Once again Parentville is here to prove that there is no such thing as a dull period in Geneva. Never. December is almost all about Christmas, but I am sure you will find other themes if Christmas is not your holiday.
Grab a cuppa or a glass of wine before reading below, as this might be the longest article ever published on this website. Though I can assure you, it is worth your time!
FYI: all the theatres’ shows are listed at the bottom of the page (in an attempt to create some kind of order in this crazy month).
November 16 – December 2
Filmar
A 20th cinematic odyssey in Latin America will be happening again in Geneva! A special program, FILMARcito, will be offered to young viewers and families. Be sure to check their website soon – the detailed program is available here.
November 29 – January 13
Geneva Lux
Adorable thing about December in Geneva is that apart of some Christmas decorations, the city is decorated with Christmas-unrelated colourful illuminated works of art. This outdoor exposition is called Geneva Lux. Each piece of art is created especially for this occasion. They are placed in different parts of the city of Geneva. How about a treasure hunt to find them all? More info here.
December 1-3
Nordic Christmas Brunch & DIY
For mums & children aged 0-3
HYGGE – DESIGN ENFANTS/ATELIER DIY
3 Rue des Rois
Geneva
You are invited to experience the real Nordic Christmas magic together with Nordic Taste and HYGGE! You are welcome to bring your baby or small child along and join us for a wonderful Nordic brunch. The Nordic way of life is rustic and is great for Christmas, so if this makes you wish to take a Nordic trip of your own and pop over to places such as Iceland, you can always check out https://www.rent.is/blog/best-time-of-year-to-visit-iceland/ to see how you can do that! Anyway, back to what I was saying, while you are eating and enjoying our brunch, you can have fun with our DIY workshop decorating Christmas cookies made by Nordic Taste, and at the same time learn how to make beautiful Nordic Christmas decorations. Kids can participate in the workshop or if you prefer they can play in a cosy playing area with the beautiful Nordic children’s products by HYGGE. You can choose between 2 days and 5 time slots: Saturday, Dec 1, 10h-12h; Sunday Dec 2, 10h-12h & 13h-15h; Monday Dec 3, 10h-12h & 13h-15h. To book your spot email at [email protected]. The cost of the brunch and a workshop together is 65 CHF. More information on Nordic Taste’s website.
Weekend, December 1-2
Batiment du Force Motrice
The birthday of the Orchestre Suisse Romande (OSR)
A weekend full of musical pleasures for young and not so young will be organised in BFM. Concerts for little munchkins, bigger kids, musical instruments to try out, DIY workshops, and much more. Not to miss, #parentvillerecommended! For the whole program, please download this pdf.
December 1, 10-13h
Clothes library
Place du Rondeau 4 (1er étage)
1227 Carouge.
Vet’Lok is a library that rents children’s clothes. Check out their event on December 1st or December 15th in Carouge and decide whether you would like to become a member of this planet-friendly and family-friendly association. The membership is 30CHF for six months (or 60 for a year) and lets you 15 pieces of clothing as often as you like. It’s like being able to dress your kid in new outfits every week, or every day if you wish. Just brilliant! Check out their event either on Facebook or on their website.
December 1
La Librerit
1 bis Place du marché
1227 Carouge
A great occasion to visit this lovely bookshop in Carouge, that very often hosts activities for children. On December 1 all kids aged 7+ are invited to come and create their advent calendar. It will start at 15h30 and last till 17h. Number of places is limited, please reserve your spot with the host. More info here.
December 1, 10h & 11h
Bibi Café
Creative workshop with Recrécréa
Bibi Café is not only the most kid-friendly cafe (and lunch place) in the region, it is also a place offering workshops and activities for kids, and sometimes moms.
On December 1 Bibi Café will host Recrécréa with a creative upcycling workshop. At 10 am kids aged 2-5 are invited to take part with an accompanying adult for 25 CHF. Later at 11 am it’s time for 4-8-year-olds (20 CHF workshop only, 27 CHF (a drink, a meal, and a cookie included). More info here.
