NOËL AUX BASTIONS – CHRISTMAS MARKET: WHAT’S NEW IN 2019?

WHAT’S NEW AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET IN PARC DES BASTIONS -2019?

Staying in Geneva for Christmas got a lot more exciting with the creation in 2018 of Noël aux Bastions – the Christmas market in Parc des Bastions.

The market has changed the character of the city during the winter months. With its cosy ambiance, magical setting and lots of innovative offerings, it’s not only a market, but also a true community hub in the heart of the city. It’s the place to meet friends and colleagues, it’s great for families and for tourists it’s added another good reason to visit our stunning city.

This year’s market will be open from the 4^th till the 30^th December.

NEW THINGS TO SEE AND DO THIS YEAR

This year, the market has been extended by around 10 stalls to 90, featuring almost exclusively local designers and producers. The new stalls will be dedicated to non-food products in an attempt to better balance the offering this year.

The family activities during 2018 were very successful, so the programme has been extended to include 42 activities for children – with some English language additions too. See the link to the programme below.

Another new addition to the market this year, is the Christmas Pub – on the terrace of the Fondue Chalet, which has a different ‘après-ski’ feel from the rest of the market and will be a cosy spot to enjoy a drink.

This will be an open air space to enjoy a vin chaud, champagne, wintry cocktail, wine or tea and light snacks such as charcuterie platers – which will provided by stallholders in turn. DJs wil provide festive cheer during certain evenings.

The 2019 market saw more than 250,000 visitors and it is expected to surpass these numbers this year. It is organised by two women, Pascale Clemann (on the right on the image) and Lara Mai Vo Van, who also organise the city’s popular Street food festival. They have the contract for 3 years, after which it will be put out to public tender.

There is talk of a possible change in venue next year – as a result of calendar clashes with the Escalade race – and the Jardin Anglais is one of the options being discussed. We LOVE the Bastions setting as it’s so perfect for a magical Christmas market.

Noel aux Bastions Christmas market Geneva

Christmas market Parc des Bastions Geneva

WHAT TO EAT AT NOËL AUX BASTIONS

The market saw more than 250,000 visitors last year and is expected to surpass these numbers in 2019. The market is organised by the two ladies behind the city’s popular Street food Festival, Pascale Clemenn and Lara Hai Jo Van …, who has the contract for 3 years, before it will be put out to public tender again. Unfortunately, there is talk of a change in venue next year for the market as a result of calendar clashes with the Escalade race, with the Jardin Anglais being discussed as one of the alternative options.

Food stalls featuring local products include the obligatory raclette, sausages, lobster rolls, oysters, charcuterie platters and much more.

Apart from food stands offering all the usual delicious Swiss treats, the Fondue Chalet, has been extended by 120 places and has already seen a massive surge bookings – so get in there soon. It’s best to book online in advance here, but the restaurant will also try to accommodate passers-by this year, whenever possible

There are around 20,000 available spaces, of which 12,000 remain available as at Thursday, November 28th.

Book your table here.

Most of the food served in the chalet is provided by local producers, including fondue and raclette from the Laiteries Reunies in Geneva and the potatoes and bread are GRTA. (Geneve Region Terre Avenir).

Wine offerings on the wine menus include produce from three local caves.

All the floral decorations around the market are produced in Puplinge by Voyages Fleuris.

WHAT TO BUY AT THE BASTION CHRISTMAS MARKET THIS YEAR

The market will feature almost exclusively local designers and products – and the stands will be rotated among more than 100 stallholders, so there’ll always be something new to see.

Christmas markets Noel Aux Bastions Geneva

WHAT TO DO AT THE MARKET THIS YEAR

Apart from just taking in the ambiance and enjoying a bite to eat and a vin chaud or hot apple juice, there are also loads of other things to do, including listening to music performances by the Orchestre Suisse Romande and Alpine horn players.

FOR CHILDREN

There will be no less than 42 children’s activities this year, including the arrival of Father Christmas, building gingerbread man houses and English story-telling sessions. Check out the full programme on the website mentioned below.