Christmas & New Year 2019/20 in Val Thorens

In France, Christmas tends to be celebrated on December 24th rather than the 25th, so the main activities can be found on Christmas eve in Val Thorens. The day before, on December 23rd, there is a concert at Val Thorens church, in the centre of resort, at 18:30 starring Duo Miral. An interesting world music band that combines cultural music from the Reunion Islands mixed with Arabic and French. Entry is free and the concert will be around an hour long.

Then, on Christmas Eve, the opening of Santa’s grotto takes place at 15:00 where there will be treats given out to everyone as well as hot drinks available to warm up after a big day skiing. Don’t miss the epic ice sculpture demonstration starting at 14:00 just before Santa arrives. There will also be a Gospel music carol concert at 15:00 and 17:00. At 16:00, you can take part in a treasure hunt but the grotto closes at 18:00 in preparation for a torchlight descent by ski instructors followed by Santa Claus arriving in his sleigh at 19:00 when he will be giving out gifts. At 19:30 there will be a fantastic fireworks show which is not to be missed! It will all take place in Caron square.

During the day, there is the opportunity to take part in an ‘Introduction to Ski Touring’ with Val Thorens Sports Club – it’s a low difficulty trip, perfect if you want to learn and try something new. Starting at Place Caron, you will ski tour to a nearby restaurant where hot drinks and snacks will be waiting for you. You need book onto this course at the Sports Club in front of the Tourist Office before 12:00 on Christmas Day and get the necessary equipment from Skiset before 16:00. The trip starts at 17:30 at the Skiset in Caron Square. The price is €17.00 per person without equipment rental and €35.00 with equipment rental (shoes, skis and skins) and optional insurance of €3.

At 18:00, there will be Christmas Mass at Val Thorens church followed by a children’s torchlit descent with free hot drinks and brioche snacks. If your child wants to take part in the torchlight descent, then you must register them at the Tourist or ESF Office, the second-star level is required.

If you want to experience a French-style Christmas, make the most of all the gourmet goodies on offer. Foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, caviar, scallops and snails are common starters, and the main dish is as likely to be quail, goose or guinea fowl as turkey. If you still have room, try a “bûche de noel” (chocolate log) to finish your feast.

Towards the end of the Christmas week, celebrations continue for children with an enchanted puppet theatre show about the true story of werewolves on December 26th at 18:00, completely free of charge. On December 27th, at 14:00, there will be a children's craft afternoon at the Maison de Val Thorens where the Tourist Office will lead a candle-making workshop and other exciting activities. Children can decorate recycled items whilst having lots of fun. You have to register your child for free at the Tourist Office before 17:00 on Thursday 26th December. There needs to be 4 children minimum to run the craft workshop and it’s aimed at ages 3 to 6 years old – parents must stay with the children during the activities.

Val Thorens is well known for it’s fantastic New Year parties and 2020 will not disappoint. Head to Place Caron to watch the torchlight descent at 18:00, followed by live music and DJs followed by an awesome firework display at midnight. There will be entertainment for children too, so head out into the snow and end the year in style.