December 1-24
Carouge
Noel a Carouge
Hard to describe in few sentences as the city of Carouge planned so many small and big things for the Christmas period! The advent calendar, carriage rides, big carousel, ice skating rink, pony rides, the Christmas market (December 7-9), workshops for kids, theatre shows, concerts, and much much more. You will find some of these events mentioned separately, but if you would like to consult the whole program download the pdf here.
Sunday, December 2, anytime between 14h and 17h
MEG
Grand-Bazar: Amulettes et talismans, 2+
Successful exams, finding love, winning football, protecting yourself from the flu or attracting luck? This Grand Bazaar is dedicated to protective and lucky charms! In Africa, regardless of religious affiliation, amulets are worn to protect against diseases and evil spirits, or to attract success and luck. Come and make your object of protection and choose what power it will be endowed! More info here.
Sunday, December 2, 15h, 15h30, 16h, 16h30, 17h
MEG
Grand-Bazar: Le Baby Bazar, 0-2-year-olds
Babies are active in the Grand Bazaar! The Espace Musical, a specialised music school, takes up residence in the Atelier du MEG. The 0-2 year-olds and the adults who accompany them will explore different sound worlds, thanks to instruments from all over the world adapted to tiny hands! Each session lasts 20 minutes. More info here.
December 2-19
Various locations
Black Movie Festival, age: 4+
Grand Cinema for the little ones is the autumn edition of the annual Black Movie, which usually takes place in January. It is addressed to children aged 4+. To end the year smoothly, it is the snow that will be celebrated in this pre-winter selection of enchanting and hilarious short movies. What are the films about? A tale of a baby hedgehog who faces all the dangers to find his family, an icy marathon at the North Pole; and Father Frimas, an old man with magical powers who watches over the spirit of Christmas. More info here.
Sunday, December 2; 16h
Fondation Baur
« Fabriquer ton dragon chinois » kids workshop, 6+
A guided visit for kids aged 6+ in the Chinese section of Fondation Baur. First children will be taken to see the dragons in the museum’s rooms discover their meaning and secrets. After that, they will be invited to create a dragon of their dreams! The whole workshop will last 1h30; participation cost is 20 CHF per child (free for accompanying adult). Please register in advance at [email protected]. More details here.
Monday, December 3, 14h
Bibi Café
Duplo workshop
Parent-child workshop for 3-5 years old with Bricks 4 Kidz from 14h to 15h at the Bibi Café. Come and build a Bricks 4 Kidz model with DUPLO bricks as a family! More about Bricks 4 Kidz Geneva Rive Droite here.
Wednesday, December 5, 14h
Musee de Carouge
A kids workshop
As a part of the « Christa de Carouge » exposition, the Museum of Carouge proposes a children’s workshop. Led by Atelier Nolita, children will play with the graphic lines of the Christa de Carouge’s clothes. It will start with discovering the exhibition, after which aspiring artists aged 4-12 will create textile objects themselves. More info here.
Wednesday, December 5, 15h.
MEG
Meet the Birdwife: An object, a sound, a story
For kids 6+ with an accompanying adult.
Every first Wednesday of the month, the MEG invites you to discover the treasures of the Museum, from its exhibitions to its library. This month, explore the magico-religious universe of Africa by listening to the story of Hatiam and Kalita. Divination, sorcery, amulets, will invite you the enchanting and musical world presented in the exhibition « Afrique. Les religions de l’extase ». More details here.
Wednesday, December 5, 16h15
MAMCO
Fun for kids
For little ones aged 2-4 (with an accompanying adult) an artistic awakening course entitled « Mirror, tell me ». It will be held in French and last 20 minutes. For older children aged 5-10 Mamco prepared an interactive guided tour entitled « Dans ma maison je mets… ». Accompanying adult is required, the tour will last 45 minutes. To know more what’s happening in MAMCO at the moment click here.
Wednesday, December 5, 15h
MAH
Pétards et chocolats: guided visit
Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève has a famous and rich program of activities for kids of different ages. This time, this interactive guided tour will take kids ages 6-10, to discover… what do you think looking at the title? Free, without registration. Here’s your link.
