© 2009 – 2016 La Suisse raconte

What’s On in November 2016

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All too soon the days have started drawing in, leaves are falling and the air carries a chilly hint of the months to come, but even as winter approaches there are plenty of great activities to be enjoyed together as a family.

Here’s our events listings for the month of November, remember to keep checking these listings regularly as we will be updating this post with more events each week.

PATINOIRES

Christmas is not far off and if you’d like to delve deep into the winter spirit, you can grab your ice-skates and join the fun at the ice-skating rinks that are already open for the season, including the patinoire des Vernets and the patinoire des Charmilles in Geneva; the patinoire des Bastions in Geneva (opening on the 19th of November 2016); the patinoire de Carouge (opening on the 19th of November 2016); the Patinoire de Montchoisi and the Patinoire de la Pontaise in Lausanne and the patinoire du Flon Esplanade du Flon in Lausanne (opening on the 5th of November 2016).

The patinoire in Grand-Sacconex will offer free “Cours d’initiation au patinage” open to all every Wednesday from 1pm to 2pm and every Sunday from 11am until midday . Bookings to be made in advance at the ice-rink – tel. 079 079 958 84 48. Patinoire Grand-Sacconex – Campagne du Château – 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex (GE).

Patinoire de Carouge © Ville de Carouge
Patinoire de Carouge © Ville de Carouge

 

The patinoire de Nyon-Rive reopened for the winter season at the end of October. This year, the ice rink will be open 7 days a week! Click here for exact opening times. ENTRY IS FREE, ice skates for children can be hired for just 3CHF (5CHF for adults).

© 2016 Patinoire de Nyon (VD)
© 2016 Patinoire de Nyon (VD)

 

WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS

Whether you believe it or not, you CAN visit Santa’s house at the Hameau du Père Noël in Andilly (France) all year round (a secret probably worth keeping from the little buttons…). You can find out more about our visit to Santa’s house in Andilly in our previous post. For exact opening times and ticket prices, take a look at their official website.

photo © Hameau du Père Noël
photo © Hameau du Père Noël

 

The House of Santa Claus at Rochers-de-Naye nestled at an altitude of 2042 metres above Montreux (VD) will open on the 24th of November 2016. Don’t miss the Santa Claus train, face-painting sessions, stories, photos with Santa and much more!

Having been to both Santa’s abode in Andilly (FR) and Rochers de Naye (CH), we personally think that Andilly is better for younger children: it’s easily accessible and there’s a lot more to see inside Santa’s house. Rochers-de-Naye is probably best enjoyed with older children, who can be patient and sit still during the train ride up as well as appreciate the stunning mountain-top view over Montreux.

However, we’re very happy to share a great tip from Masha Bobyleva who recommends to drive up to the Christmas Village and take the train up to Santa’s House from there. The train ride from the Christmas Village is only 5 minutes and much easier to enjoy with young children than the longer ride from Montreux.

La véritable Maison du Père Noël, Rochers-de-Naye (VD). Photo © Montreux Noël
La véritable Maison du Père Noël, Rochers-de-Naye (VD). Photo © Montreux Noël.

 

La véritable Maison du Père Noël, Rochers-de-Naye (VD). Photo © Montreux Noël
La véritable Maison du Père Noël, Rochers-de-Naye (VD). Photo © Montreux Noël

 

SUNDAY BRUNCH & INDOOR PLAY CENTRES

You can also check our previous posts to find all the best child-friendly places to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Sunday brunch with your little buttons or the best indoor play centres in Geneva, Vaud and nearby France. And if the Sunday blues hit you don’t fret, we’ve got some great tips for that too!

 

TOY & BOOK LIBRARIES

On those gray, drizzly autumn days when nothing seems to placate your little buttons, remember you can visit your local ludothèque for a spot of free play and some light relief.

