The ongoing help for Ukraine and people escaping the war in this country is extraordinary! Most of the people from Ukraine flee to Poland and citizens of this country have been doing an amazing job – it’s a nationwide humanitarian action on all fronts.

Forgive me for the typos and chaotic writing. I haven’t slept well these past few days.

We all want to help, and we feel like we are helping the most when we donate things – second hand or new. Currently, the villages and towns at the PL-UA border have too much of things of all sorts. There is not enough place to store it if it rains it will be ruined. They have tons of shoes but not enough phone chargers, as an example. People at the site know best what is needed every day. The needs of Non-profits and NGOs working at the site keep changing.

Download this pdf and find out how you can help the best, reasonably, and why this is the way to go.

Please share.

Hey, hey! How are you? We have just finished with December festivities and boom, February school break is coming up! I prepared a whole other article with propositions for the school holidays (link at the bottom of this page). Here, let’s see what’s up in Geneva in February in general.

Ready? Let’s do it!

Bibliotheque Municipal
all Geneva, all ages

 Did you know that Geneva’s libraries host various events for all ages? Yes, all ages. There’s « Lire avec bebe » (for babies, obviously), there are workshops, shows, movies, exhibitions. Morover, there is a big chance you live close to one of the Geneva City libraries. You can check their program here.

BOLO CLUB
Exhibition, all ages, Lancy

This winter, thirteen illustrators are taking over the Villa Bernasconi in Lancy with their children’s books already published or in the making. From the first sketches to the printed album, the exhibition unfolds colorful stories and tells the diversity of styles through original drawings, a host of large wooden characters, a cardboard bestiary, wallpapers, hangings or frescoes. on the windows, sounds and smells. And to better immerse themselves in the creative process, the artists offer a series of workshops on Sunday afternoons. More info here.

The big screen for kids
Cinema Grütli, till february 27.

By offering films from all over the world, from all eras and all styles, the Cinémas du Grütli offer children the opportunity to discover the pleasure of cinema on the big screen, in all its forms and in all its magic! This winter, children will be able to discover classics, great stories, and non mainstream productions. Wonderful, meaningful and fun movies await! More info here.

ANTIGEL 2022

Antigel is a traditional winter festival in Geneva. It’s a compilation of everything artistic. Concerts, shows, exhibitions, perfprmances, unique events. Some of the programmed events can be attractive to your family. Check it here.

LES TEMPS DES DINOSAURS
Palexpo, till April 22

A dino exhibition in Palexpo. It;s not huge, not very interactive and quite expensive but will surely be appreciated by kids who love these extinct creatures. There are many, from Tyrannosaurus to Triceratops,  altogether 50 animated specimens! They come to life, move, make sounds, growl.  This adventure is spread out on over  4,500 m². Fun experience for all ages. More information on Palexpo’s website.

Solar power pioneers – exhibition
Quartier Libre SIG, till April 10

This exhibition is recommended for kids ages 8 and up. It is all about the story of solar power and its future. From the first mid-20th century prototypes by passionate engineers, to the latest achievements of solar-powered aviation and navigation, an exceptional number of projects have seen the light of day. Their common vision? Environmentally respectful mobility based on solar energy. Discover fabulous stories based on reports from pioneers in the field of the development of solar vehicles.

MUSEUMS

Main museums in Geneva have a rich program for kids and families. It’s not only about the exhibitions. They have kids-special guided tours, workshops, and other events. MEG even has an offer for babies! You can check their events here: MAH, MEG, Natural History Museum, ARIANA.

THEATRES

Winter is one of the best season to experience the warmth of the theatre halls, right? If you agree there is nothing left to do but to check the program and book your tickets. Geneva’s theatres have shows for small munchkins, big kids, and teenagers. Be sure to check their programs. Here’s where to look: TMG, AM STRAM GRAM, Theatre du Loup.

RELATED ARTICLES

How about getting away for a day? No need to search for a hotel, no need to go very far. One day trip can transform a weekend into a vacation-like time. It has the power to make you feel like the weekend was long and fruitful. Will you try? Below, you’ll find some simple propositions for winter day trips that everyone in the family can enjoy. And no, they are not mainly about snow.