Wednesday, December 5, 15h30
Centre d’Art Contemporain
Akademinis
Families are invited on a journey through each of the Centre’s exhibition, with visits punctuated by creative and original activities. Activity is free but requires a reservation by phone (022 329 18 42) or email [email protected]. And here’s their website.
December 6-19
Lancy en lumières
Each year three places in the city of Lancy are selected to participate in this end-of-the-year light show. This year it will be the Skateplaza (interactive installation), Salle communale du Petit Lancy, and Eglise du Christ-roi (a mapping show). Also to see: Place des Ormeau Ar-Lancy. Urban space taken over by digital art designers turns everyday places into means of expression. Nothing left to do but take a walk around Lancy to discover the beauty of light, your kids will love it (even more if you stop for a hot chocolate). More details here.
Thursday, December 6, 10 am
Bibi Cafe
Creative workshop (for adults)
Jessica from « Mères-Veilleuses » will host a workshop during each you can create your Christmas wreath made of felt and eucalyptus. A perfect event for moms of small babies, that look for a fun, socializing event that can be attended with a child. To register please use this link.
December 6-9
Concours Hippique International de Genève
Palexpo
Calling all the parents of horse passionate children! Created in 1926, the Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHI) is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and it is happening again in Palexpo! Kids enjoy watching the show, taking a stroll down to the stables, or simply looking at the all equestrian accessories sold at the venue. On Saturday the 8th, at 11:45 pony initiations will take place in the attractions area. More information on CHI official website.
Thursday, December 6
Saint Nicolas Day
Gymboree Geneva
Rue Sonnex 23
Grand Saconnex
On this Thursday Gymboree is opened to all kids aged 6 months to 5 years, and their parents, for free. Come and discover the playful world of Gymbo the clown, the great soft play area with obstacle courses, and more. Here’s the plan: 14h-15h & 15h50-17h00 – open PlayGym, 15h-15h45 – Family Play&Learn class, 16h15-17h00 – Family music class. Oh! And if you sign up for Gymboree fun on that day, the registration fee is 0 CHF. Gymboree is mine and Z favourite place for babies and tots in Geneva, #parentvillerecommended, #approvedbyZ. More about Gymboree Geneva here.
December 6 – 31
Park Bastion
Noël aux Bastions, age: 0-100
A real Christmas market in Geneva this year is looking great: street food, fondue chalet, carrousels, face painting, ice skating, carriage rides, and… a kids chalet with bricolages, workshops, and special fun on will be open every day at market hours. The little visitors can dive into DIY projects, play or just read Christmas stories in a comfortable and well-heated yurt. All the special activities are listed below in this agenda. You can also consult all the program here.
December 6 & 7
Christmas Market
TotUp Creche
Avenue des Morgines 12
1213 Geneva
TotUP and Geneve Business Center are happy to invite you to a Christmas market on December 6th and 7th, 2018!
A wonderful opportunity to find gifts for the whole family! More than 20 stands and 40 brands will be waiting for you. A bonus: foie gras and vin chaud. Find out more on Facebook.
Friday, December 7
Jonction
Organized by MEG
The grand parade of Father Fouettard and Chauchevieille celebrates its 40th anniversary this year! Go to Parc Gourgas to form the procession that will cross the district of La Jonction and make a festive stopover at the MEG, before returning to the park for a pleasant dinner. More information on the Museum’s website.
December 8
La Fanfare Magique
Concert for families
Salle Frank Martin, Geneva
The 6th season of Geneva Camerata is filled with magic, and so is this concert. Once upon a time, there was a fabulous fanfare that could, by playing a few musical notes, transform disasters into funny, joyful and crazy events … But where do these mysterious musicians come from and how did they receive their magical powers? Come and find out, and already pencil in the next dates: February 2, and March 23rd. Book your tickets here.
December 8-9, 14h, 16h
Parc des Bastions
Swiss Food Academy
At 14h kids will decorate their Christmas trees with… flavours! At 16h it will be a story time accompanied by a healthy Christmas snack (so that you don’t feel guilty to snack on chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate for the rest of your visit to Bastions). To book your place, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
Saturday, December 8, 9:30 am – 11:30 am.
