TOP 10 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO THIS HOLIDAY
22ND DECEMBER – 5TH JANUARY 2018
As the year races to an end at breakneck speed and we look forward to winding down and having some time to relax and to have some fun – we share some ideas for festive things to do in Geneva this holiday.
We’ll be taking a break over Christmas and New Year, but will be back with fresh ideas in 2018. Wishing you a wonderful holiday period!
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PETER HARPER – CHAT NOIR
Peter Harper will perform soul funk songs to warm your heart. With his surfer looks, luxurious voice and unique guitar and ukulélé compositions, this younger member of a family of musicians from California will ease you gently into the weekend.
WHERE: Chat Noir, ASMV. 13 rue Vautier, Carouge.
WHEN: Friday 22nd December 2017.
COST: 25CHF adults/17CHF students.
MORE INFO: Click here. To buy tickets click here.
LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Pick up last minute gifts at concept store FOOUND’s Christmas Market on Saturday 23rd December 2017. Original gifts direct from their creators will be available as well as things to nibble on and mulled wine. Never heard of FOOUND? Located in the heart of Geneva in a former factory and shop, FOOUND opened its doors in February 2015 to support and promote young artists and local entrepreneurs. Not only a concept store but also a meeting place offering various different services – from fast but healthy food, a designer shop, hairdressers, tattoo artist, artist workshop, co-working place, yoga classes, exhibitions, night markets, wine tastings, nutritionist, osteopath and astrologer. Click here to find out more about FOOUND.
WHERE: FOOUND, 16 rue Jean-Gutenberg, 1201 Genève.
WHEN: Saturday 23rd December 2017 from midday to 8pm.
COST: FREE entrance
MORE INFO: Click here.
CAROUGE OPEN SUNDAY
The shops of Carouge will be open on Sunday 24th December 2017, so make the most of the opportunity to get those last minute gift items at one of the many charming shops in the area.
The best shops can be found on rue St-Joseph, rue Ancienne and the many adjacent streets. You will find lovely independent shops including clothes and accessories shops, homeware shops, antique dealers, jewellers as well as some fantastic shops selling food gift items.
Stuck for an idea of what to buy your loved one? How about a Carouge gift voucher that can be used in over 80 different establishments – from the theatre, to beauty, fashion, restaurants, toys and many more. Click here to find out more.
WHERE: Carouge.
WHEN: Sunday 17th & Sunday 24th December 2017.
COST: FREE
MORE INFO: For a list of shops in Carouge, click here.
GET YOUR SKATES ON
Pop-up ice-skating rinks can be found all round Geneva offering some of the best-value fun to be had. For just 2CHF you can hire a pair of skates and practice your spins and turns (or just staying upright!) to your heart’s content. One of our favourite rinks is in Carouge in Place du Sardaigne. The rink itself is generously sized and sits in an equally open-feeling plaza so that on a crisp, clear day you can really feel the nip in the air – a sure-fire short cut to feeling festive. The on-site buvette offers on-lookers and non-skaters a warming range of drinks and snacks to enjoy while watching those brave skaters whoosh past.
Another great location for skating, though the rink is smaller, can be found in Parc des Bastions. The park itself is always buzzy and the beautiful glass-walled cafeteria has true old-world charm should you need to escape from the cold for a while . The park is situated at the foot of Old Town and just a five-minute walk from Rive and is a true Genevois gem should you need a quick escape from overheated shops.
Please note: don’t forget your gloves as these are obligatory when skating!
WHERE: Carouge, Parc des Bastions, Charmilles
WHEN: Throughout the festive season
COST: Around 2CHF to hire your skates.
MORE INFO: Click here.
GENEVA LUX – FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Discover the beautiful fairy-like and festive light installations created by Swiss and international artists to light up the city during the next month in the centre of town. This year sees the addition of 11 new light creations.
WHERE: Geneva Centre Ville.
WHEN: Until mid January 2018.
COST: Free.
MORE INFO: Click here.
CIRQUE ÉLOIZE – WIN TICKETS IN OUR GIVE AWAY!
