Just like an Advent calendar, discover an idea for an outing or activity every day in December in Geneva while waiting for Christmas to arrive.
Friday 1st: Join Père Fouettard on parade
Take part in the masked musical parade alongside Père Fouettard and Mère Chauchevieille, which ends around a bonfire in Parc Gourgas.
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
Streets in la Jonction neighbourhood (bonfire in parc Gourgas)
Prices
Free
More information
Saturday 2nd: Enjoy a visit to the quayside
Eat a fondue in a chalet, drink a beer in a Christmas pub, shop at craft and designer stalls or meet Father Christmas by the harbour under the twinkling lights: with Christmas on the quayside, there is plenty to do this December around the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc!
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
Quai and Rotonde du Mont-Blanc
When?
- Chalets and merry-go-rounds: from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Foudue chalet: from midday to midnight
- Christmas Pub: from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Prices
Free admission
More information
- More information, details of the entertainment and opening times for other days on the Christmas on the quayside website
Sunday 3rd: Rub shoulders with little bugs
Echoing the temporary exhibition “Être(s) ensemble” (being(s) together), the MEG invites anyone aged 4 and over to view Minuscule in order to observe the daily lives of insects through the distorting prism of burlesque and poetry.
For whom?
Anyone aged 4 and over
Where?
At the MEG
When?
From midday to 2 p.m.
Prices
Free, with no registration required
More information
- More information in the diary: Sunday cinema for kids: Minuscule
Monday 4th: Join the circus!
A non-prescription entertainment cure for small and large children to cheer themselves up under the big top of the Christmas circus on the plaine de Plainpalais.
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
Plaine de Plainpalais
When?
Times and dates available on the Christmas circus website
Prices
- Dinner and show: from CHF 55 to CHF 115
- Circus show: from CHF 45 to CHF 55
More information
- More information and tickets on the Christmas circus website
Tuesday 5th: Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day in the streets
On Saint Nicholas Day, rue Jean-Daniel Colladon welcomes the public with a concert, crafts, parties for children and teenagers, chocolate and mulled wine, mandarins and peanuts; and let’s not forget Saint Nicholas himself, accompanied by Père Fouettard! In the event of rain, the event will take place at the Manège en ville.
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
In rue Jean-Daniel Colladon (at the Manège en Ville in the event of rain)
When?
- From 4 p.m.: parade with Saint-Nicolas and Père Fouettard, music, crafts and fire show
- 5.45 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.: children’s party
Prices
Free
More information
More information on the Chausse-Coq community centre website
Wednesday 6th: Swapping toys in les Bastions
With the children’s Christmas market, the City of Geneva provides a venue for anyone keen to give a second lease of life to books, toys and other items they no longer use, in a large heated marquee in les Bastions.
For whom?
Children and families
Where?
Parc des Bastions (in the heated marquee of la Course de l'Escalade)
When?
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices
Free admission, cheap toys and games
More information
nformation and details of the entertainment in the diary: Christmas market by and for children
Thursday 7th: Enjoy an aperitif at the museum
For its final “afterwork” event of the year, on the theme of “The Wall”, the MAH turns its courtyard into a cosy lounge where you can enjoy a little food and drink to the back of a Dj’s set. Quirky “speed dating” with the works of art, performances and other surprises are on the programme, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
When?
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Prices
Pay what you want
More information
- More information on the MAH website: Afterworks
Friday 8th: Take a trip to the Himalayas
Two captivating exhibitions at the Musée Barbier-Mueller whisk us away to the roof of the world to meet the Chepang people (a Nepalese ethnic group) and discover the hidden treasures of the southern Himalayas.
Pour qui?
Tout public
Où?
Musée Barbier-Mueller (sous-sol)
Quand?
De 11h à 17h
Tarifs
CHF 5.- à CHF 8.-
Plus d'infos
- Plus d'infos sur le site web du musée Barbier-Mueller: Deux expositions: Regards sur les Chepang & Trésors cachés de l'Asie du Sud-Himalaya
Saturday 9th: Encounters at the farm
Every Saturday until 16 December, Budé Farm will be welcoming craftsmen and women along with local producers. This Saturday, the Savonnerie Kaolin, the Distillerie du Saconnex d'Arve, Konoï and the Brasserie du Virage will be on site. A chance for the public to find the perfect gift for under the Christmas tree!
