Magic of Christmas

Even though it's his busiest time of year, Father Christmas will be popping in to Avoriaz during the festive period. Come and meet him, have your photo taken with him and give him your Christmas list.

When he's off delivering presents, his elves will still be here with a host of other activities that the whole family will enjoy:

• the Christmas Village with elf workshops, a candy bar and food stalls with festive treats
• you'll find snowman workshops and many other activities at the Kids Club of Amara on Christmas Eve from 16:30 until 18:00, then follow the elves in a parade to the show
• sound and light spectacle to welcome Santa on Christmas Eve from 18:00 on the Domonts slope - there's a torchlit descent (18:00) and fireworks display with mulled wine and hot chocolate, followed by a magical show (19:00) for children and adults alike
• Christmas Day grand parade throughout the streets of Avoriaz with a procession of horse-drawn sleighs in all their finery - starts from 18:00 in the Falaise neighbourhood - the parade will pass through the station center, and finish in the Dromonts neighborhood

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 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.

Check with Tourist Office for timings of individual events, and enjoy a truly unforgettable Christmas in the mountains.