The Festive Season in Geneva: A Celebration Painted with History, Culture and Tradition
A mesmerizing blend of culture, heritage and festivities lands in Geneva each year during December, mirroring the authentic feel of this diverse European city, and crafting an ambiance of shared joy between its residents and visitors, starting from L’Escalade Celebration, and building up towards a New Year’s Eve to remember.
Geneva’s festive season is ushered in with the L’Escalade Celebration, commemorating a historical victory of Genevan bravery over 2000 soldiers of the Duke of Savoy, who on the night of 11-12 December 1602 launched an attack attempting to annex Geneva, making it a part of France. The city’s victory has been celebrated for over 400 years each year, starting with a three-day parade of Genevans and enthusiastic tourists, dressed in medieval costumes and roaming the city streets on foot or horseback.
The celebrations continue this year with the 44th Course de L'Escalade, a pedestrian race taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th of December 2022 in the Old Town of Geneva, where runners from all walks of life gather, making it the biggest pedestrian race in Switzerland and one of the most important in Europe. The event mixes joyful moments with competitive seriousness to promote the values of the race: fun, respect, solidarity, integration and excellence.
No celebration in Geneva is complete without the presence of its most celebrated delicacy, chocolate, and as a tradition tied with the L’Escalade each year, the city indulges in choc pot, locally known as Marmite de L'Escalade and is made of chocolate, filled with marzipan vegetables.
The festive market remains true to the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most popular festive exhibitions. Taking place from 17th November until 23rd December at Jardin Anglais, NOËL AU JARDIN gathers the best artisans, designers, creators and delights’ producers to provide locals and visitors with a wide range of products for their festive gifts. Other activities at the market include the restaurants, providing a culinary journey from 30 different restaurants serving seasonal favourites including the city’s famous raclette, street food and chocolate delicacies. For those who prefer to stay in the warmth of indoors spaces, le Chalet à Fondue is the perfect place for a hearty meal, good company, and cosy ambiance.
One of the market’s attractions that should not be missed is the sky view of the city from the Ferris wheel, located at the entrance near Pont du Mont-Blanc and offers a unique experience for families to take in Geneva’s winter charm. Children can also enjoy the carousel at the kids’ corner for fun times and joyful giggles.
Geneva blends the traditional and unique to offer its visitors an authentic experience of its festivities, sharing its history, food favourites and winter charm to further spread the joy, turning travellers into locals, and experiences into long lasting memories.
