Get ready to sleigh the season! Discover all the magical Christmas markets, cozy winter activities, and holiday events happening around Lausanne this December:
- Learn how to make an Advent wreath from A to Z, with its candles and a wide choice of materials for a beautiful Christmas decoration! On December 1st at l'Attribut Iris.
- An oyster and bubbles tasting at Le Montrimond in collaboration with Monsieur Poisson on December 1.
- Experience the fusion of style and sport on December 4 at the Olympic Museum’s Fashion Show! A landmark collaboration with the musee des arts decoratifs for the upcoming Fashion and Sport exhibition. Like a runway meets a relay, this unique event showcases athletic-inspired couture alongside classic designs, highlighting the intersection of fashion and athletic excellence. Enjoy an evening where elegance meets endurance in a celebration of design, creativity, and sport. Guided tour of the new exhibition on December 5.
- Tired of small talk? Dreading the company Christmas pasty? Come to Comedy Club 13 on December 3 for an English Stand-Up Showcase or Montana's on December 4 for Comedy Clubhouse. Here you can social, but you don't need to talk to anyone.
- 7th edition Pintes Ouvertes from December 5 to 7. Let’s celebrate wine and fondue at affordable prices! In more than 100 restaurants in Canton Vaud, you will find a 100% Vaudois menu (Gruyère AOP fondue, IGP dry sausage, bread from the artisan baker or potatoes from the market gardeners, gherkins, and a glass of Chasselas) all for the price of 20 Fr. The full list of participating restaurants can be found here.
- Creative Mornings Lausanne is back on December 6 at Tibits on the theme Cycle with guest speaker Annabel Roest, Co-Founder of The Femisphère. Annabel will explore the ‘Cycles of Self-Discovery,’ focusing on how women can harness the power of life’s natural cycles to enhance personal well-being, creativity, and community connection.
- A very happy birthday to some of our favourite restaurants in town! On December 7, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Brasserie de Montbenon is taking you to Les Docks for a hell of a party, which will also celebrate the anniversaries of partners Café de Grancy (20 years!) and Café Saint Pierre (15 years!). Concerts, shows, surprises, toasts, and party favors!
- ReMode is a free event open to all, taking place on December 7 at the École-Club Migros. This unique initiative combines science, fashion, and sustainability, offering activities for both adults and children. The event is in French, but the organizers and workshop facilitators are also English-speakers.
- On December 8, get into the festive spirit with a Noël Atelier at Ligneuse.
- Les Urbaines Festival (December 6-8) is an entirely free of charge festival of experiments and exhibitions in the fields of sound, visual and performing arts. Discover >50 exhibitions in various locations around Lausanne, Renens, and Chavannes.
- Montagne en Scène, the traveling mountain film festival taking place in 250 cities around the world, is back in Lausanne with its winter edition on December 9 at Beaulieu Palace. If you can't make it, no worries: a second screening is scheduled on January 16 at Pathé Flon.
- December 7-8 and 14-15 - Christmas at Chillon Castle. Step back in time and celebrate a medieval Christmas! The castle transforms with festive decorations, historical reenactments, traditional crafts, and activities for all ages. Perfect for families and anyone seeking a unique holiday experience.
- Following last winter's success, Les Bains de Rives, located near Bellerive swimming pool, return (in an even bigger format) from December 11 until March 31. Experience the contrast between the cosy yurt-saunas and the icy cold water dips in the lake.
- December 13-20 - Béjart Ballet Lausanne presents Ballet for Life, a powerful tribute created by Maurice Béjart ten years after it was last performed in Lausanne. This vibrant ballet celebrates life, love, and resilience, blending classical ballet with the music of Queen and Mozart, featuring costumes by Gianni Versace. Don’t miss this emotional performance that honors both artists’ legacies in a stunning fusion of music and dance at Lausanne’s Beaulieu Theater.
