Chambéry Christmas Market

Once the capital of the Dukes of Savoy, Chambéry lines up its arcades and trompe-l'œil façades around the Elephant Fountain, and Chambéry Christmas market sets up in 2026 as close as can be to that backdrop: Boulevard de la Colonne, Place des Éléphants and Place du Palais de Justice, according to the town. The chalets take their place around the fountain and along the boulevard, with the old town and the castle of the Dukes of Savoy within walking distance. The setting already does half the work.

Boulevard de la Colonne and the old town in festive dress

For 2026, the town announces the chalets on Boulevard de la Colonne, Place des Éléphants and Place du Palais de Justice; the programme is still being put together and applications from exhibitors are open. In 2025, Place Saint-Léger was the backbone of the market, with around twenty wooden chalets of Savoyard craftspeople, from leather goods to candles, along with tree decorations and toys, and a covered, heated area in the middle where you could settle in with a hot drink.

The market doesn't stop at these squares. Heading down towards the old town's shopping streets, you pass arcaded streets, narrow passageways and inner courtyards that give the historic centre its charm. Lights dress the landmark buildings, and a wander after dark is as worthwhile as the stalls themselves. Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral, with its painted trompe-l'œil interior, is just behind.

Savoyard treats and mulled wine

It's hard to walk through a Savoyard market without giving in to melted cheese. The food stalls play the regional card: Reblochon tartiflette, raclette served on a plate, diots (small Savoy sausages) simmered in white wine, and croziflette for fans of crozets. On the sweet side there are bugnes and gingerbread; on the cheese side, tommes to take home.

The mulled wine recipe here comes with the classic spices, cinnamon and orange, and a few stalls also serve hot apple juice for children and anyone who prefers it alcohol-free. Local producers are well represented, with Bauges honey, jams, génépi liqueurs and alpine pasture cheeses to slip into your basket.

• Tartiflette and raclette served hot in the middle of the market
• Diots in white wine, a Savoyard speciality to try on the spot
• Spiced mulled wine, and hot apple juice for younger visitors
• Bauges honey, génépi and alpine cheeses from local producers
• Bugnes and gingerbread for something sweet

Ice rink, festive big top and entertainment: the 2025 edition

In 2025, Chambéry's festivities reached well beyond the chalets. In the Jardins de l'Europe, an open-air ice rink was set up for the season, surrounded by a few extra chalets, with a view over the urban lake at the end of the day. A heated big top went up near Place du Palais de Justice under the name “Noël au Palais”: concerts, shows, children's workshops and visits from Father Christmas in the late afternoon set the rhythm of the days. The town has not yet said what will be back in 2026.

The programme at Chambéry Christmas market also had highlights out in the streets: roaming performers, street shows, storytelling, readings, choirs and concerts followed one another from one weekend to the next. The parade that switched on the Christmas lights kicked things off at the end of November. Entry to the market and events was free; only the ice rink needed a ticket.

Opening hours, getting there and practical information for Chambéry Christmas market

The town has published the 2026 dates: the Christmas market will run from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 on Boulevard de la Colonne, Place des Éléphants and Place du Palais de Justice; Place Saint-Léger is not part of that announcement and the opening hours have not yet been published. In 2025, Place Saint-Léger hosted the market from late November to 31 December, and the “Noël au Palais” big top opened every day from 2pm until 23 December.

Chambéry is easy to reach by train: the station is about ten minutes' walk from the old town, with direct services from Lyon, Grenoble and Annecy. By car, the central car parks (Curial, Ravet, château) save you driving round in circles; as the historic core is pedestrianised, it's best to park just outside it. The old town is step-free, although the cobbles are uneven in places.

Nearby sights and neighbouring markets

It's easy to extend your visit: the Château des Ducs de Savoie and its Sainte-Chapelle, the Elephant Fountain (the “quatre sans cul”, or “four with no backsides”, as the locals call it) and Les Charmettes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's house, are all within walking distance. A weekend is enough to combine the market, heritage and a trip into the mountains.

Less than forty minutes away, Annecy Christmas market and its illuminated canals make a lovely stop; Grenoble Christmas market has a more urban feel, and for a high-mountain atmosphere, Chamonix Christmas market, facing Mont Blanc, is a complete change of scene.