There’s more to December than Christmas markets. Here is our round-up of some of the best little events taking place throughout the month …
Antichambre, Geneva
A secret location and a surprise menu are the order of the day at this reservation-only pop-up restaurant in Geneva. There are 12 dates set – from 30th November to 3rd December; 7th to 10th December; and 14th to 17th December – with the location for each dinner revealed at the very last minute to people who have booked a table. All the locations beggar belief, and feature a different chef and architect.
More information: antichambre.ch
Les Urbaines, Geneva
An urban music festival with a difference, Les Urbaines, held in Geneva from 2nd to 4th December, has no headliners and all performances are free to attend. On this year’s programme are some 40 performances, shows, installations and concerts. The festival's main exhibition will be open until December 31st at Espace Arlaud.
More information: www.urbaines.ch
Christmas Midnight Run, Lausanne
Run for a good cause – and have a whole lotta fun while you’re at it – at this year’s Christmas Midnight Run in Lausanne. Raising funds for Smiling Coast Gambia, the event costs CHF 25 to participate. As well as the 2.4km route, the fee includes warm African tea, an entertainment programme for children and a small surprise. The run departs from Place de la Riponne on 10th December at 8pm. Don’t forget your Santa hat! More information and registration: association-scg.org/
Fete de l’Escalade, Carouge
In 1602 the people of Geneva put up resistance to the Duke of Savoy's troops. More than four centuries later, the city still celebrates the event. Festivities during this year’s celebratory weekend include parades and bonfires, with the event taking place from 9th to 11th December.
More information: geneve.com
Eine Million Sterne, Zurich
From 4pm on 10th December, the Josefwiese in Zurich will come to life like a twinkling ocean of candles. The event is held by Caritas in honour of the ‘Eine Million Sterne’ campaign to support families living in poverty. You can order your candle and dedicate a wish with it online until the second day of advent. It will then appear illuminated on the Josefwiese.
More information: einemillionsterne.ch
Christmas in Great Britain, Baden
The special exhibition this December at the Children’s Museum in Baden is all about Christmas in Britain. Expect exhibits about the traditions of Christmas crackers, Father Christmas and mistletoe with detail from popular culture, toys and children’s books. The exhibition runs until 6th January.
More information: kindermuseum.ch
Champagne breakfast in the pool, Leukerbad
Treat yourself to a spot of wellness before the mania of the Christmas season gets into full swing. We love the sound of thermal town Leukerbad’s offering: champagne served to you on a wooden platter while you float in the naturally warm and healing waters. The event, to be held on 18th December, costs CHF 44 per person and is open to over-16s only.
More information: www.leukerbad.ch