Ready? Let’s do it!

PAPILIORAMA
in Kerzers

A wonderful place made of 3 domes and an outdoors mini zoo. The domes are devoted each to a different animal kingdom: tropics, butterflies (flying freely, hundreds of them!), and bats (flying freely in darkness). It’s a long trip but worth the struggle. Consider taking the CFF train and benefit from an offer that combines the train ticket and entry to Papiliorama. Find out more about Papiliorama here.

LEYSIN TOBOGGANING PARK
Leysin

Any sledging fans here? This is the place for you! This place is all about sledging, or tobogganing. No need to climb the hils, there’s a better way to get back up and start again. No need to search for a perfect spot – the tracks are there. No need to even take your sledge – everything is there. It’s a truly cool place! Find out mroe about it here.

SALT MINE IN BEX
Bex, Valais

How about a train ride into the mountain? Yep, not up the mountain, nor around it but into the mountain, where the salt mine hides! It’s a fascinating train ride and an exciting hike inside the mountain. Kids can try to dig some salt, or try salty water. Don’t forget to bring some alpine salt back home (from the gift shop). Check it here.

DOG SLEDGING

Is this how it is called in English? No idea, but you probably understand what I mean – dogs pulling the sledge! It’s a great experience in the winter wonderland and a day trip is a perfect timeframe to do it. In some cases, half a day will be enough. You can find dog sledging in Saint Cergue, around La Faucille and in many alpine resorts. Just google « chiens de traineau ».

EXPLORIT YVERDON

Have you ever been to Yverdon? In Winter? Here’s a perfect excuse: Explorit. A brand new place for kids. No, not a noisy indoors playground but a place to discover science, have fun and play! There’s also a cinema at the site. It’s on Parentville’s priority list of places to visit. Will you try to head over there too? Check this place out here.

ESPACE DES MONDES POLAIRES

Some love to visit this place in summer, but winter gives a great context to this visit. All about the polar worlds. A very interactive museum and…. ice skating rink! It’s all very pretty, and very fun. Totally #parentvillerecommended! See it for yourself here.

RELATED ARTICLES

You can have a great holiday week without leaving the city! What’s more, the week of fun in Geneva is possible for all budgets – just choose activities wisely. Apart from the parks, museums, and playgrounds, there are lots to do and see! Don’t ever believe people who claim Geneva is boring – Parentville is here to debunk this myth.

Ready? Let’s do it!

FREE AND ALMOST FREE

BOIS MAGIQUE
LANCY

A yerly winter exhibition in Lancy designed for children of ages 0-4. In a vast room, filled with calming sounds of nature, and a wonderful decorations, children can come to relax, create, read and discover. Entry: free of charge. More info here.

MAISON DE LA CREATIVITE
CONCHES

Better than any amusemnt park, Maison de la Creativite is a paradise for children and adults. Each room of this Villa is devoted to something else, but in each room children are invited to do what they want. They can use the space and objects however they wish. It unblocks cretaivity and lets the imagination live its best moments. What you can do? Paint, build, dress up, read, play – or best, ask kids. They will have unlimited answers.

Place for children ages 0-8. Free entry for kids 0-1 yo, the rest pays 3 CHF per person. Book your spot here.

CHOCOLATE TOUR BY PACKDSUITCASE
GENEVA CENTRE

Chris from PackdSuitcase invented an awesome way to make a walk through Geneva more adventurous. You simply stop at the best chocolate places and in each buy 1 chocolate piece (it should be around 1 CHF everywhere). Take different types, maybe even ask for recommandations, and at the end sit in a nice place for a degustation. And why not combinig it with a ride on mouette, or playground fun at Plainpalais?

You can see how Chris did it by checking her video here.

ICE SKATING

An ultimate winter sport perfomed in cities, mountains, and at the Olympics! There are many places to skate in the city. One of the most popular ones are the rink in Bastions (free entry, ice skates rental 2 CHF) and Carouge (free entry; skates free for under 6yo and 2 CHF for 6+). Fun guaranteed!

For better ice quality check professional rinks in Vergers (Meyrin) and Vernets (Geneva). The entry is not free but not expensive. To enter the rink in Vergers the prices are as follows: kids 0-6 free, 6-18 2,5 CHF, adults, 6CHF. Skates rental costs 3 CHF.

