Megève Christmas tree lighting: see you on 5 December 2026

Every year, in early December, there is one evening when the whole of Megève gathers in the same place. On the village square, at the foot of the church, the big Christmas tree lights up all at once in front of locals and the first holidaymakers of the season. It’s the signal that winter can begin.

This year, the tree lighting will take place on Saturday 5 December 2026, for its 17th edition. Here is what you need to know to enjoy it, plus a few ideas to keep the magic going over the festive season.

A tradition that kicks off winter in Megève

For more than 50 years, a big Christmas tree has stood on the village square throughout the winter. Its lighting has become a real event: people come with their families, neighbours or friends, often with a hot chocolate in hand, to watch the show and enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

The theme is kept secret until the very last moment. It is only revealed when the lights come on, and that is a big part of the evening’s charm: nobody really knows what to expect.

A giant tree made of 374 small fir trees

Megève’s tree is no ordinary Christmas tree. Last year, it stood 18 metres tall and was made of 374 small fir trees assembled into a single structure, a creation presented as unique in France. Its decorations were designed by the jewellery house Messika.

It takes almost a month of work to get it ready. In early November, the teams put up the structure. The lights are installed over the following weeks, and the decorations arrive in the very last days before the show. The surprises of the 2026 edition are waiting for you on the night.

Good news if you can’t be there on 5 December: the tree stays up for a good part of the winter. Last year, you could still admire it in March.

Megève at Christmas: what to do around the village square?

On the evening of the lighting, take time to wander. The illuminated bell tower, the old façades and the little streets of the centre give the village a real Christmas-in-the-mountains feel. It’s also a good time to browse the shops and find a few gift ideas.

If you’re coming with children during the holidays, the Christmas Village sets up from 21 to 31 December 2026 on the ice rink esplanade (closed on 25 December). On the programme:

• Father Christmas’s office, to hand over your list and leave with a photo;
• the elves’ workshops, creative workshops from age 4 (€5, booking online on the Megève Tourisme website);
• the Father Christmas parade, on 24 December at 5.30pm, starting from Place du Village.

For more ideas with children, have a look at our article Megève with the family this winter : rail toboggan, giant swing and snowtubing at Le Jaillet.

Our tips for enjoying the evening

• Arrive a little early. The square fills up quickly and the best spots go early.
• Wrap up warm. In early December, evenings in Megève are chilly: hat, gloves and good shoes.
• Come on foot if you can. The square is right in the centre of the village, and it’s much easier than trying to park on a festive evening.
• Come back for photos. On the night of the show, it gets busy. On another evening that week, the illuminated tree is much easier to photograph in peace.

Staying in the heart of the village over the festive season

Au Vieux Moulin is just a stone’s throw from the village square. All winter long, you’ll walk past the illuminated tree on your way back from the slopes. In the evening, our restaurant Le Restaunome welcomes you with cooking based on fresh, local produce, with a Christmas menu and a New Year’s Eve menu for the festive season. And to warm up after a day outdoors, our spa with sauna is waiting for you.

And on the evening of the lighting, the hotel is opening its doors especially for the night of Saturday 5 December: enjoy the show, then walk back. It then reopens for the season on 18 December.

Fancy experiencing the magic of Christmas in Megève? Take a look at our rooms or book directly online. We look forward to welcoming you.