Events & Festivals in Chamonix

An international film festival showcasing documentaries, features, and short films focused on mountain cultures, exploration, and the environment. Features filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and screenings in multiple venues across town.

The pinnacle of competitive ice climbing, where elite athletes scale spectacular, man-made ice walls in speed and lead disciplines. A breathtaking spectacle of skill and nerve set against the alpine backdrop.

A glamorous and unique sporting event where teams on horseback compete in the fast-paced game of polo on a snow-packed field. Includes VIP tents, après-polo parties, and a refined alpine ambiance.

A celebration of mixed and ice climbing, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and try-it-out sessions with world-class climbers. Focuses on the art of tackling frozen waterfalls and technical alpine terrain.

A active, family-friendly parade with colorful floats, costumed participants, music, and dancing through the town center. Traditionally marks the period before Lent with a joyful, chaotic celebration.

A freeride competition for amateur and semi-pro skiers and snowboarders, tackling the legendary off-piste faces of the Mont Blanc massif. A test of skill, line choice, and nerve in big mountain terrain.

A major religious holiday celebrated with special Masses in local churches. Families gather for festive meals, and many hotels and restaurants offer elaborate Easter Sunday brunches.

A legendary weekend of trail running featuring races of various distances, including the iconic 42km marathon with 2,500m of vertical gain. Thousands of runners from around the world participate.

A nationwide celebration of music on the summer solstice. Chamonix comes alive with free, impromptu concerts in streets, bars, and squares featuring all genres from rock and jazz to classical and folk.

A multi-day festival celebrating mountain culture through film screenings, photography exhibitions, art installations, live music, and talks by adventurers and artists. A creative hub in the summer.

France's national day is celebrated with a morning military parade, followed by a day of festivities. The highlight is the spectacular fireworks display over the Brévent mountain face in the evening.

A unique festival offering free jazz and world music concerts in spectacular high-altitude settings, like at the Plan de l'Aiguille or on the Mer de Glace glacier. Music meets majestic scenery.

When a stage of the world's most famous bike race finishes in Chamonix, the town erupts in a carnival atmosphere. Expect a huge crowd, sponsor caravans, and the thrilling final sprint of the peloton.

A traditional fair celebrating local arts and crafts. Dozens of artists and artisans from the region set up stalls to display and sell paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, and other handmade goods.

An important Catholic holiday marked by a special morning Mass, often followed by a small procession. It's a public holiday in France, so many shops may be closed, but restaurants remain open.

A celebration of Savoyard cheese-making traditions. Local producers offer tastings of Reblochon, Beaufort, Tomme, and more. Includes demonstrations, cheese-based dishes for sale, and family activities.

A nationwide weekend where historical monuments, private buildings, and institutions usually closed to the public open their doors for free. In Chamonix, this can include alpine museums, historic hotels, and the Mer de Glace train.

A challenging and technical trail running race through the stunning Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Known for its demanding terrain and breathtaking autumn scenery. Shorter, amateur-friendly races are also held.

A culinary event where local chefs create special menus and host workshops, tastings, and gastronomic dinners. Focuses on autumn flavors, local produce, and Savoyard cuisine with a modern twist.

A solemn Catholic holiday honoring the dead. Families visit cemeteries to clean graves and place chrysanthemums. A special Mass is held, and it's a quiet, reflective day in town.

A traditional alpine Christmas market with wooden chalets selling crafts, decorations, local food, and mulled wine (vin chaud). Festive lights, carol singers, and a particular atmosphere fill the town center.

A magical evening parade for children where Santa Claus arrives in Chamonix, often on a sleigh or vintage vehicle, accompanied by elves, musicians, and festive floats. Ends with a meet-and-greet.

Chamonix celebrates with fireworks launched from multiple points in the valley, creating a spectacular surround-sound and sight display. Restaurants offer lavish "Réveillon" dinners, and bars host lively parties.