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
When?
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prices
Free admission
More information
- More information and other encounters in the diary: Saturday gatherings at Budé farm
Sunday 10th: Plunge into the Geneva of 1602
Don’t miss the great historic Escalade parade, with some 800 volunteers in historic costumes bringing the Geneva of 1602 back to life; leaves from Parc des Bastions. During the weekend of l'Escalade, you will have the chance to visit the secret passage of Monetier, only open to the public during this period. Throughout the weekend, activities, demonstrations and other events will bring the old town to life, thanks to Compagnie 1602.
For whom?
Open to all
When?
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December
Where?
Old town and les Bastions
Prices
Most entertainment, demonstrations and visits are free.
More information
All information and details of the entertainment on the Compagnie 1602 website: Festivities 2023
Monday 11th: Listen to see art from a different standpoint
This is the chance to take a new look at the illuminated mural, “Pinta Cura”, by Frédéric Post, installed on one façade of a building in les Grottes, behind Cornavin station, and at “Sans titre”, a tombstone revisited by Gianni Motti in Plainpalais cemetery. To help you: two podcasts produced by the FMAC, available free of charge!
Tuesday 12th: Break the chocolate cauldron
“Thus die the enemies of the Republic!” By citing this phrase when breaking a chocolate cauldron, pay tribute – in keeping with tradition – to the legendary Mère Royaume (mother kingdom), who is said to have thrown a cauldron on the enemy.
Wednesday 13th: Take a journey to the Far North
Presented as part of Ciné Prim’s, two animated films shown at les Scala will whisk you away to the Far North: “Opération Père Noël” serves up a helping of suspense along with the magic of Christmas”, while “Au Pays de l'aurore boréale” presents the life of Colin and his grandfather, a narwhal hunter.
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
Cinéma Les Scala, Rue des Eaux-Vives 23
When?
From 9.45 a.m. to 11.15 a.m.
How much
- Single admission: CHF 9
- 4 admissions (transferable): CHF 25
- 6 admissions (non-transferable): CHF 30
Adults enjoy the same price as children
How?
No registration required. Simply come to the entrance of the cinema 15 minutes before the start of the screening.
More information
- More information on the Eaux-Vives community centre website Opération Père Noël
Thursday 14th: Let’s think about sugar
With “Sugar is not a reward”, the performer Yann Marussich takes a light-hearted, critical, fun and documented look at the world of sugar, from agribusiness practices to advertising. On the programme: performances, encounters, installations and lots of other surprises!
For whom?
General public
Where?
Le Commun exhibition centre, Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10
When?
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much
Free
More information
- More information on Le Commun website: Sugar is not a reward
Friday 15th: Spend the morning or afternoon doing lengths
On December 15, the pool will be open until 12 p.m. at Les Vernets and 8 p.m. at Varembé! (The Vernets pool is exceptionally closed to the public in the afternoon).
For whom?
Open to all
Where?
Les Vernets swimming pool, rue Hans-Wilsdorf 4
When?
From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Consult all the opening times of les Vernets swimming pool and Varembé swimming pool
How much
From CHF 1 to CHF 7 for one admission
How?
Purchase your ticket on site at the cash desk or via the online ticketing service
Saturday 16th: Dance on ice
Get your skates on and be carried away by the frenzied beats of the DJ, with the 2nd disco on ice of the season! Guaranteed to break the ice!
For whom?
Open to all
When?
From 7 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Where?
On les Vernets indoor ice rink, rue Hans-Wilsdorf 4
How much
- Normal price: CHF 7
- Reduced price (under 25s, AI, AVS): CHF 3.50
- 20 ans/20 francs pass: CHF 2
Skate hire: CHF 2 / pair
How?
No registration required
Sunday 17th: Encourage chilly swimmers
More than 4,000 people, some in costume and some not, will be setting off in the swimming race in the bay. The water will be between 3 and 9°C, so the chilly swimmers deserve some warm encouragement!
