The Magic of Christmas and New Year in Meribel 2023
There are few things more magical than a Meribel Christmas and New Year. It’s the ultimate opportunity to escape from the Christmas madness at home and indulge in true quality time with loved ones, surrounded by snow filled trees, picture perfect landscapes and charming traditional alpine architecture. There’s simply nothing like it! From Christmas Eve Festivities to New Years Eve fireworks, here we explore exactly what to expect from Christmas and New Year in Meribel. So, keep reading for all you need to know…
Is Meribel Good at Christmas?
One word, yes! Christmas in France is a little less commercial than at home in the UK but each year Meribel is full of festive cheer for all of the family. Plus, there is nothing quite like waking up in a real life winter wonderful and spending Christmas day out on the slopes.
Does Meribel have Snow at Christmas
Absolutely. Thanks to Meribel’s great geographic location and snow cannon infrastructure, you can rest assured you’ll be spoiled with fantastic conditions all season long and Christmas week is no different. Around Christmas week, we can expect to see an average of 91 cm snowfall in the upper section of the resort. Learn more about snowfall in Meribel over on our Snowfall Page
Christmas in Meribel
Christmas Eve in Meribel
On Christmas Eve, the town gathers to kick off the festivities with a bang, with the chance to see Father Christmas himself. He arrives in Meribel for the Christmas parade from around 5pm, before heading off for the busy evening ahead from La Chaudanne.
Each year, the Christmas parade becomes more enchanting than ever, as a whole host of new magical characters make their way through Meribel Centre.
Whilst the crowds await the arrival of Father Christmas and his helpers, carol singing will be held outside the tourist office in Meribel Centre. To keep you warm whilst you wait, complimentary hot chocolate and vin chaud will be served, filling the air with irresistible festive aromas.
The town will also be filled with the Christmas Market featuring an array of stalls selling gifts and traditional french delicacies.
As always, the highly anticipated torch light procession will also take place down into La Chaudanne. This long standing tradition sees ESF instructors descend from Mottaret along with a magnificent firework display. Here you will also have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and vin chaud.
The ice rink will be turned into a place of worship for Christmas Mass from 18:30.
Take a look at this video for a sneak peek at what to expect:
Christmas Skiing in Meribel – Pistes & Lifts
It goes without saying that the best part of a Meribel Christmas is that all lifts and pistes are open as normal. Meaning that you can still spend the day enjoying the 600 KM of pistes that the Three Valleys has to offer, before returning to your chalet for a traditional Christmas dinner prepared by your hosts.
Expect a few santa hats and a sense of Christmas cheer in the air.
Christmas Events in Meribel
The main Christmas celebrations in Meribel take place on Christmas Eve when locals and holiday makers fill the streets for the Christmas Market, carols and welcoming Father Christmas before making their way to La Chaundanne for fireworks and the torch light procession.
Following on Christmas Eve, festive fun will fill the air throughout the holiday period.
Christmas for Kids in Meribel
There’s a whole host of activities for the kids to enjoy over Christmas in Meribel and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. From ice skating to horse drawn carriages and husky sledding, discover just some of the enchanting activities on offer.
Christmas with Ski Basics
Away from the all action and back in your warm and cosy chalet, you will arrive for Christmas week to find your very own decorated Christmas tree along with bottomless vin chaud to be enjoyed throughout your stay.
On the big day, you can forget the stress of preparing Christmas dinner! On Christmas morning, you will enjoy a special Christmas breakfast served with Bucks Fizz. Followed by a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, prepared and served by your chalet hosts in the evening.
New Years in Meribel
New Years Eve Events in Meribel
The Meribel New Year festivities kick off at 16:30 with a breathtaking display of torchlight descents courtesy of ESF, illuminating the skies alongside dazzling fireworks at La Chaudanne in Meribel and also Meribel Village.
Across the resort, a whirlwind of activities and events will take place to ring in the new year. Enjoy complimentary hot drinks throughout the evening, dance to music played by live DJs, and brace yourself for the grand finale—yet another breathtaking firework display over the spectacular mountain backdrop.
As the night unfolds, enjoy the rhythm of Latino sounds on the Chaudanne plateau, where the space will transform into a disco led by none other than Alex Da Kosta, France’s top Latino DJ. Dance under the stars and create memories to last a lifetime.
New Years Day Activities in Meribel
What better way to spend the first day of the year than on the piste, exploring all that Three Valleys have to offer. That’s right! Just as on Christmas Day, ski lifts and pistes will remain open as normal on New Year’s Day meaning you can kickstart the year enjoying the unrivaled ski terrain of Meribel and beyond. We’re not sure it gets any better than that?
New Year with Ski Basics
Away from the festive frenzy of the town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, guests can return to their welcoming and snug chalet, for an equally magical evening. Your chalet hosts are committed to ensuring that your New Year’s Eve is nothing short of unforgettable and will be on hand to take care of all the details, leaving you and your fellow guests to enjoy the evening.
Ready To Spend the Festive Season in Meribel?
We think you’ll agree, Christmas and New Year 2023 in Meribel is set to be one to remember. If you’re joining us for it, we cannot wait to welcome you and be sure to share your celebrations with us by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook. If you’ve not yet booked your next trip to Meribel, why not take a look at our remaining availability and keep your eyes peeled on our social media for updates on when bookings open for Christmas and New Year 2024.