Geneva is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year, but it takes on a particularly festive and charming atmosphere during the winter months. One of the highlights is a visit to Geneva Christmas Market, which is a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions and culture and do some holiday shopping.
This guide provides an overview of what you can expect when visiting Geneva during the winter season, including Christmas market dates, opening times and how to make the most of your trip.
Christmas in Geneva can easily be described as magical. The whole city is decorated with festive decorations, stunning lights displays and a huge Christmas tree.
Geneva Christmas Market 2022
At the Christmas market in Geneva, you can find a variety of handcrafted gifts and traditional treats, as well as enjoy live music and other entertainment.
One of the highlights of the market is the variety of traditional Swiss food and drinks available. It gives the market a distinctly Swiss vibe that is very different from the nearby German markets.
Be sure to save time to take a ride on the Grande Roue (Ferris wheel) while the kids can enjoy pony rides and the vintage-style carousel.
Dates and Location
Geneva Christmas Market dates: 19th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11:30am to 10pm. Opens at 11am on Saturdays and closes at 8pm on Sundays.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Location: The Jardin Anglais, Genève, Switzerland. In front of Geneva’s famous flower clock.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes, Pere Noel will be available for a photo session on the 17th December from 1pm to 3pm.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes. Dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The Fondue Chalet is a highlight and the beautiful lakeside location.
Recommended tour: Take a unique tour of a glacier followed by a stop at lakeside Montreaux and nearby villages.
Specialities: Swiss raclette, hot fondue, apple strudel, chocolate baubles, unique waffles, cinnamon buns, panettone, steamed buns, arepa, chimney cake, Belgian-style fries, Greek loukoumades and hot roasted chestnuts.
Where to stay: citizenM Geneva is a highly-rated hotel, 7-minutes from the Christmas markets.
Hotels near Geneva Christmas Market
Geneva has some interesting neighbourhoods like Plainpalais, with its street art and indie shops and Eaux-Vives, an upscale neighbourhood known for its wide boulevards, beautiful parks and high-end shopping.
You might also enjoy staying in the central Paquis neighbourhood, which is home to the famous Jet d’Eau, a massive water fountain that’s a must-see for any visitor to Geneva.
But if you’re interested in historic attractions and want to stay in a hotel near the Christmas market, then I suggest staying in the Old Town, which is packed with cultural attractions, beautiful squares and cobblestone streets.
I suggest staying at citizenM Geneva as it’s in a great location in the Old Town, not far from the Jardin Anglais where the Christmas market is held.
Location of Geneva Christmas Market
Come check out my comprehensive guide to the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, where you’ll find festive atmosphere, unique gifts, and delicious treats!
The Geneva tourist office has a helpful website for visitors to the city, offering information on things to do, places to stay, and events happening in and around Geneva. The website also provides practical information on getting around the city and tips on local customs and etiquette.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are some ideas for how we can be more sustainable in Geneva this Christmas:
- Use renewable energy sources to power holiday lights and decorations.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances and electronics, such as LED lights, which use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
- Plan holiday meals carefully to reduce food waste. This could involve shopping with a list, using up leftover ingredients and composting scraps.
- Consider limiting consumerism by reusing or upcycling decorations or opting for experiences over material gifts.
- Choose a sustainable diet by incorporating plant-based dishes and locally grown, in-season produce into holiday meals.
- Consider using sustainable forms of transport, such as public transportation or cycling, to reduce the carbon footprint of holiday travel.
By incorporating these sustainable practices, we can have a lower-impact holiday celebration.
Please share your Christmas sustainability tips in the comments.
FAQ
Geneva Christmas Market starts on 19th November and ends on 24th December 2022.
The Christmas markets in Geneva are held at the Jardin Anglais in front of Geneva’s famous flower clock.
The Christmas markets are open from 11:30am to 10pm. Opens at 11am on Saturdays and closes at 8pm on Sundays.
If you would like to leave a review of Geneva Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Geneva, Switzerland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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