ANIMAL PARKS

You don’t have to travel farm to see the animals. In Geneva itself, zoo at Bois de la Batie is big enough and free of charge. Moreover, there is a new awesomeplayground next to it, a nice forest, and a possibility to go to the Viaduc de la Jonction to see the rivers meet. You can find more about animals in Geneva in this article.
Free entry, great for all ages.

GENEVA OLD TOWN

With small kids start at the Carousel de la Madelaine, then climb up the cobble stone roads to the old town. Visit Maison Tavel, or climb up the Cathedral and visit the archelogical site of the Cathedral. You can also simply get lost in the old town – make kids choose the way at every intersection. Take a picnic or stop for crepes. You can then stop at the playground here or go down to Bastions to play there or try ice skating!

LITTLE PRICE FOR GREAT FUN

BAINS DE CRESSY
Onex

One of Geneva’s warmest swimming pool, decorated with lots of plants is a great escape from the cold outside. It’s bright, warm, and big enough to make it fun. There are some jets, showers. There is also a hammam, sauna, and aromatherapy rooms.

Cost: Adults 24 CHF, kids 7-15 16 CHF, kids 3-6 yo 6,50 CHF. More information here.

AIRLOOP
Lancy

A new awesome place to help kids burn all the energy they accumulate! A trampoline parc with lots of cool jumping activities: spider accrobranche, joust, interactive wall, diving in foam blocks and more! There is even a special space for kids 1-5 years old!

Cost: kids 1-5yo 10CHF, everyone from 6+ 17 CHF. More information here.

CLIMBING

All kids go through a climbing phase and it’s definitely btter to let them do it in a specially designed climbing space than on shelves at home. There are several places for kids to climb in Geneva, either on blocks or big walls while using a rope. You can check Parentville’s list of climbing places here.

Cost: from 10 CHF per personbut prices differ between places.

CINEMA

Why not trust the old and good outings consiting a bag of popcorn and a movie? Minstream theatres have some kids and family movies on screens right now (« The Wolf and The Lion » or the « Around The World in 80 Days », and more). But don’t forget to check Cinema Bio, or Cinema Grutli with its special program for kids this winter!

BOWLING

A fun family outing indeed. Laugh, compete, eat fast food and enjoy your stressless day. You can bowl in Balexert and LaPraille.

ULTIMATE MINI GOLF EXPERIENCE
EAUX-VIVES

Did you know there is a mini golf bar in Geneva? It’s not really designed for families, as it is really is a bar, but if you go in early afternoon, you shouldn’t see to many young adults having their kind of fun ;). There are three different courses to try, one of them is fluo wonderland « fade to Black ».

Cost: 20 CHF per person (plus drinks). More info here.

WORTH EVERY PENNY

GAME OVER

Game Over is an Escape Room in Paquis with one game suitable for kids ages 8+ and oh boy – it’s in Harry Potter style with wands that work (sic!), walls that move and even more exciting details. It’s not even about finishhing the game and unravelling the mystery 100%, just playing with make your faces smile! I talked about our experience here. You can check more details and book your session here.

Cost: 150 CHF (for 2-6 players).

SENSA GENEVA

Sensas is not an escape room, it’s a place to experience all senses – some of them in complete darkness. The challenges are completely harmless and utterly exciting. It is so so fun! One of the best experiences we had so far. I wrote about it here.

Cost: from 46 CHF per person (min 4 needed to play). More information here.

FLUO SPORTS

How about trying a well-known sport in a new way or a new sport in a unique way? Well, the best place to do it is Fluo sports in Geneva. Play badminton, or futball, or other games in a fluo environment! It looks awesome and it cool. Some adults may not understand the thrill, but kids will definitely appreciate this experience! You can go as family, or invite your kids’ friends. For some games only 2 players are needed, some games need bigger teams. You can find out more about it here.

CRAZY SCHOOL

Ok, not in Geneva but almost – in Annemasse. A fairly new place like. This place is a combination of escape rooms and sensory challenges. One of the parcours is even adapted to prams and wheelchairs – everyone can join!

