BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GENEVA – INCLUDING NEW AND ALTERNATIVE ONES
The only guide you’ll need!
by Laura from Let’s Explore and Chené Koscielny
CREDIT MAIN IMAGE: Geneva Tourism
We’ve been putting it off for as long as we could, but there’s no denying it any longer, Christmas is coming! We’ve decided to plunge right in with the definitive guide of Christmas markets in and around Geneva. This year Santa is bringing his special magic to the city more than ever before with the addition of a brand new Christmas market in the centre of town. We are beyond excited!
NOËL AUX BASTIONS – the new one not to miss!
Over 8,000 square meters of the Parc des Bastions will be dedicated to the new Christmas Village – THE place to get you in the Christmas mood this year. The village consists of traditional wooden cabins selling local food and drinks and offering special Christmas shopping in a traditional Swiss yuletide setting.
You’ll be able to taste local specialties, such as raclette and fondue and sweet treats such as apple strudel or for more exotic tastes, opt for something different such as a luxurious lobster roll. There will be over 30 food stalls, but the special attraction is the Fondue Chalet. It is an authentic fondue restaurant with 150 seats, which will serve nothing but fondue, however you’ll have to book your table in advance online. On the other side of the Chalet, 60 seats are available for a more spontaneous bar service and menu of raclette, soup and fondue.
Stroll around the stalls observing traditional crafts and Christmas treats, with a glass of warming mulled wine in hand.
A special lounge bar offering wintry drinks will be the place to hang out for December afterwork drinks or just chilling with family and friends. This is where you’re likely to find us in the run-up to Christmas.
For the children there is an ice-skating rink, which is usually in the park at Christmas time, and a beautiful ancient carrousel, as well as a Chalet for children. The Chalet is where stories, workshops and other children’s activities will take place.
WHERE
Parc des Bastions
WHEN
From 6 to 31 December 2018
TIMES
From Monday -Wednesday: 11:00 – 22:00
From Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 – 23:00
On Sundays: 11:00 – 20:00
Special hours: 24 December: 11:00 – 16:00, and 31 December: 11:00 – 18:00
Closed on: 25 December
MORE INFO
https://www.noelauxbastions.ch/lemarche/
CAROUGE CHRISTMAS MARKET – the arty, bohemian one!
The Italian quarter of Geneva, Carouge has many cute boutique shops and restaurants and it also boasts its very own Christmas market. The Christmas Market in Carouge offers upmarket handmade gifts, stylish accessories such as scarves, hats and jewellery, decorations and treats and is very much worth a visit. More than 180 shops are also open every Sunday for four weeks prior to Christmas, making this an ideal Sunday afternoon Christmas shopping experience.
WHEN
Christmas market: 7, 8 and 9th of December.
Open Sundays – when shops are open: 2, 9, 16 and 23 December 2018.
WHERE
Rue Saint-Joseph, Place du Marché, Place de l’Octroi, Place du Temple, Rue Ancienne and surrounding area.
MORE INFO
https://www.carouge.ch/noel-carouge-0
CHRISTMAS MARKET MONT BLANC – the quick impression!
This market is also comprised of numerous little wooden chalets with local and handmade products along the lakeside next to Rue du Mont-Blanc.
It is good for popping into if you’re shopping in town, but is not as atmospheric as some of the other markets. You’ll find the same trinkets and it’s worth a quick stroll through, but you won’t be tempted to stay long in our opinion.
WHERE
Rue du Mont-Blanc 15-30
WHEN
From 23 November till 26 of December
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10h till 19h30 and on Saturday from 10h till 20h30.
LOCAL BIO CHRISTMAS MARKET – the local, handmade and bio one!
FERME DE BUDÉ
The farm Ferme de Budé hosts for the third year in a row, a local Christmas market focusing on bio, handmade and regional products with over 25 stalls.
Products range from soap, ceramics, books, jewellery, clothes, chocolates, oils, juice, beer and wine and more.
There will be activities to entertain the little ones, as well as music and food in a festive atmosphere.
WHEN
Friday, 14 December from 16h till 21h.
Saturday, 15 December from 9h à 16h.
WHERE
CH. Moïse-Duboule 2
1209 Genève (Petit-Saconnex)
Bus line 3, stop Petit Saconnex
MORE INFO
https://www.facebook.com/events/2006424936323971/
CHRISTMAS MARKETS NEAR GENEVA
If you want to head further out, there are several great Christmas markets worth visiting near Geneva. Take the family along on a day trip and take the opportunity to see different places and soak up the Christmas holiday atmosphere.
MONTREUX – best for families and very special!
The Montreux Christmas market is located along the beautiful lakefront with spectacular views over the snow-capped Alps. More than 100 open-air chalets offer traditional Christmas gifts and trinkets. When it comes to food, you’ll be spoilt for choice with traditional cheese favourites such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette, as well as traditional German sausages, waffles, churros and more.
Families will love this market. Don’t miss Santa on his flying sleigh – (between the Lumberjack village and the Place du Marché).
‘Elves Square’ is a part of the market where children can take part in special workshops or heat up their own sausage over an open fire. Did you know it is even possible to visit the real Santa who lives in the mountains above Montreux? Take the typical Swiss scenic cogwheel train to go up the Rochers-de-Naye mountain from Montreux train station to visit Santa Claus in his office! Have your picture taken with Santa in this magical setting and visit a real Christmas village in Caux. Santa and his elves live on Rocher-de-Naye from 22 November until 24 December. Remember to book your tickets in advance: http://www.goldenpass.ch/fr/goldenpass/offer/view?id=68
WHEN
From November 22 till December 24.
MORE INFO
CHRISTMAS IN A CASTLE – the fairy-tale one!
CHILLON CASTLE
A medieval castle in a romantic setting along the lake transforms into a fairytale Christmas atmosphere. Would you like to see how Christmas was celebrated in this beautiful castle, one of Switzerland’s best, in the olden days? Watch the castle come to life with Christmas sounds, smells and decorations. Arts and crafts demos and workshops ranging from calligraphy and cookery to candle-making will keep the whole family entertained.
The castle is a day-trip from Geneva and is open on the first three weekends of December.
WHEN
From December 1 to December 16th
MORE INFO
https://www.chillon.ch/en/P14755/christmas-at-chillon-castle
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