TOP 10 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK
Loads of inspiration for last minute gifts and fun things to do in the run-up to Christmas – check out our unsponsored selection and enjoy!
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MARCHÉ DE NOËL AT FOOUND
Pick up last minute gifts at concept store FOOUND’s Christmas Market on Saturday 16th December 2017. Pretty and 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 16th December 2017 from midday to 8pm.
COST: FREE entrance
MORE INFO: Click here.
COUPE DE NOËL
Wrap up warmly and head down to the lake to watch some of the craziest people in Geneva swim the 120 metres of the Coupe de Noël this Sunday 17th December 2017.
The Coupe de Noël is an extreme swimming test in Lake Geneva with water temperatures varying from anything between 2°C- 9°C. In existence since 1937 when only ten people entered, this year will be its 79th year and will have a total of 1,885 swimmers participate in groups of 30 at a time (for safety reasons).
WHERE: Jardin Anglais.
WHEN: Sunday 17th December 2017 from 9am-3pm.
COST: FREE
MORE INFO: Click here.
PUCES DE NOËL NYON
A special Christmas version of the popular Sunday flea market usually held on the last Sunday of the month in Nyon takes place on Sunday 17th December 2017. Lots of stalls selling crafts, food and drink, as well as numerous local products for sale. Christmas entertainment will include a visit from Father Christmas himself! Local shops and restaurants will be open during this outdoor market. Make sure to dress warmly and bring cash.
WHERE: Rue de Rive and on the lakeside of Nyon.
WHEN: Sunday 17th December 2017 from 8am-6.30pm.
COST: FREE
MORE INFO: Click here to book tickets.
SWING JAZZ BRUNCH AT TOASTED
New restaurant/bar Toasted kicked off the start of their regular musical brunches with a fantastic Notes n’ Toasts Musical Brunch last month. Following on from the success of that one, they will be hosting their second this Sunday 17th December 2017. For all lovers as well as amateurs of swing music, this is a brunch not to be missed as the swing trio Plus 1 will entertain you with their repertoire of music from the past 30-40 years, featuring some of the biggest names in jazz history such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Papa Jo Jones or Slam Stewart.
A generous brunch menu is on offer, which will include of course one of their signature tartines – this time around it will be their delicious avocado, crayfish, citrus fruit, roasted hazelnuts, chives and chilli mayonnaise tartine (we’ve tried it and can highly recommend it) as well as unlimited Bloody Mary’s (yes really – UNLIMITED!). Book now to reserve your place, as spaces are limited.
For further information and to see the menu click here. To read our review on Toasted click here.
WHERE: Toasted, 44 boulevard du Pont-d’Arve, 1205 Genève.
WHEN: Sunday 17th December 2017. Two different time slots are available – 11.30am-1.45pm or 2pm-4pm.
COST: 49CHF
MORE INFO: Click here to book your place.
THE BOLSHOI BALLET AT BALEXERT
This Sunday 17th December 2017, the wonderful classic fairy tale ballet The Nutcracker will be streamed live from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow at the Pathé Cinema Rex. With over 250 dancers, the Bolshoi Ballet is one of the largest companies in the world.
At Christmas, the young Marie receives a gift of a wooden nutcracker. At midnight, the gift turns into a prince, who takes Marie on an unforgettable adventure. A magical experience accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s incomparable music.
WHERE: Pathé Cinema Rex, address
WHEN: Sunday 17th December 2017 at 4pm.
COST: 30CHF adults, 27CHF concessions. For ages 12 years plus.
MORE INFO: Click here to book tickets.
SHOPS OPEN ON SUNDAY
The shops of Carouge will be open for the next two Sundays (the 17th and 24th December), 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.
CIRQUE ÉLOIZE
The Cirque Éloize is coming to Geneva and opens its saloon doors from Wednesday 17th December 2017 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: Runs from Wednesday 17th December 2017 until Sunday 7th January 2018.
COST: from 41.20CHF to 90.90CHF
MORE INFO: Click here to buy tickets.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
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: Opens on Wednesday 13th December 2017.
COST: 25CHF adults/20CHF concessions.
MORE INFO: Click here.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING POP-UP SHOP
Join Elisa from ELI-O Jewellery on Wednesday 20th December 2017 for the opening of her 4 day Pop Up Shop. Lovely christmassy treats and sparkling jewels (old as well as new pieces) will be available to buy. The perfect occasion to treat yourself and your loved ones for the end of year festivities!
WHERE: ELI-O Jewellery, The Square, 2-4 rue du Diorama, 1204 Genève.
WHEN: Wednesday 20th December 2017 from 6pm-10pm, Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd December 2017 from 10am-8pm and Saturday 23rd December 2017 from 9am-4pm.
COST: FREE entrance.
MORE INFO: Click here.
IN THE KITCHEN – CHRISTMAS EDITION
The Afterwork party of the Christmas season takes place at the Village du Soir on Thursday 21st December 2017. Why’s it called ‘In the Kitchen’? Well, the majority of the action at any party goes on in the kitchen and it’s no different at the Village du Soir! In summary – an XXL kitchen on 1’200m2, wine, foie gras, oysters, friends, traveling waiters, music and in the second half of the evening, an improvised dance floor on the big tables!
WHERE: Village du Soir, 24 route des Jeunes, 1227 Carouge.
WHEN: Thursday 21st December 2017 from 6pm until late.
COST: Free admission. Age restriction: 18 years plus.
MORE INFO: Click here.
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.