Cost: from 20 EUR per person.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Welcome to the list of February camps. Parents have fewer vacation days than kids. For many of you, camps are necessary. For others, it’s an occasion to introduce kids to something new or organize a week full of joy and new friendships. No matter the reason, this list is for you! In this article, I tried to compile as much as I could find.

Disclaimer: camps propositions with visuals and descriptions are paid listings from trusted, hand-picked organizations. At the bottom of the page, you’ll non-sponsored camps listings.

Ready? Let’s do it!

PLANET CLIMBING
5+, Lancy

Planet Climbing offers HOLIDAY CAMPS for your child where they will enjoy a great mix of sports-related to climbing and other fun and creative activities. These week-long camps are not only for “climber-kids”! Every child will enjoy the time learning new skills and making friends. All our camps are fully guided and ensure all have a safe and fun time.
In the program: climbing games in our climbing gym, outdoor climbing day (optional), kids yoga, arts and crafts, treetop courses, parkour introduction, fluo sports room and more outdoor games in collaboration with third-party providers (some specific activities may vary due to weather, season and availability).
Join the fun and push your vertical limits for fun!

Groups of 8 kids max. Weekly and daily booking possible. From 08:30 to 17:00. Extra child-care hours on-demand.
Full week (Mon-Fri) – 490 CHF
Day – 115 CHF
*Discount of -10% on the full week price if at least four bookings at the same time (family/friends).

Details, booking instructions and more here.

WOODWORKING WITH LES PETITS BRICOLOS
Bastions/Plainpalais area

During this camp children will not only make things but will create things they can use! They can build their own sledge for example and use it this winter! They can also make crossbows, mazes, a table, or a box. Building with own hand is utterly satisfying, builds self-confidence and pure joy!

Every day from 9am to 5pm.
100CHF/day or 400CHF/week. Children need to bring their own food.
More info: Les Petits Bricolos.

SPELL LANGUAGES
4+, Plainpalais

Language and play feast at Spell this winter is looking great. There are four camps in four languages: English, French, Italian and Spanish. The program includes ice-skating, a visit to Santa’s house, pottery, pizza making, playing with Emys Robot, and more. And while enjoying all these activities, your child will learn or improve the language of your choice.

A week of half days (9h00-12h30) 460 CHF
A week of full days (9h00-16h30): 660 CHF
Lunch: 3-dish meal available for additional 10 CHF/day.

To explore all the options, please go to Spell Languages website.

GYMBOREE
3-8 YO, GRAND-SACONNEX

Gymboree’s BILINGUAL FEBRUARY CAMPS on 14-18 February is a non-parent participation activity for 3 to 6-year-olds either mornings 8h30-12h or afternoons 13h-16h30 or all day 8h30-16h30.
It is time for children to have fun and make new friends. It is also an opportunity to learn French and/or English. Activities include art projects, play and movement time on our specially designed equipment, music and songs, imaginary play, tactile time, story time, and more.

Price:
CHF 330 for a week of half-days.
CHF 550 for a week of full days (lunch not provided).
You’ll find all the details on Gymboree’s website.

MULTI FUN CAMPS AT TOTEM
4+ and 6+, Meyrin & Versoix

TOTUP
3-8 YO, LANCY 

OTHER CAMPS:

• Atelier Podcast (in French) for 10y+ in Meyrin: details here.
• Stage Multisport in Sergy (France), 8+. contact: [email protected].
• Science at Xlabs for 8+.
• Soccer for boys and girl with Intersoccer.
• Circus gymnastics at Kids Up in Meyrin.
• Discoveries, discussions, fun, and yoga with Espace Colibri.
• Musical camps for 2+ and 4+ by La Bulle d’Air.
• IT Step Academy.
• Various camps for different ages in many places: https://camps.ch/

BOIS MAGIQUE
14 January – 20 February, Plan-les-Ouates

We’re starting with Plan-les-Ouates’ annual treat for the youngest children (ages 0-4). The exhibition space in the La Julienne has ben transformed into an enchanted forest. It looks wonderful, topped with beautiful sounds creating a magic atmosphere. A place designed to offer relaxation, contemplation, wonder, creativity and sharing. For opening times and more practical details click here.