Bibi Cafe
Bricks 4 Kidz Workshop
Bibi Cafe and Bricks 4 Kidz got together to offer you a chance of kids-free Christmas shopping. While you help Santa prepare, your kids will construct motorised models and will not even notice the time pass. Cost: 45 CHF. The registration link is here.
Wednesday, December 12, 14h
MEG
The blind workshop, for 6+ and an adult
Discover the exhibition « Afrique. Les religions de l’extase » by soliciting your different senses, before participating in a blind workshop. In a tactile approach, realise your box of memories, inspired by the reliquaries of Gabon to approach death otherwise. Price: 8-12 CHF. Book your place online here or directly at the museum.
Wednesday, December 12, 14h & 18h
Noël aux Bastions
Gingerbread workshop
The famous Cuppin’s offers a workshop to decorate little gingerbread men with your children.
Wednesday, December 12, 15h
MAH
Pétards et chocolats: guided visit
Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève has a famous and rich program of activities for kids of different ages. This time, this interactive guided tour will take kids ages 6-10, to discover… what do you think looking at the title? Free, without registration.
Thursday, December 13, 14h-16h
Afternoon drop-in
Cabinet d’Accueil Perinatal
Ana (child psychiatrist) and Laetitia (mid-wife and osteopath) will be there to answer all your questions about child development, breastfeeding, sleep, and your health. Come and chat with them (in French, Portuguese or English) and with other new parents. Scales for baby available. Play area for babies and small children. More information www.caperinatal.net
Friday, December 14
MAH
Visite petits pas: Is the museum a zoo?
A guided visit at the Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève for children aged 3-5, accompanied by an adult. It will last 30 mins, is free of charge, and no reservation is required.
Friday, December 14, 14h.
Balade avec bébé
For new parents with their babies and parents-to-be
Once a month, Catherine will lead you on a gentle walk through the streets and parks of Geneva (with a visit to a playground if there are small children with us), finishing at a café. The walk is a chance to meet other parents, to chat about life in Geneva and life as a parent. The participation fee is 5 CHF PER YEAR (nope, no mistakes there). More details here.
Wednesday, December 15, 14h-17h
Noel aux Bastions
Stamps with Godzilab, 4+
Creative mini-workshop for the family: children from 4 years old accompanied by an adult. A fun workshop to realise from A to Z your personalised stamps. On your marks? Make, ink and dab!
Saturday, December 15
Bibi Cafe
Christmas market
Again, Bibi Café! I told you it’s a fantastic place with a rich program! On Saturday 15th come to enjoy the Christmas market and discover local books (« ABC Geneva » included!), clothes, bijou, food, and more! Between 2 pm and 3 pm Santa will visit Bibi to chat with your kids and take pics. The market will start at 15h and last till 19h. Come and say hi!
Saturday, December 15, 16h & 18h
Noël aux Bastions
Gingerbread workshop
The famous Cuppin’s offers a workshop to decorate little gingerbread men with your children. Fee: 4 CHF.
Saturday & Sunday, December 15-16, 14h
Noel aux Bastions
Swiss Food Academy workshop
Mini chefs workshop with a special recipe for energy balls. Places are limited: first come, first served.
Saturday, December 15, 16h30
Place Molard
Candles by Caritas Suisse
Tens of thousands of candles will be lit in solidarity with people living in poverty. The event will happen across all Switzerland. In Geneva, it will take place at Place du Molard.
Saturday, December 15, 12h45-14h45
Noël aux Bastions
Meeting with Santa
What a chance to meet Santa in person! Do not miss the opportunity to meet him with your children during his walk in the Market and his visit to the children’s Yurt.
Saturday, December 15, 16h
Maison de Quartier Le Spot
île MaZik
ZikiZik on his island MaZik, it’s magic! Fun songs and catchy music for the whole family. For dad and mom, granny and grandpa, uncle and aunty. But also for the nanny, cousins and neighbours. A dynamic, poetic and playful, and a little crazy universe, where even vegetables have their time on the scene! Staring the actress-singer Ziki and her musicians. Registration is obligatory, phone only: 022 348 96 78.