Public libraries are also a great place for your children: many host free events, workshops, story-times (usually in French but sometimes in other languages too). The bibliothèques in Geneva, Lausanne and neighbouring communes hold too many kids events each month to list them all here so here’s some links you can check regularly:

Geneva public libraries events & activities

Carouge public libraries events & activities

Lausanne public libraries events & activities

© Ludothèque Centre & Vieille-Ville - Ecole Ferdinand Hodler, Geneva
© Ludothèque Centre & Vieille-Ville – Ecole Ferdinand Hodler, Geneva

 

SIMPLY THEATRE COURSES:

If your children love performing, singing and dancing, then take a look at the great choice of kids courses and holiday camps in English available at Simply Theatre Academy.

They have a specially designed rolling curriculum across all age groups and course types. Each year, their choice of material, genre and focus changes, allowing students to spend three terms exploring and developing a specific set of new skills and experiences, and realize them through performance.

Meanwhile, regardless of the material being explored, they simultaneously return to basic strategies and techniques that are common to all live performance work, thereby building on the work of previous years.

You can find out more about Simply Theatre and all their courses here.

 

NOVEMBER 2016 LISTINGS:

  • Wednesday 2nd November 2016: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). These family activities will take place in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm (on Saturday 26th of November the centre will also be open in the morning from 9.30am until midday). Entry is 3CHF per adult and per child aged 2+.

 

  • Wednesday 2nd November 2016: Les mercredis à la Villa Freundler, free Wednesday activities for children at the Villa Freundler in Plainpalais (Place de Saint-François 4). Activities include games, creative workshops, sports and they will run from 1.30pm to 6pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary, children must be accompanied by an adult/carer.

 

  • Wednesday 2nd November 2016: “Calandrier de l’Avent”, fun workshops in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, and make your own Jurassic advent calendars! These free workshops in French take place from 2pm until 4.30pm non-stop.
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 2nd November 2016: “Tout ce qui brille”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 to 10 accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.

 

  • 2nd-20th November 2016: don’t miss the spectacular “Son et lumière” shows, which will lit up the exterior of the Uni Bastions building in Geneva, every evening from the 2nd to the 20th of November 2016. The light & sound shows will last approx. 20 minutes each and will take place at 5.45pm; 7pm and 8.30pm every night until the 20th of November. Uni Bastions building in the Parc des Bastions, Geneva. FREE ENTRY.
© Colloque Wright
© Colloque Wright

 

  • Thursday 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th November 2016: Chinese Painting classes for adults at Life of Art in Geneva. The classes will run every Thursday from 1pm until 3pm. Each class costs 60CHF per person – all materials aare supplied. To book your Chinese Painting Workshop, please email Life of Art at info@life-of-art.ch or call 022 525 5232.
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva

 

Copyright 2016 All Special Kids
Copyright 2016 All Special Kids

 

  • 4th-12th November 2016: Festival Tous Écrans in Geneva. This Festival is a unique event in Europe, offering a full panorama of the best current feature films, television series, made-for-television films and interactive documentaries since 1995. Check the online programme for full details of all events and screenings taking place – don’t miss the KID’S DAY on Sunday 6th November 2016 with free screenings, workshops, treasure hunts and much more for the little ones. The festival is free of charge so one more reason to make the most of it!
Workshop 1 Off- screen © Festival Tous Écrans, Geneva
Workshop 1 Off- screen © Festival Tous Écrans, Geneva

 

  • Saturday 5th November 2016: AniMômes, a fun family-day at the Espace Perdtemps in Gex (France). From 10am until 6pm there will be fun workshops for kids, sports activities, story times and puppet shows. Entry is only 1 euro per person! 
© Office de tourisme Pays de Gex - La Faucille
© Office de tourisme Pays de Gex – La Faucille

 

© Office de tourisme Pays de Gex - La Faucille
© Office de tourisme Pays de Gex – La Faucille

 