Le Temps des Dinosaurs
till April 22nd; Palexpo

A giant exhibition for all kids fascinated by the world of Dinosaurs. There are many, from Tyrannosaurus to Triceratops,  altogether 50 animated specimens! They come to life, move, make sounds, growl.  This adventure is spread out on over  4,500 m². Fun experience for all ages. More information on Palexpo’s website.

Geneva Lux
21 January – 6 February, Geneva Center

Every winter, once Christmas decorations bore our eyes, Geneva starts to shine! Geneva Lux is an open-air exhibition of light sculptures and installations spread around the lake. Some of the works come back every year, others visit the city one time only. There’s a separate article about it on Parentville, you can read it here.

Donne-moi la main on va traverser la rue
till 20 February, Bibliotheque de la Cite

A new exhibition at the la Cite Bibliotheque (destined for 9+) is a visual and sound experience. It shows the graphic universe of the artists and relates the strong link she has with her hometown, Beirut. The exhibition is bathed in the sounds recorded in Lebanon. Wander through the heart of a gigantic fresco to discover her works or even hear the artist’s voice. Many workshops and meetings accompany this exhibition, you can find out more about it here.

POP UP SHOP- LES ARCADES
till the end of January; Gland

The municipality of Gland helped create the first popo up oin the city, that supports local enterpreneurs. The Pop-Up Shop is a living commercial space of 400m2 made available for two months to artisans, local artists and other micro-enterprises, allowing them to launch their activities and test their attractiveness. Check their Facebook page to see what’s on on which day. It’s a lovely place! Available till the end of January.

MAISON DU SALEVE

A perfect place for a family outing, with kids as young as 3yo: bwith oth indoor and outdoor options! You can visit the permament playful exhibition about everything-Saleve; or a temporary exhibition « La forêt, maison des animaux » – designed especially for children. If you’d like to avoid indoors a the moment, La Maison du Saleve has a lovely small parc behind the building, and is a starting point of a short and easy hike. You can find out all the informatoin here.

ICE SKATING

One of the simplest outing to organize. With skating rings in many places of the canton (Bastions, Grand-Saconnex, Vernets, Vergers, Charmille, Sous-Moulin). Remember to take gloves, they are obligatory, and enjoy this winter sport in the city! You can find out more information here.

AMSTRAMGRAM THEATRE

AmStramGram is putting on stage to shows in January: Woodbeat and Willy Wolf.

Woodbeat is a show for small spectators (2+), and does not require being a French-speaker. Willy Wolf is a super fascinating show for kids 8+ with acrobatics and a motorcycle! You can book your tickets here.

THEATRE DES MARIONNETTES

This month, the theatre invites children 8+ to a show about, in short, animals. Their wilderness and domestication. A story of a dog, whose life changes overnight and who discoveres ancestral force awakaning inside him. You’ll find more information here.

MUSEUMS

Let’s not forget about workshops and activities in the museums! MEG has activities for all ages, even for babies (click here). Ariana offers visiting with kids by using their treasure hunt charts, there is a cute play area and more (here’s your link). Last but not least, there’s MAH with the famous activities for small and older – you can check the program here.

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Ho Ho Ho! There are so many Christmas events this year, so much wonderfulness, it seems that we will be rewarded for the dryness of the previous year. Christmas 2021 here we come!

Without any further ado,

Let’s do it!

MAIN EVENTS

NOEL AU JARDIN
November 18 – December 26

Geneva’s own Christmas market moves this year from Bastion to Jardin Anglais. Christmas by the lake sounds indeed marvelous! It’s an absolute not-to-miss: lots of food, including the famous Fondue Chalet, activities for kids in the yourts, shows, concerts, and local artisanals. In short: eat, have fun, and get Christmas gifts locally!

More info: here.

HAMEAU DU PERE NOEL
& GRAND PARC DE NOEL

Hameau du Pere Noel is an incredible place. It’s a village in nearby France (a really short drive) in which Santa lives with all his family. The decorations are mindblowing and the whole setup feels as real as it can be. You can read all about it here. This year’s particularity: Santa will be tehre the whole time (usually he is asleep in December). But that is not all! The neighboring Grand Parc d’Andilly was transformed into the Grand Parc de Noel! You can get one ticket to visit both places on the same day (a shuttle bus will take you from to the other) or decide to visit just one. Both places have shops by the exit, with all you may need for a magical Christmas.