December 16
Creative upcycling workshop by Espace Colibri and Recrecrea, 6+
Un R de Famille
Rue Goetz-Monin 10, 1205 Genève
In collaboration with Récrécréa, Espace Colibri invites you to a creative workshop that combines DIY, eco-friendly practice and re-use. This workshop is an opportunity to highlight the interest of recycling and an open mind on the second life of an object. Through the journey between manipulation and creativity, the child will stimulate his sensory faculties and his imagination. Each child will be able to realize his work from materials resulting from the recovery. The activity is destined for kids aged 6+. More information on Facebook.
Sunday, December 16, 13h & 16h-18h
Noel aux Bastions
Les comptes du SACRÉ PÈRE NOËL! , 4+
Storyteller Caroline Langendorf presents her show « Sacred Santa! « . Little stories of 20 minutes at once funny, surprising and original.
Sunday, December 16, 15h30
Centre d’Art Contemporain
Akademinis
Families are invited on a journey through each of the Centre’s exhibition, with visits punctuated by creative and original activities. Activity is free but requires reservation, on Friday the latest, by phone (022 329 18 42) or email [email protected].
Sunday, December 16, 14h
MEG
Tunique Magique, 6+
What is the meaning of clothes, and t-shirts in particular? They cover our bodies, but they also protect us and identify us. Brands, logos or colourful patterns? Tie or crest of superheroes? Turtleneck or V-neck? Discover the objects of protection presented in the exhibition « Afrique. Les religions de l’extase » with your kids. After the visit, you will participate in a workshop to create your own protective dress/shirt/top. Price 8-12 CHF. Please make the reservation in advance either on the Museum’s website or directly at the MEG’s ticket office.
Monday, Decembre 17, 13h30-15.30
Babytalk
Breastfeeding support group (in English)
The topic for this week will be Christmas and other end-of-year festivities. Will you be going « home » for the holidays, or will the family be coming to visit? What are you most looking forward to? What are you dreading? Can you have a glass of champagne to bring in the new year? How will you deal with « helpful » suggestions about why the baby is crying? How will your baby cope with being passed from one loving relative to another? Find out more here.
Wednesday, December 19, 15h
MAH
Les Batailles de Hodler
Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève has a famous and rich program of activities for kids of different ages. This time, this interactive guided tour will take kids ages 6-10, to discover Ferdinand Hodler’s art. Free, without registration.
Wednesday, December 19, 15h30
Centre d’Art Contemporain
Akademinis
Families are invited on a journey through each of the Centre’s exhibition, with visits punctuated by creative and original activities. Activity is free but requires reservation, by phone (022 329 18 42) or email [email protected].
Saturday, December 22, 13h & 16h-18h
Noël aux Bastions
Les comptes du SACRÉ PÈRE NOËL! , 4+
Storyteller Caroline Langendorf presents her show « Sacred Santa! « . Short stories of 20 minutes at once funny, surprising and original.
Sunday, December 23, 14h30-16h30
Noel aux Bastions
Meeting with Santa
What a chance to meet Santa in person! Do not miss the opportunity to meet him with your children during his walk in the Market and his visit to the children’s Yurt.
Sunday, December 23, 13h & 14h30
Noel aux Bastions
Mrs Potter And The Snow, 3+
Have you ever wondered where the snow comes from? Come to listen to the enchanted story of « Mrs Potter and the Snow » read in English by Fariza Ahmadova. For adults and children from 3 years old.
Thursday, December 27, 14h-17h
Noël aux Bastions
Stamps with Godzilab, 4+
Creative mini-workshop for the family: children from 4 years old accompanied by an adult. A fun workshop to realize from A to Z your personalized stamps. On your marks? Make, ink and dab!
THEATRE SHOWS
Till December 2, and from December 27 till January 5, 2019
ZOT COMPAGNIE
Casse-Noisette
Older Clara tells the story of an adventure she experienced on Christmas Eve as a child. Her grandfather gave offered her a beautiful toy: a nutcracker. Fritz, hes turbulent little brother, immediately took the nutcracker and broke it. Clara very sad had fallen asleep and had embarked on an incredible journey seating on the living room carpet, that turned out to be a flying carpet. Here’s the Zot’s website where you can find out about timings, prices, and book your tickets.