The Cirque Éloize is performing until Sunday 7th January 2018. The Quebecois company presents their new Wild West creation with acrobatics, dance and music suitable for every age. Imagine, America is in full construction, the Wild West is boiling. The railway is growing. A city comes alive, the Saloon opens its doors. A place of gathering and meetings, the Saloon becomes a theatre for all their stories. The contagious energy of folk music sets the tone for an acrobatic comedy with the enigmatic and colourful characters that meet there.
WHERE: Théâtre du Léman, 19 quai du Mont-Blanc, 1201 Genève.
WHEN: Until Sunday 7th January 2018.
COST: from 41.20CHF to 90.90CHF
MORE INFO: Click here to buy tickets.
WE ARE GIVING AWAY 3 SETS OF 2 TICKETS TO THE SHOW ON FRIDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2017
TO ENTER: Answer this simple question. What is the origin of the company Cirque Éloize?
Send your answers to info@thingstodoingeneva.ch by Monday 26th of December 2017. Winners will be informed by email.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS – WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE MOVIE!
A lavish train ride unfolds into a stylish & suspenseful mystery.
From the novel by Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells of thirteen stranded strangers & one man’s race to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.
Starring Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp and Daisy Ridley. Directed by Kenneth Branagh.
WHERE: Ciné 17, 17 rue de la Corraterie, 1204 Genève.
WHEN: Until 16th of January 2018.
COST: 25CHF adults/20CHF concessions.
MORE INFO: Click here.
WE ARE GIVING AWAY 5 SETS OF 2 TICKETS TO ANY CINÉ 17 SCREENING OF MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.
TO ENTER: Answer this simple question. Whose novel was the movie Murder on the Orient Express based on?
Send your answers to info@thingstodoingeneva.ch by Saturday 24th of December 2017. Winners will be informed by email.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
What are you up to on New Year’s Eve? No plans yet? Don’t panic.
Geneva may not be quite up there with London or New York, but the city has a lot of sparkle in store for the 31st of December, including cool parties, free events, great food and fabulous fireworks! We share the best ways to see out 2017 in Geneva. Have a fantastic night and Happy New Year!
Also, don’t miss our guide to the best bars to enjoy a festive drink or two.
SERVE THE CITY
Christmas is a time for giving and also a time when we are reminded how fortunate we are. If you’d like to give something back this season, why not give your time to help those less fortunate.
On Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December 2017, the Carrefour Rue soup kitchen behind the main train station (Jardin de Montbrillant) is looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve 150 or so lunches.
The next date that help is required will be Wednesday 27th December 2017 at the same place 9am to 1pm, helping prepare and serve lunches. Finally, they will be serving an evening meal on New Year’s Eve Sunday 31 December 2017. To help out with any of these meals, please sign up on the Get Involved (new) page.
Carrefour Rue are also looking for volunteers to help them at La Coulou shelter on Christmas Eve – please contact carrefour-rue@carrefour-rue.ch or call 022 734 67 60 for more information.
WHEN: Sunday 24th December, Wednesday 27th December and Sunday 31st December 2017.
MORE INFO: Click here.
BEST BRUNCHES IN TOWN
Whether you prefer greasy or super-healthy, continental or full English, à la carte sophistication or an over-indulgent buffet – a satisfying brunch which won’t cost half your month’s wages, can make or break your weekend.
And if you’re craving a good bagel for brunch – also check out our bagel guide.
Our contributors share some of their favourite brunch spots. Feel free to share yours with us below in comments or on Facebook.
FUTURE EVENTS TO BOOK NOW
THE BOLSHOI BALLET AT BALEXERT
Experience famous ballet performances streamed live from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow at the Pathé Cinema Balexert – coming soon will be Romeo and Juliet on Sunday 21st January 2017. With over 250 dancers, the Bolshoi Ballet is one of the largest companies in the world. Click here to book tickets.
NICKLEBACK AT GENEVA ARENA
Canadian rock band Nickelback embark on their impressive 23 city Feed the Machine European tour in 2018, and will be playing at the Arena in Geneva on Wednesday 13th June 2018. Tickets are be available now from Ticketcorner.
CARIBANA TICKETS
Tickets are now available for the 28th Caribana Festival that takes place next year from the 6th-10th June 2018.
Choose from Status Quo, Simple Minds, Passenger and The Script who will all be performing.
Hurry though, as the special Christmas offer price of 58CHF won’t last forever. Could be a great Christmas present idea don’t you think?
Click here for ticket sales.