For Hameau du Pere Noel click here.
For the Grand Parc de Noel it’s here.

MONTREUX NOEL
November 19 – December 24

The most famous Christmas market in the region is back (no Covid pass needed for the outdoors activities). It’s big, beautiful, by the lake. Lots of stalls with food and possible Christmas gifts. But the special feautures are what makes it amazing:

• La Maison du Pere Noel – a short train ride up the mountain to the Rochers-de-Naye (at 2042 m) will take you to Santa’s house. An opportunity to meet Santa, talk to him, and even get a small surprise, and woohoo – a certificate of meeting Santa! More info here.
• Light On Ice (till January 6) – the most spectacular and magical ice rink in the region! See it for yourself here.
• Flying Santa – the traditional treat! See Santa’s sledge fly above Lake Geneva in Montreux. I’m not joking – chek it out.
• Christmas activities at Chateau Chillon – all info here.

ICE SKATING

Ice skating is back after 2 years! For the best ice quality head to Vernets or Vergers. For the charm – Bastions or Carouge. For fun – any ice rink in the canton will do. Each municipality, and many neighborhoods will have their own ice rinks. On each rink gloves are obligatory, on each you can rent skates. Some will offer classes or fun activities for kids. And most will have a buvette with something sweet/hot to reward the skating efforts. Enjoy!

SANTA’S CHIMNEY – bricolage workshop (6-10 yo)
December 11, Chateau de Prangins

An unforgettable Saturday at the Château, spiced with history, original creations and a tasty Christmas snack!
Program includes a visit of the castle, a creative workshop, and a snack. The price is 25 CHF per child, reservations are required. More info here.

CIRQUE DE NOEL
November 27 – January 9, Plainpalais

Acrobatics, clowns, magic tricks all in Christmas atmosphere. Attention: the show includes animals performing tricks. You can check more information on their website.

Coupe de Noel
December 18-19, Jardin Anglais

Swimming in the winter waters of Lake Geneva anyone? Even if not, it’s a great event to watch. Christmas Cup brings together more than 3,000 swimmers – 500 in competition and 2,500 in fancy costumes! Check out the details here.

OTHER CHRISTMAS MARKETS

CHRISTMAS IN CAROUGE

Like many municipalities in the canton, Carouge will celebrating the holiday season. How? In two ways. First of all there’s the Christmas Market from the 10th till the 12th of December. The second traditional celebration is called « Carouge Magique » and it is a wonderland: luminous art installations in the charming streets of this special city may surprise you (birds on the fountains, carps above your head).

Marché de Noël at Rudolf Steiner School
November 24, Confignon

In most Steiner schools around the world, the Christmas market is a traditional time of celebration. It is the fruit of many months of work on the part of families, teachers and friends of the school. On the program this year: a concert, raffle, and around thirty stands with the handmade and artisanal creations.

CHRISTMAS MARKET BY KIDS FOR KIDS
December 8th, Bastions

The traditional Christmas market held by the pupils of the primary schools of the City of Geneva returns to the Bastions. Under the heated Escalade tent, by selling games and toys they learn the value of things, but most importantly to give a new life to old toys. Happiness is not about having the latest gadgets. More info here.

Herstreet little Xmas market
4-5 December, Eaux-Vives

Herstreet is organizing a local makers’ market, which will show their offer for Christmas decorations and gifts. For children, a special Santa’s grotto awaits – with Santa of course (social distancing between Santa and the kids as we don’t want to get him sick for Christmas). An animator will also host groups of kids to create Christmas ornaments (during that time parents can calmly enjoy the market). You can read more details about this event here.

Noel a Lancy
December 1-5, Lancy

Christmas market in Lancy will be filled with interesting stalls, activities concerts, shows and beautiful illuminations. You can consult the full program on this webiste.

NOEL A LA FERME
November 13 – December 18, Ferme de Bude

Every Saturday, from November 13th to December 18th, two partner stalss will settle in the farm’s yard. An opportunity  to enjoy local products and share the passion of taste. You can see the full schedule here.