  • 5th-6th November 2016: En famille aux musées in Montreux and Vevey (VD). Families with young children are welcome in 10 museums of the Leman riviera for fun workshops and activities. The entry ticket will give you free access to public transport too!
© 2016 En famille aux musées
© 2016 En famille aux musées

 

 

  • Sunday 6th November 2016: “À la Recherche du Temps du Rêve”, Australian Aborigenal story time at the Maison de quartier de Plainpalais in Geneva (rue de la Tour 1). Suitable from age 6 and performed in French, the show will start at 4.30pm. Tickets are 15CHF for adults and 10CHF for children.
© 2016 Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais
© 2016 Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais

 

  • Sunday 6th November 2016: “Cap sur l’Asie avec Tohu Wa Bohu” story-time songs and music for children at Geneva’s MEG museum (in French). Suitable for toddlers from age 2, the first session will take place from 4pm to 4.45pm in the museum’s foyer, and the second one from 5pm until 5.45pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Photo: MEG, J.Watts
Photo: MEG, J.Watts

 

  • Monday 7th-Tuesday 8th November 2016: Atelier et fête des lanterns organized by the Association Pré En Bulle in Les Grottes neighbourhood in Geneva. The traditional Fête des lanterns takes place every year in autumn as the days grow shorter. Children will love taking part in the lantern-making workshop on Monday 7th from 4pm to 6.30pm at Le Local des Jeunes (Rue des Amis, just behind La place des Grottes in Geneva). FREE ENTRY, but remember to bring an empty milk carton to make your lantern. Once you’ve made your lantern, you’ll be ready for the Fête des lanterns on Tuesday 8th from 5.30pm: the kids parade will start from the Place des Grottes with music and plenty of noisy fun, remember to bring a bowl and spoon to join in and taste some delicious soup at the end! FREE ENTRY.
Atelier & Fête des lanternes © Pré en bulle, Genève
Atelier & Fête des lanternes © Pré en bulle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 9th November 2016: “Au coeur de la forêt avec Tohu Wa Bohu” discover the new Amazon river exhibition at Geneva’s MEG museum with fun activities, songs and music for children (in French). Suitable for toddlers from age 2, the session will take place from 4pm to 4.45pm in the museum’s foyer. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets to the exhibition cost between 7 and 10 CHF per person.
© MEG Geneva
© MEG Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 9th November 2016: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). These family activities will take place in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm (on Saturday 26th of November the centre will also be open in the morning from 9.30am until midday). Entry is 3CHF per adult and per child aged 2+.
© 2015 Maison de la créativité, Conches (GE).
© 2015 Maison de la créativité, Conches (GE).

 

  • Wednesday 9th November 2016: “Calandrier de l’Avent”, fun workshops in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, and make your own Jurassic advent calendars! These free workshops in French take place from 2pm until 4.30pm non-stop.
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 9th November 2016: “LE MYSTÈRE DES HIÉROGLYPHES”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 to 10 accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.
 © Musées d’art et d'histoire, Geneva
© Musées d’art et d’histoire, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 9th November 2016: Les mercredis à la Villa Freundler, free Wednesday activities for children at the Villa Freundler in Plainpalais (Place de Saint-François 4). Activities include games, creative workshops, sports and they will run from 1.30pm to 6pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary, children must be accompanied by an adult/carer.
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais

 

  • Thursday 10th, 17th and 24th November 2016: Chinese Painting classes for adults at Life of Art in Geneva. The classes will run every Thursday from 1pm until 3pm. Each class costs 60CHF per person – all materials aare supplied. To book your Chinese Painting Workshop, please email Life of Art at info@life-of-art.ch or call 022 525 5232.
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva

 

