Geneva: our ideas for outings while waiting for Christmas

That’s it: the mercury is going down, the days seem very short and the streets are lighting up. Less than a month until Christmas and only a few days until we open the first door of the Advent calendar. And who says end-of-year celebrations means markets and activities to get together with family or friends. The “Tribune de Genève” offers you a non-exhaustive list of outings planned in the canton.

The markets

This is information that comes to us from the United States. From CNN to be more precise: the most beautiful Christmas market is in Basel. But no need to cross the Sarine to immerse yourself in the magic of Advent. Most Geneva municipalities organize theirs, over one or several days.

We no longer present it, Christmas at the dock has already taken up residence by the lake. After the Parc des Bastions and the Jardin Anglais, the largest Christmas market in the canton is this year on the Quai du Mont-Blanc until December 24. The program is full of activities, such as pony rides, Christmas wreath or embroidery workshops for children, as well as numerous concerts. Hurry up and reserve your table at the Fondue Chalet, places are selling out!

In the towns too, the market season has started. This weekend, these are notably Cartigny, Gy, Bellevue et Confignon who invite you to taste a mulled wine and discover the many artisans who will be running stands for local Christmas gifts.

It is impossible to cite them all, but it will be noted that Plan-les-Ouatesthe market will be “ethical and eco-friendly”, in partnership with Renfile, on December 6 and 7. For its part, Vernier organizes several markets in its different neighborhoods. That of the Pond will even have its first edition, on December 17 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.! To discover the nearly 130 markets in French-speaking Switzerland, do not hesitate to consult our interactive map.

Christmas in Music

What would Christmas be without its songs? There is no question here of putting Mariah Carey in your head – unless it is already too late – but rather of presenting you with some concerts to go and listen to in Geneva.

The 1^is December, the Ensemble vocal de Lausanne, under the direction of Pierre-Fabien Roubaty, will give a advent concert at Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Free entry.

Ten days later, on December 11, the group Geneva Brass will share the stage with the Masters of the Popular Conservatory of Music of Geneva, at the Temple de la Madeleine. The ticket costs 15 francs per person, but it is free for children under 10 years old. The public is even invited to dress in their best Christmas sweater!

The Orchestra of French-speaking Switzerlandaccompanied by several children’s and adolescent choirs, will perform at the Victoria Hall on December 14 for a “Winter (en)chanté”. The 11 a.m. concert is sold out, but there are still places left for the 9:15 a.m. concert!

Still at the Victoria Hall, on December 20 this time, a candlelit piano concert will offer a medley of the flagship Christmas hits, from The Nutcracker to Wham, including Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and the irresistible “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”. To attend, you will have to pay between 37 and 64 francs.

Other activities

And since we can never have enough Christmas magic, here are some other activity ideas. For the little Lancéens, first of all, who, if they have been good this year, will be able to go post their letter to Santa from December 2 to 11 in front of the Town Hall administrative building. Don’t forget to indicate the child’s name, first name and address. Note that the Christmas children’s yurt at the quay also has your own box for missives to the North Pole.

Lancy is also thinking of its seniors since December 16, as part of the Seniors’ gourmet corner in Grand-Lancyparticipants will share a meal while listening to children’s Christmas carols. The event will take place at Espace Palettes and will cost 10 francs.

What would Christmas be without cookies? Children aged 2 to 5, accompanied by an adult, will be able to participate in a sweets making workshop during Early Childhood Wednesdays, in Veyrier. Registration is compulsory and costs 3 francs per child.

Finally, don’t hesitate to stop by the municipal libraries of the City of Geneva, which organize several events in December. On Wednesday 18, the Jonction library offers a “moment convivial» with Christmas-related readings and a snack. Then at the Cité library, on December 21, come and watch the show “Clochi, clochette, Noël c’est chouette!”, which will immerse you in an atmosphere of fir trees, gingerbread and love. From 5 years old.

As we’ve said, the list is not exhaustive, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas for outings and activities with us in the comments!

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Léa Frischknecht is a PR journalist in the Geneva section. After a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Geneva, she obtained her master’s degree at the Academy of Media and Journalism at the University of Neuchâtel.More info

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