December 1, 20h
Salle du Lignon
Spring – Gandini Juggling, 8+
For this new creation, Sean Gandini collaborates with the contemporary choreographer Alexander Whitley. SPRING is an adventurous and kaleidoscopic production, which addresses the reflection of the choreographic act. The approaches to juggling and modern dance will come close to each other, to complement each other and to dialogue: one aerial and elusive, the other earthly and anchored in the ground. Here’s the link to the show’s website.
December 1-2
Theatre AmStramGram
We are Monchini, 7+
Shihya Peng was born in Taiwan but lives in Paris. Marco di Nardo was born in Naples but lives in Berlin. How to meet when we have good reasons to avoid each other? How to get along when the ramparts are high? Which language to choose? What to do in the face of clutter caused by cultural stereotypes?
Here, bodies have their irony, their desire for joy, sometimes their melancholy. Shihya Peng and Marco Di Nardo tend their bodies, like two distorting mirrors, where one discovers oneself more than one recognises oneself. They wear, fly, fall, do not support each other, then get up and walk together.
For show’s hours, prices, and more details, please visit AmStramGram’s website.
December 5-23
Theatre des Marionettes Geneve
La Poupée Cassée
des 4 ans
This show tells a story about a little Mexican girl, who grew up to be internationally famous – Frida Kahlo. Lively, curious and a little daring, Frida loves to climb trees and play acrobats with her capuchin monkey. Lulled by the laughter, the cries of birds and the murmur of water, the little Mexican lives a carefree and happy childhood in the lush garden of Casa Azul. A perfect idyll, if she did not feel the pain always more insistent in the right leg caused by Polio and a bus accident. For more details visit the Theater’s website.
December 8, 20h
Salle du Lignon,
Petites Histoires.com, 8+
Directed by Kader Attou, one of the essential figures of French hip-hop, Petites histoires.com mixes performance, emotion and music in a new and unexpected way. For Petites histoires.com, Kader Attou imagines a show composed of many small pieces. Some tell stories, others are more abstract. The things of life, as well as the news, have always nourished the work of the choreographer. Moving from one story to another, jumping from cock to donkey, mixing performance, emotion, musicality in a rather burlesque show! More details here.
December 9
Theatre le Caveau
Les Contes Spontanes, 5+
This show is different each time, because the story depends on the public. As the actors come on stage they have nothing to tell, they need the audience to make the story, and so it is the children who decide on the characters, an era, a place, the emotions, and more. The actors create a unique show filled with laughter, sharing, and complicity. The stories that emerge are accompanied by original music. More details here.
till December 11
Simply Theater
The Snow Queen
When it’s getting too cold, wet, and dark to spend time with kids outdoors, the theatre is always a good choice. Each year the Simply Theater prepares a seasonal show, and we are safe to say that this year’s winter season this year will begin in this English-speaking theatre in Versoix with their winter musical show – « The Snow Queen ». This adaptation of timeless classic Hans Christian Andersen’s story will transfer children into the enchanted world. More info here.
Till December 16
Théâtre Töpffer
Hansel and Gretel
Adaptation of a popular fairytale for the whole family. It is played in the Théâtre Töpffer on Wednesdays at 15h, and on weekends at 15h30. The production will be shown two time on Sunday December 16 (at 14h and 17h). Book your tickets by calling 0227035125 or 0792192071.
Till December 19
Théâtre de Gaspard, av. des Tilleuls 21.
Christmas show
Theatre de Gaspard invites all kids aged 4+ for a series of 2 puppet shows. They are played every Wednesday at 4pm and every Sunday at 11am and 4pm. Till December 9 enjoy the show entitled « Nigg Nogg. Celui qui vient de loin ». From December 12 till 19, a different show will be served on the scene, about Christmas this time: « Noel. L’histoire de Noel ». Entry: 5 CHf for kids, 10 for adults. A bit more about the show here.
CINEMAS TO CHECK
Cinelux, Les Scala, Cinema Bio, Pathe Balexert, Arena in La Praille.