  • 10th-27th November 2016: Festival Les Créatives, a festival celebrating creative women in the performing arts spanning from dance to theatre, music, comedy and more. This year’s programme will feature live concerts, movie screenings and the music workshops “Ateliers d’éveil musical en famille” for children aged 1 to 6 (divided into age groups) run by La Bulle d’Air on the 20th of November 2016. During the one-hour session, parents and children will dance together and participate in exploratory musical games. The sessions, which will take place at La Bulle d’Air in Carouge and Grand-Sacconex, begin at 10am and 11am (Carouge) and at 3pm & 4pm (in Grand_Sacconex). Tickets cost 10CHF (free of charge for your second child) and places must be booked in advance at labulle@labulledair.ch or by phone at 022 788 36 22.
© 2016 12e Festival Les Créatives
© 2016 12e Festival Les Créatives

 

  • Friday 11th November 2016: “Nuit du conte en Suisse”, a special celebration of story-telling for all, starting from age 2. Storytimes will be taking place in different locations across Geneva and Vaud. If you are in Geneva, take a look at the full programme of the “Nuit du conte”, with various sessions taking place at the Ferme Sarasin in Grand-Sacconex, the Maison de Quartier in Carouge, the Natural History Museum in Geneva and many more. FREE ENTRY.
© 2009 - 2016 La Suisse raconte
© 2009 – 2016 La Suisse raconte

 

© 2016 Conteurs de Genève
© 2016 Conteurs de Genève

 

  • Friday 11th and 25th November 2016: Art Jamming, organized by Life of Art at La Fabrique bistrot in Geneva. But what is Art Jamming exactly? It’s a new way to get creative whilst socializing and making new friends! Art jamming is all about creating art in a fun environment, with great music to inspire you and drinks at hand. In a group of about 10 people, our in house artist/teacher will create a painting in front of you, guiding you step by step through the different stages and techniques so that you can follow at the same time on your own canvas. So even if you are a beginner you can still join in the fun. It’s a 2 hour workshop where all materials are supplied and you get to take home your canvas. Meet and greet at the Bistrot La Fabrique, just opposite the Life of Art studio, at 18:00. For more information and to reserve a place contact Lisa Anderson at Life of Art on +41 22 525 5232 or by email at info@life-of-art.ch
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva

 

  • 11th-20th November 2016: Les Automnales at Geneva’s Palexpo is the city’s most exciting autumn event covering everything from home decor, health & gourmet food as well a large number of workshops for adults and children. Take a look at their official website for full programme details. Don’t miss the chocolate & Christmas workshops and if you have children fret not, as they are fully catered for with a merry-go-round, bouncy castles with play area, face painting, an indoor petting farm and even Father Xmas! Open Mon. to Sat. from 11am to 9pm; 10am to 7pm on Sunday. Entry is free for everyone on Wednesday 16th of November 2016.
© 2016 Les Automnales, Geneva
© 2016 Les Automnales, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 16th November 2016: Concert “Les Petits Chanteurs à la Gueule de Bois”, at the Salles des Fêtes de Thônex (18 avenue Tronchet). The show will begin at 2.30pm and there is no entry ticket, just bring a nice, new present (no recycled pressies please and no wrapping paper), which will be given to a disadvantaged child in the Geneva region by the Association “Un enfant, un cadeau“.
© 2016 Association "Un enfant, un cadeau"
© 2016 Association “Un enfant, un cadeau”

 

  • Wednesday 16th November 2016: “Calandrier de l’Avent”, fun workshops in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, and make your own Jurassic advent calendars! These free workshops in French take place from 2pm until 4.30pm non-stop.
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 16th November 2016: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). These family activities will take place in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm (on Saturday 26th of November the centre will also be open in the morning from 9.30am until midday). Entry is 3CHF per adult and per child aged 2+.
© 2015 Maison de la créativité, Conches (GE).
© 2015 Maison de la créativité, Conches (GE).

 

  • Wednesday 16th November 2016: Le MAH à tout petits pas – Mercredi Family pour les tout-petits free guided tours for children aged 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva starting at 10.30am and 3.30pm. No previous booking required, FREE OF CHARGE.

