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GENEVA, Switzerland – Spending New Year’s Eve in Geneva and looking to celebrate it outdoors? Here’s what’s on —and most of it free— during the last eve of 2015.
Main celebration: Bains de Paquis and Geneva Harbor with Fireworks Courtesy of the Kempinski Hotel (right bank) – 19:30 – 3:00
On 31 December at 18:30, festivities are kicked off by the Mayor of the City of Geneva, Esther Alder, followed by a night of kids activities, music, dancing, food and drink stalls around the harbor.
The evening starts promptly with a Disco Soup -a massive marmite full of vegetables- that will help feed early participants.
Beginning at 21:00 you’ll be able to select music and play it through two jukeboxes set up by the harbor, that can be programmed directly from your smartphone.
From 21:00 to 3:00 at La Rotonde at the Bains de Paquis, find an “interactive luminous hopscotch,” a video mapping show and DJs playing from “floating islands” on the lake. (something similar to the image below)
For the past several years the Kempinski Hotel has offered a small but beautiful pyrotechnic show at midnight. You can simply stay put near the Lake and enjoy the lights (don’t forget the bubbly!)
If money is no object, check out the Kempinski’s end-of-year party or head to any of the other hotels in the area which host fireworks viewing parties.
Download the full programme now!
The Kempiniski also offers a New Year’s Day buffet for CHF99.
New Year’s Eve Solidarity Ball — 19:30-2:00 — Plainpalais Community Centre
The Solidarity Ball which gathers around 600 people takes place every year at the Plainpalais Community Centre.
Food and music and other fun activities are offered free of charge by volunteers. Organizers are still looking for volunteers.
Firefighters midnight soup — At the municipal firefighters’ headquarters in Vieux-Billard
Warm soup for those reveling outdoors at the Caserne du Vieux-Billard at midnight.
Cirque de Noel & Luna Park in Plainpalais — starting at 14:00 to 3:00
The traditional Christmas Circus and the amusement rides fair known as Luna Park, take over the Plainpalais plaza.
The Circus de Noel offers dinner and a show, while Luna Park keeps the cotton candy flowing and the rides open until 3:00.
Hammam under the stars – Left bank – 19:30 to 2:00
Lake Geneva cruise 19:30 – 1:30
Start the new year in style with a CGN fun-filled cruise over Lake Geneva at CHF199 for adults.
Performance Art, Avant-Garde Celebration and Vegetarian Meal — 22:00 – 5:00 (cell phones not allowed) – Bois de la Batîe
If you want an alternative to mainstream celebrations then this one is for you! At the Galpon Theatre, performance-installation artist Yann Marussich takes “slow movement” to a new dimension.
Four hours of “stationariness” performance surrounded by an organic, local, vegetarian meal and free drinks until 5:00. CHF90 all included. Mobile phones are not allowed so is no re-entry.
New Year’s Eve Ball – Nyon – Starts at 22:00
Not in Geneva, but iconically famous among young hipsters. Costumed ball at Usine de Gaz in Nyon. CHF15 and up.
Don’t drink and drive!
If you “have one too many” call the Nez Rouge – a driver will take you home free of charge. Volunteers are welcome.
Call free : 0800 802 208 or local at: 022 710 27 77.
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