Jardin Anglais Festive Loop

For the most up-to-date details, check Geneva travel info before you go.

For official information, visit Geneva Public Transport.

Follow the path toward the Jet d'Eau for stunning views of the famous fountain. This area features a large Ferris wheel that offers a very great city view. Tickets for the wheel usually cost about 7 CHF for adults during late 2026. The market stays open daily from 11:30 AM until the late evening hours.

Take a break at the Fondue Chalet located in the heart of the beautiful park. You must book your table in advance to secure a very good spot here. This cozy restaurant serves traditional cheese fondue for around 30 CHF for each person. It is the perfect place to warm up after you finish your long walk.

Old Town Historical Path

Climb the hill toward the Old Town for a much more traditional atmosphere. This part of the Christmas market walking routes in Geneva city center is quite steep. You will pass through narrow cobblestone streets filled with historical charm and festive lights. The walk from the lake to St. Pierre Cathedral takes about fifteen minutes.

Discover smaller market stalls hidden in the historic Place du Bourg-de-Four area. These vendors often sell local honey, artisanal soaps, and very warm woolen winter clothing. This historic square is the oldest in the city and looks very beautiful now. It provides a quieter experience compared to the busy lakeside market stalls today.

Visit the Old Town historic walking tour to see ancient landmarks under festive lights. The cathedral towers offer a panoramic view of the glowing city far below you. Entry to the towers costs 5 CHF and is really worth the long climb. Wear sturdy shoes to handle the slippery stones during your cold winter walk.

Rue du Rhône Lights Trail

The Rue du Rhône offers the most luxurious light displays in all of Geneva. This street connects the lakeside markets to the main shopping district in downtown. You will see high-end watch shops decorated with thousands of sparkling white LED lights. Walking here feels like stepping into a very bright and holiday movie scene.

Look for the special light installations hanging above the very busy street corners. The city updates these artistic displays every year to keep the holiday magic fresh. Most lights turn on at 4:00 PM as the cold winter sun finally sets. This route is flat and very easy for families with many small children.

Stop at a local cafe for a warm drink along this very festive route. You can find many places that serve thick Swiss cocoa near the local shops. For more options, check where to find hot chocolate on a Geneva winter walk nearby. A cup of cocoa usually costs between 5 and 8 CHF in most places.

Parc des Bastions Family Walk

Parc des Bastions hosts a wonderful market near the famous University of Geneva. This park is famous for its giant outdoor chess sets and very wide paths. During December, the area transforms into a hub for families and many local students. You can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the various local food stalls.

The park features a popular ice skating rink that is totally free to use. You only need to pay about 2 CHF to rent your warm ice skates. This is one of the most affordable activities for all visitors in 2026. The rink is surrounded by stalls selling hot cider and very spicy gingerbread.

Walk past the Reformation Wall to see the statues lit with many soft colors. This impressive monument looks very different when surrounded by many festive holiday decorations. The market here is known for its international food options and local craft beers. It is a great final stop for your long evening walking tour today.