too so the party doesn’t end there. Either head to Underground, Loop Bar or The Marmott Arms to continue the celebrations in Le Lac with everyone plus all the Seasonaires ending the celebrations in Jack’s Club once again! All the bars and clubs are free entry all year round in Tignes, except for one or two specific events, so don’t feel like you have to commit to a particular bar each place offers a different vibe so feel free to hop around.

After the tinsel and Champagnes has all worn away, The Marmott Arms is the place to go to kick that hangover with the best burgers in Tignes, their Christmas special burger is always a winner. For those in Val Claret, Aspen Burger offers great food including salads at a very reasonable price. If that isn’t quite in your price range, Tignes Cuisine which can be found right next to Loop bar offers huge burritos and wraps starting from just 7 euros and trust me, you really get your moneys worth.

For a smarter dining experience, perhaps a lazy Boxing day lunch, I can think of no better than sunning yourself on the terrace of La Ferme des Trois Capucines. Beautiful regional classics, traditional raclette, cote de boeuf and steaks make this the best place to head if you want a classic savoiade experience.

Whoever you are with friends or family, Tignes in this festive period will wow you and with this beautiful bluebird weather we’ve been having and a new dump of snow en route for the New Year, it is set to be the best season yet!