Inspiration

Magic is in the air at Santa Claus’s castle

Nov. 2023

3 min.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle, overlooking Lake Annecy in all its majesty, has been the theater for a wonderful fairytale over the past three years. In the castle’s idyllic setting, Santa Claus decided to set up shop to spread Christmas magic everywhere and to inspire the most amazing stories…

Le Château du Père Noël

Life in the castle at Christmas

For the third year in a row Le Château du Père Noël (Santa Claus’s Castle) welcomes visitors through January 6, 2024, unveiling creative treasures to immerse children and adults into a truly magical world.

The craftsmanship of the skilled hands of local elves, the scent of cinnamon and orange, lights sparkling in the sky, the senses awakened, and kindhearted graciousness, this is everything Santa Claus invites you to enjoy in this beautiful and historic place where every stone has many stories to tell.

The crafstmenship of local artisans

Since artisanship has meaning and local artisans set the pace, the chalets around the castle house a wide variety of creative treasures. All of the artisans present showcase the unique expertise that Savoie and Haute-Savoie have to offer, highlighting quality local craftsmanship.

Artisanal candles with enchanting scents, festive elixirs to enjoy… Choose from one of so many wonderful gift ideas.

Togetherness defined

Since Christmas means spending time with others, the castle’s gourmet food court offers the opportunity to savor a truly delicious experience.

Sweets or festive dishes, cheese fondue or a plate of oysters, whether you prefer burgers or escargot, the alcove of heated chalets provides a festive atmosphere for sitting down to enjoy a tasty morsel.

A bit of history

Why did Santa Claus choose Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle to set up shop? The location has its own unique spirit. Through the fairytale architecture, centuries-old stories to tell, and a family history, the castle walls house wonderful anecdotes and unique features that provide its intangible charm.

Open for guided tours on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00, as well as storytelling hour in the library at 11:00 every Saturday morning in December, it is time to open the storybook for this truly fascinating place. Remember to make a reservation!

Time to explore

Warm, family-friendly, and welcoming, Le Château du Père Noël (Santa Claus’s Castle) is open for free during this entire period, just like most of the activities and entertainment available. Enjoy street art, street performances, and themed evenings each and every day, as well as unlimited glitter and snowflakes.

For activities such as ice skating, workshops for kids, and storytelling hour, make reservations online beforehand. Please note that historical guided tours of the castle can only be reserved in person on location.

For the rest of the entertainment and activities, concerts and themed evenings included, come and go as you please.

A festive atmosphere

Among the many not-to-be-missed highlights during the Christmas season at the castle, participate in the gift drive by donating a used toy. Place it under the tree in Santa Claus’s workshop to brighten up Christmas for children all over the world.

As you stroll through the woods on the lighted paths, take the time to listen to a poetic story at the Orangerie.

For nighttime fun and games, enter the Blind Test on Mondays, dance to Juke Box Live on Wednesdays, relive the 1980s on Thursdays, and attend live concerts or performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visit the castle once, twice, or as many times as you like for great time as a family or with friends. As an exception to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next, the festivities on December 31 will continue through the night until 02:00 in the morning.