 

  • Wednesday 16th November 2016: “GENÈVE EN MINIATURE”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 to 10 accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.
 © Musées d’art et d'histoire, Geneva
© Musées d’art et d’histoire, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 16th November 2016: Les mercredis à la Villa Freundler, free Wednesday activities for children at the Villa Freundler in Plainpalais (Place de Saint-François 4). Activities include games, creative workshops, sports and they will run from 1.30pm to 6pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary, children must be accompanied by an adult/carer.
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais

 

  • Thursday 17th and 24th November 2016: Chinese Painting classes for adults at Life of Art in Geneva. The classes will run every Thursday from 1pm until 3pm. Each class costs 60CHF per person – all materials aare supplied. To book your Chinese Painting Workshop, please email Life of Art at info@life-of-art.ch or call 022 525 5232.
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva

 

  • Saturday 19th November 2016: first Disco on Ice of the season at the Patinoire des Vernets in Geneva! The disco will run from 7.30pm until midnight, entry is 6 CHF for adults and 3 CHF for children. If you don’t have your own ice-skates, you can hire a pair for just 2 CH. The next Discos on Ice will be on the following dates: Saturday 28th December 2016; Saturday 14th January 2017; Saturday 11th February 2017.
Disco sur glace Patinoire des Vernets © Ville de Genève
Disco sur glace Patinoire des Vernets © Ville de Genève

 

  • Saturday 19th November 2016: Marché de Noël from 10am until 6pm at the Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève (Chemin de Narly 2, 1232 Confignon). A fantastic day-out for the whole family and so much more than a simple Xmas market: there will be fun workshops from age 6, story-times, puppet shows, donkey rides for all and much much more! Take a look at the school’s official website for full details and exact times. FREE ENTRY.
© 2016 Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève
© 2016 Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève

 

  • Sunday 20th November 2016: Winter Market at La Grande Boissière Ecolint campus in Geneva from 10am to 4pm. A great family day-out, with over 55 vendors, food and drink stalls, Santa Claus (YES! He WILL be coming!) and Christmas carols sung by the school’s children choir. FREE ENTRY.

seuss

 

  • Wednesday 23rd November 2016: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). These family activities will take place in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm (on Saturday 26th of November the centre will also be open in the morning from 9.30am until midday). Entry is 3CHF per adult and per child aged 2+.
© 2015 Maison de la créativité, Conches (GE).
© 2015 Maison de la créativité, Conches (GE).

 

  • Wednesday 23rd November 2016: “Au coeur de la forêt avec Tohu Wa Bohu” discover the new Amazon river exhibition at Geneva’s MEG museum with fun activities, songs and music for children (in French). Suitable for toddlers from age 2, the session will take place from 4pm to 4.45pm in the museum’s foyer. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets to the exhibition cost between 7 and 10 CHF per person.
© MEG Geneva
© MEG Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 23rd November 2016: “Sculptures !”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 to 10 accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.
 © Musées d’art et d'histoire, Geneva
© Musées d’art et d’histoire, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 23rd November 2016: “Calandrier de l’Avent”, fun workshops in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, and make your own Jurassic advent calendars! These free workshops in French take place from 2pm until 4.30pm non-stop.
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 23rd November 2016: Les mercredis à la Villa Freundler, free Wednesday activities for children at the Villa Freundler in Plainpalais (Place de Saint-François 4). Activities include games, creative workshops, sports and they will run from 1.30pm to 6pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary, children must be accompanied by an adult/carer.
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais

 

  • 24th November-24th December 2016: Montreux Noël, an unmissable event if you’d like to kick off the festive season in style: from the shores of Lake Geneva to the surrounding mountain tops, Montreux Noël offers many activities centred around its traditional Christmas Market. You can visit Santa, who comes directly from faraway Lapland to his house at the Rochers de Naye; discover an authentic Christmas Village in Caux or stroll through a medieval market and attend a story festival within the walls of the legendary Château de Chillon. Visit the official website for exact opening times and take a look at our previous post to find out how much we enjoyed our visit last year!
© Montreux Noël
© Montreux Noël