L’éco-marché de Bubble Ethic
December 4-5; Saint-Gervais

Close to the train station, the new premises of Voisins de Saint-Gervais and their coworking cafe, host an eco-market in honor of local and sustainable creation. The cherry on top? Brunch! Check it out.

SHOWS

CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 27 – December 19; Simply Theater, Versoix

Simply Theatre bring Charles Dickens’ festive tale back to Geneva following their smash-hit 2017 run, in an enchanting stage adaptation full of joy, song, and magic – the perfect festive treat for all the family!

For more information and tickets press here.

CINDERELLA by GAOS
November 26 – December 5, Nyon

Gaos is the Geneva Musical Theater society. They prepare 3 shows each season, along with other ponctual events. Now is the time for their winter production – Cinderella, Alan P. Frayn’s traditional pantomime. It’s a show for all ages, though because of its lenght probably best with kids older than 4 (but decide yourself, of course).

You can find out more and book your ticktes here.

CONTES DE NOEL
December 1 & 8; Plan-les-Ouates

This seasonal storytelling event is a part of the exhibition at La julienne « Ho Ho Ho! From Saint Nicolas to Santa Claus » (from November 26 to December 23). You can register for free up to 2 hours before the performance. Then on site within the limit of the remaining places. Children must respect the minimum age (minimum 5 yo) and be accompanied by an adult. Covid certificate compulsory for 16 years old and over.

OTHERS

ESCALADE

Not at all Christmas related but the most important celebration in Geneva happens in December. You can find out all what it’s about in my article here. As for this year’s Escalade events we’ll have the traditional parade. The rest of the program will be available here soon.

ICE SKATING

The most christmasy urban sport there is! And there are plenty of rinks in the canton. Almost every neighborhood and every municipality provides a rink. For good ice quality check Vernets and Vergers (Meyrin). For charm go to Bastions or Carouge. For fun try eny rink closest to you. All ice skating places provide skates for rent. Gloves are always obligatory. All places have an accompanying buvette with hot drinks and simple snacks. Some of them (like Vernets) have accompanying restaurants with good menu and fondue!

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We survived Halloween, now is the time to brace ourselves for November. Why? We now have one month to Thanksgiving, Escalade, and just a few weeks till Christmas! Days are short and time flies faster, hence the bracing need. Luckily, it’s also the month of Automnales (yes, it’s back!), start of light shows, fondue with friends.

Of course, there is more! Indoors and outdoors – the fun awaits.

Ready? Let’s do it!

MATHS ET BRILLANT – SOUND & LIGHT SHOW
till 21 November, Bastions

Colloque Wright is back and with it its famous mapping on the facade of UNIGE in Parc des Bastions. It’s worth withstanding the cold, I assure you. It’s a beautiful show that evokes the beauty of mathematics. The piantings and animations will guide us through the different civilizations that have shaped mathematics. But even if you’re nit into maths, go and see this show – it’s beautiful! It will be screened every day at 18h, 19h, 20h30. You can read all about it here.

La chasse aux vilains à Genève
till 28 November, Old Town Geneva

Villans hide in the monuments and streets of the ancient medieval city. Can you find them? This independent treasure hunt is suitable for families. This treasure hunt takes you on a mysterious quest filled with puzzles and challenges. Thanks to your playbook and its many clues, you will go in search of the villainous characters hidden in Old Town. Book it here.

Scientific Show at Cern (6+)
Till December 1, Meyrin

Break a rubber tube with a hammer? Levitate a magnet? Come and watch some scientific experiments! Some of them will look like magic tricks. Show done in a simple and playful way. Different properties of matter and magnetism will be disccused during the show. It’s free, Covid pass for all 16+ is required, reservations obligatory. Check it all here.

Treasure hunt: « A la recherche de Mère Royaume », 6+
3 November – 5 December, Bastions

This animated treasure hunt takes you on a mysterious quest, filled with puzzles and challenges. Thanks to your game booklet and its many clues, you will go in search of Mère Royaume. Any clues you find will earn you points that turn into treats and other surprises at the end of the race. Special secrets about the history of Escalade await! More info here.

