Geneva Christmas Market on the lakefront

Geneva's Christmas market sits right on the lake, along the Quai du Mont-Blanc, with Christmas lights strung along the promenade and the Jet d'Eau across the water. It's about ten minutes' walk from Cornavin station and drew around 450,000 visitors in 2024.

Craft stalls change through the season, and nearly 30 food stands cover everything from street food to sweets. For a proper Geneva dinner, book the Fondue Chalet, then carry on at the Christmas Pub, which stays open until 1:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

This year the market has its first ice rink, next to a carousel, so bring gloves. Children get their own yurt with workshops, and two new ways to see the city start here: guided walking tours (booking required) and rides on a restored vintage tram.

Entry is free. The market and ice rink open at noon on weekdays and 11:00 on Saturdays, and close at 21:00 or 22:00 depending on the day, later on busy Friday and Saturday nights. On the opening day, 19 November, it opens at 17:00, and on Christmas Eve it closes at 16:00.