 

  • 24th November-31st December 2016: “Festival Lausanne Lumières”, with no less than 15 original artistic illuminations installed in the heart of Lausanne. Each one of them will be using light as main element to give the city a contemporary, innovative and enchanting atmosphere during six weeks. The «Nuit du Festival» on the 20th of November 2015 will inaugurate the festival with guided tours specially dedicated to families (only in French). Each child will receive a Chinese lantern to travel along the festivals route.
© 2016 Festival Lausanne Lumières
© 2016 Festival Lausanne Lumières

 

  • Friday 25th November 2016: Art Jamming, organized by Life of Art at La Fabrique bistrot in Geneva. But what is Art Jamming exactly? It’s a new way to get creative whilst socializing and making new friends! Art jamming is all about creating art in a fun environment, with great music to inspire you and drinks at hand. In a group of about 10 people, our in house artist/teacher will create a painting in front of you, guiding you step by step through the different stages and techniques so that you can follow at the same time on your own canvas. So even if you are a beginner you can still join in the fun. It’s a 2 hour workshop where all materials are supplied and you get to take home your canvas. Meet and greet at the Bistrot La Fabrique, just opposite the Life of Art studio, at 18:00. For more information and to reserve a place contact Lisa Anderson at Life of Art on +41 22 525 5232 or by email at info@life-of-art.ch
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva
Photo © 2016 Life of Art, Geneva

 

  • 25th November 2016-8th January 2017: Marché de Noël at iLife in Etoy (VD). A great Xmas market selling handmade gifts, a free ice-skating rink, raclette, vin chaud and a spectacular Father Xmas’s village of course! There will be also a play area with face-painting, bouncy castles, the AddictLab creative workshops area and Santa’s little helpers too. Click here for exact opening times and ticket prices.
© 2016 Marché de Noël at iLife in Etoy
© 2016 Marché de Noël at iLife in Etoy

 

  • 26th-27th November 2016: Marché de Noël at the Centre du Vallon in St. Cergue (VD). The market will offer creative workshops for kids, music, baking workshops from age 5 and Santa’s visit on Sunday! FREE ENTRY.

st-cergue

 

  • 26th November-18th Deceber 2016: “Sleeping Beauty” at the Simply Theatre Studios in Versoix (Centre de Choiseul, Avenue de Choiseul 23A). From the writers and director of the smash-hit productions of Pinocchio and The Snow Queen comes Simply Theatre’s latest magical Christmas Production. On her sixteenth birthday the beautiful Princess Rose is cursed by an evil witch and forced to sleep for a hundred years. Quick witted Fairies and a brave Prince face terrible dangers at they try to lift the enchantment – but ultimately good will always triumph over evil. Join in for this hilarious, magical, musical adaptation of the classic fairytale for the young and the young at heart. A magical start to your Christmas! See the Simply Theatre official website for ticket prices and exact performance times.
© 2016 Simply Theatre, Versoix
© 2016 Simply Theatre, Versoix

 

  • Sunday 27th November 2016:  Journée de jeux en famille at the salle communale in Plainpalais. What a great opportunity to spend a fun day all together as a family, trying out some challenging board games that will bring out your competitive side! Take part in the puppetry & shadow theatre kids workshops too and enjoy a ride on the carrousel in the courtyard outside. Free entry, opens at 10am and runs until 5pm.
6e édition d’une Journée de jeux en famille - Plainpalais, Geneva © Fabienne Muller/Ville de Genève
9e édition d’une Journée de jeux en famille – Plainpalais, Geneva © Fabienne Muller/Ville de Genève

 