Treasure Hunt: « Le puzzle mystérieux », 6+
November 6 & 28, Musée Barbier-Mueller

A new quest at the Barbier-Mueller Museum that will invite young adventurers to be curious and inventive! Children are invited to go on an adventure to Southeast Asia to piece together clues that will allow them to solve a strange puzzle while marveling at the mysterious objects of Ðông Sơn culture! To book click here.

Balade animée « Les secrets de Genève »; 6+
November 10 & 28 Old Town

This lively walk invites curious children aged 6 to 12 to discover the well-hidden treasures of the old town of Geneva while having fun. No more guided tours where your child keeps pulling you on the sleeve to leave. Here, everything is designed so that children discover the history of Geneva while having fun!

La Nuit du Conte
November 12; all canton

This year, the  Nuit du conte will take place on November 12. The theme chosen for 2021 is: « Our planet – our house ». Schools, libraries, bookstores, youth centers, community centers and other institutions are once again invited to participate and share the experience of storytelling and reading. This year, MEG is joining the event with a wonderful program, but be sure to check this link for all events in the canton.

AUTOMNALES
12-21 November, Palexpo

It’s a huge yearly event in Palexpo (well, it used to be yearly BC). It’s several expos/fair in one place at the same time. What can families expect? Brick Live, Expo Juniors, Salon Bebe et Moi, Cats Exhibition, Dogs Exhibition, Cook’n’Show, Salon du Velo (bikes), and much much more! There also many worksops and conferences. It’s a good place to start Christmas gifts hunt. More info: here.

Le Festival des Petits Bouts
13-14 November, Plainpalais

It will be the 4th edition of the festival designed for children as young as 1! On the menu: magician, opera for kids, relaxation workshops, and more!  Check it out and book here.

NOEL AU JARDIN
18 Novembre – 26 Decembre

Christmas starts in November. This holiday season will finally resemble the one from the BC era (I’ll let you decode BC on your own). Once placed in the Parc des bastions, Geneva’s own Christma market moves to the gorgeous Jardin Anglais. Lots of activities for kids, restaurants, shops, mulled wine, fondue chalet, and above all Jardin Anglaid in Christmasy look! You can find all info and book your tables here.

FESTIVAL FILMAR
19-28 November

Filmar is the biggest film festival devoted tothe latino-american culture in Switzerland. There is a separate program for children: they can discover movies, series, and short films either with family or within parascolaire activities. At the same time and throughout the year, FILMAR School presents school screenings adapted to all levels and to many disciplines. Find out more here.

TOTEM BLACK LIGHT PARTY
27 November, Meyrin

Totem Escalade is bringing the blacklight party to its new premises in Meyrin! It will be an afternoon and evening in the dark, climbing under the UV light, fab decorations, and entertainment for children (for adults too, of course – till 4 am in the morning). Theme & dress code: Back To The Jungle. The best costume will wina subscription to Totem. The whole program and reservations here.

OTHER OPTIONS

ICE RINKS

They are back after last year’s closure. Two main ones are at Vernets and Vergers. You can rent the skates and have fun. They also offer courses, classes, and have on-site restaurants. Sounds like a nice day out, right? Be sure to check your commune’s rinks.

THEATRES

Lots of shows this season! A particurarly rich program at AmStramGram (including shows that require no knowledge of French!). Also, Simply Theater is back with their wonderfullness. You can also check Theatre des Marionnettes de Geneve which presents shows even for the youngest spectators. Theatre du Loup is also busy with a show for 6+.  There are many more shows for all ages all over Geneva, you can check these theatres here.

MUSEUMS

The Natural History Museum has a brand new exhibition: « Tout Contre la Terre », that talks about the climate change from an emotional angle.

Musee d’Ethnographie also launched a climate-change related exhibition: « Environmental Injustice Indigenous Peoples’ Alternatives ».

MAH, on the other hand, tackles fashion in an interesting way: « Pour la Galerie ».

Musee du Leman, which is in itself a great place for an outing, has a new exhibition all about the swans.

Last but not list, World Press Photo 2021 will be in Chateau de Prangins from November 11th.

This article’s photo credits: Laurent Egli.

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