CAROUGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2020
by Alana Dunsmore
I don’t know about you, but we’re having difficulties getting into the Christmas mood with so many Christmas events being canceled due to COVID. We were very excited to hear that the Carouge Christmas lights are going ahead this year! There are three things outside of our family household Christmas tradition that I look forward to every year at Christmas time: mulled wine, Christmas markets and the Christmas lights. This ticks two out of the three boxes, not bad!
For more ideas of activities to get you in the mood this year check out our Christmas Guide 2020.
THERE’S MULLED WINE TOO!
Carouge has done a magnificent Christmas light display for a few seasons now and if you have not been, I definitely recommend a stroll through this charming part of town. The lights are spectacular and fun for the kids, but also enjoyable for a night out with a friend. Either way don’t miss the igloo selling mulled wine!
The light displays are located throughout Carouge and there seem to be seven main areas which I would recommend checking out.
SUGGESTED ROUTE TO FOLLOW
START YOUR TOUR HERE
First, pick up a mulled wine to go, after all you need something to keep you warm. The Place de l’Octroi next to the Armes tram stop is where you’ll find the Igloo, selling drinks and snacks! Whether you walk there, or take the tram, this is the perfect starting point.
This is also the first stop of the light show. Admire the beautiful bird light display, across the street from the igloo. If you look at the display from the right angle it looks as if you are watching the birds take off!
MY FAVOURITE LIGHT DISPLAY
From here make your way to Avenue Vibert, exploring some of the lights put on by individual shops. In the public square at the corner of Avenue Vibert and Boulevard des Promenades is a light display, which I think is my favourite. It consists of three large birds sitting on what appears to be water bowls, integrating lights with existing concrete structures. One bird looks like it is grooming itself and the other two appear to sip water.
THE BIG CHRISTMAS TREE
When you are done; head back across the street to the Place de Sardaigne.
It would appear the annual ice-skating rink are open for the moment and the atmosphere is very festive.
There is a beautiful large Christmas tree with lights in the square.
FLOATING FISH SWIMMING BY
While you make your way to the Place du Marche, don’t forgot to look to your left while crossing Rue Jacques-Dalphin. On the façade of one of the buildings down this street is a pretty light display of multiple large snowflakes.
When you get to the Place du Marche, look all around to notice the trees lining the square filled with cute little light sculptures, probably birds. They appear to be flapping their wings.
From here take a left on rue Saint-Joseph. This street (a portion of which is closed to vehicles) is illuminated by cute little twinkle lights, perfect for getting in a festive mood.
Take a right and make your way to rue Vautier. Along this street is where you will find the famous floating fish. These large illuminated fish appear to be swimming above the street.
The Christmas lights in Carouge are the perfect way to spend an evening out for a walk – not only is it a Covid-friendly activity, but it also makes you forget this year’s troubles for a while.
Enjoy!
MORE ABOUT THE CAROUGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Photo credit: Oliver Mich
This was the end point of our tour, but do explore the area more.
If you are more organised, there is an opportunity to see the lights during a guided tour. They do the tours on Wednesday (for kids) and Thursdays. The tours are free and can be booked by email or phone. This year they are limiting the size of groups to comply with health restrictions. See link below for information regarding tours.