  • Sunday 27th November 2016: another great Xmas market for your diary! The Collège du Léman Christmas Market will take place on Sunday 27th of November from 10am until 3pm. FREE ENTRY. Expect a visit from Santa (free pictures will be taken with your children), gourmet food trucks like Funky BBQ and Deli Mex Food and Xmas carols sung by the CDL’s Childrens’ Choir. For all the shopaholics amongst us, there will over 30 stalls selling festive foods, home decorations, jewellery, handmade crafts and accessories. Collège du Léman, Route de Sauverny 74, 1290 Versoix.

cdl-cm-eng

 

A stunning view of Nyon castle. Photo © genevafamilydiaries.net
A stunning view of Nyon castle. Photo © genevafamilydiaries.net

 

  • Wednesday 30th November 2016: “Calandrier de l’Avent”, fun workshops in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, and make your own Jurassic advent calendars! These free workshops in French take place from 2pm until 4.30pm non-stop.
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 30th November 2016: Les mercredis à la Villa Freundler, free Wednesday activities for children at the Villa Freundler in Plainpalais (Place de Saint-François 4). Activities include games, creative workshops, sports and they will run from 1.30pm to 6pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary, children must be accompanied by an adult/carer.
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais
Image © Maison de Quartier de Plainpalais

 

SAVE THE DATE:

  • Sunday 4th December 2016: Marché de St Nicolas, annual winter market at La Châtaigneraie Ecolint campus in Founex (VD) from 11:30am until 4pm. The Marché is the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit of the season and to shop for special gifts. Enjoy browsing through over 30 stalls selling crafts, jewellery, wreaths, cards and gift items. Indulge in a vin chaud, enjoy lunch or choose from delicious home made cakes. Young children can be checked into the crèche so parents can be free to browse, shop and grab a bite to eat! Bid on our Silent Auction of gift baskets with many unique and specially selected items. Please encourage your friends and neighbours to come as this event is open to all.

noel

 

ONGOING:

  • until 30th December 2016: Medieval Factory, interactive exhibition suitable from age 7 at the Espace des Inventions in Lausanne. Discover all the great medieval inventions still in use today! Free entry on the 1st Saturday of each month. Open Monday to Saturday from 2pm to 6pm; Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10am to 6pm. Tickets are 7CHF for adults and 3CHF for children.
© Copyright 2013 Espace des Inventions. Tous droits réservés.
© Copyright 2013 Espace des Inventions. Tous droits réservés.

 

  • until 8th January 2017: Le temps des dinosaures, a great exhibition for little explorers and dinosaur-lovers at Geneva Palexpo – Halle 7. From Tyrannosaurus to Triceratops, 60 animated specimens will be coming to life at Palexpo. Displayed in actual size over a surface of 4500 sq. m, these impressive animals move and growl to the delight of children. Dinosaur footprints will also be on show to the public, an exceptional vestige of the presence of these colossal animals in Switzerland some 150 million years ago. With the participation of the Jurassica Museum and the Geneva Museum of Natural History. Open from 10am until 7pm (last entry at 6pm). Free entry for children under 3, adult tickets are 18.90CHF and children’s tickets 14.90CHF but you can buy a family ticket for 57.90CHF.
© copyright 2015 Opus One
© copyright 2015 Opus One

 

  • until 19th February 2017: Châteaux forts et chevaliers, a great new exhibition at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva, perfect for budding knights and daring princesses. Click here for the complete list of kids guided tours and workshops taking place during the school holidays.
Copyright © MAH Ville de Genève
Copyright © MAH Ville de Genève

 

  • until 17th March 2017: Dinosaures, a brand new dinosaur exhibition at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle in Geneva.
© 2016 Muséum d'histoire naturelle
© 2016 Muséum d’histoire naturelle

 

  • The permanent exhibition “Noblesse Oblige” at Prangins Castle is a great day-out for the whole family, take a step back in time with your children to see how a noble Swiss family lived in the 18th century! Find out more about this fantastic family exhibition in our previous post.
So lovingly restored, down to the smallest details © genevafamilydiaries.net
So lovingly restored, down to the smallest details © genevafamilydiaries.net

 

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