For whom?
Everyone is welcome to come along and shout their encouragement; registration to participate in the races is closed.
When?
- Saturday 16 December, from 8.15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday 17 December, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where?
Geneva bay (southern shore)
- La Givrée du Jet d'eau race: starting from the Jet d'eau and finishing at the Jardin anglais.
- Traditional race: starting down water from the boat “Le Genève” and race along the Jardin anglais.
More information
- More information in the online diary: Christmas Cup 2023
Monday 18th: Shop in a Christmas atmosphere
Between the twinkling lights and the smell of cinnamon and mulled wine, numerous Christmas markets, either indoor or in the open air offer us the chance to enjoy the atmosphere, admire the work of artists or craftsmen and women and find the ideal gift for under the tree!
For whom?
Open to all
Where and when?
The list of Christmas markets still operating and their opening dates and times can be found on the page: Christmas markets in the run-up to the festive season
Prices
Admission to the different markets is free. Any entertainment provided may be free or subject to a fee; more details on the pages of the markets in question.
Tuesday 19th: Smile to music
Come down to the Victoria Hall to hear classical favourites revisited at the Smile gala concert, with soloists Camille Berthollet (violin and cello) and Julie Berthollet (violin).
For whom?
General public
When?
At 7 p.m.
Where?
At the Victoria Hall, rue du Général-Dufour 14
How much
From CHF 30 to CHF 60
Ticket office
Reserve your seat via the Victoria Hall online ticketing service: Smile gala concert
More information
- More information on the organiser’s website: Violonissimo
Wednesday 20th: Add your own pinch of salt before the Christmas snack
L'atelier P'tit Détective du mois de décembre permettra au 6-12 ans d'aborder la question du sel dans notre alimentation. Un goûter de Noël clôturera l'atelier et la saison, avant de nouvelles aventures en 2024!
For whom?
Children aged 6 to 12
When?
2.30 p.m.
Where?
Eaux-Vives community centre, Rue de Montchoisy 46
How much
CHF 10 per child
How?
Online registration via the Swiss Food Academy website: Viens mettre ton grain de sel, or by telephone: +41 22 558 06 56.
More information
More information in the online diary: P'tit détective workshop - Christmas snack and December workshop
Thursday 21st: Celebrate the arrival of winter
The MEG welcomes you for an evening celebrating the winter solstice. An invitation to dream, inspired by the sounds of a wide range of musical traditions.
For whom?
Anyone aged 6 and over
When?
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where?
MEG foyer, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65, 1205 Genève
How much
Free
More information
- More information on the MEG website: Winter solstice to music
Friday 22nd: make the evening last at la Fusterie
Today, the artists and craftsmen and women of la Fusterie Christmas market will play extra time until 9.30 p.m.! Plenty of time to stroll among the little wooden chalets hiding potential gifts for under the tree!
For whom?
General public
When?
From 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Where?
Place de la Fusterie
More information
More info from:
- the online diary: La Fusterie Christmas market
- the website of the craftspeople of la Fusterie
Saturday 23rd: A night at the opera
International film star, Christoph Waltz, is best known for his roles in “Inglorious Basterds” and “Django Unchained”. With this production of “Der Rosenkavalier” produced in 2013 for Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, he takes his first steps into the world of opera. Discover this comic opera, Der Rosenkavalier, with music by Richard Strauss at the Grand Théâtre de Genève.
For whom?
General public
When?
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where?
Grand Théâtre de Genève, Place de Neuve 5
How much
From CHF 17
How?
Online reservations on the Grand Théâtre de Genève website
Sunday 24th: Buy your Christmas tree at the last minute
Anyone who has left things to the last minute but still wants to put their presents underneath the pine branches will be able to find their ideal tree in one of the five Christmas tree markets scattered around the city.
...and much more besides
Discover other events for people of every age in our online diary or be inspired by our ideas for weekly outings, sent every Thursday to your mailbox with the What to do in Geneva newsletter!
Article modifié le 15.12.2023 à 09:28