- December 14 - Join the festive fun at the annual Lausanne Christmas Run! This annual holiday race brings runners of all ages together in the heart of Lausanne, with costumes, music, and twinkling lights creating a magical atmosphere. Choose your distance, dress up, and dash through the city's holiday-lit streets.
- December 14 - Ville de Lausanne annual Wine Auction (free entrance): Don't miss this unique opportunity to bid on exceptional local wines from Lausanne’s own vineyards! Held each year, the Ville de Lausanne Wine Auction offers a curated selection of premium bottles, celebrating the city’s winemaking heritage. Sip, bid, and take home a piece of Lausanne’s wine tradition.
- On December 15, a Festive Art Brunch: Enjoy a delicious gourmet brunch and create a unique Christmas landscape painting to take home or gift to a loved one, with guidance from experienced artist Ksenia Astakhova (location: Jetty Montreux, in collaboration with Artiloft Art School).
- December 16 - An inspiring evening at Les Rencontres du Royal, featuring special guest speaker Maurine Mercier, named Swiss Journalist of the Year in 2023, known for her insightful reporting. This event promises thought-provoking discussions on current affairs, media, and storytelling.
- From December 22-31, A MidSummer Night's Dream at Opéra de Lausanne: Experience Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy with a magical twist, with Benjamin Britten’s operatic adaptation, where whimsical fairies, tangled romances, and lush music bring the classic tale to life on stage. Perfect for a festive season outing!
- Open until December 22, MiniVille in Flon: an imitation play area made up of 24 universes. It is open to children aged 1 to 6 years accompanied by their parents. Game sessions last 1h30, a snack is offered (4 sessions per day: 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00).
- Sip & Paint at Ceramic Kanvas: Enjoy a creative and friendly experience by personalizing your own ceramic piece in a warm atmosphere. No prior experience is necessary. Not to mention you can taste exclusive mocktails by La Sobrerie!
- Craft your own unique, handmade Christmas gift at Knock on Wood using wood and simple tools under expert guidance. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday presents while learning new skills.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS:
Don’t miss this chance to find distinctive pieces and support Lausanne's local art scene!
- On December 8 don't miss Shenanigans, a curated winter market at Cospire, gathering an incredible group of artists, designers, and small business owners to share with you the results of their craft. Stop by to find gifts for everyone on your list—from art prints and home goods to small-batch food products and unique fashion pieces, plus gift cards for special experiences and boutique finds. Throughout the day, enjoy specialty coffee and delicious treats provided by some local favourites.
- On December 7, Sweet Market winter edition: Come admire many handmade products that tell the story of the people who made them.
- On December 14, PlanB Lausanne hosts the Galerie Pop Up, a vibrant event bringing together local artists and creators for one day only. Discover unique artworks, handmade crafts, and creative gifts perfect for the holiday season. This pop-up gallery offers a relaxed, festive atmosphere to browse and connect with the talents behind the art.
- #Happy Christmas Flon: the Christmas spirit lights up Flon neighbourhood from December 1st to 24. Its merchants and restaurants invite you to share the beauty of the end-of-year celebrations around new activities: photoshoot with Santa, a Gospel Choir, performances by The Lausanne-Renens Circus School, donkey rides and much more!
- Bourse aux Jouets (toy exchange) on December 14: an opportunity to find or sell second-hand toys at low prices, for young and old, and give them a second life.
- Vintage Winter Market on December 14: discover a unique selection of second-hand clothing and accessories, vintage and upcycled pieces, retro furniture, luxury, jewelry and creations. Whether you are passionate about sustainable fashion or looking for an original gift, this event is for you.
- On December, 15 La Parada, in collaboration with Station24 Store, hosts 25 artist stands who will display their best creations for your end-of-the-year gifts.
- Celebrate the magic of the season at Bô Noël Lausanne! This year’s 10th edition transforms Lausanne into a winter wonderland, with cozy Christmas markets, artisanal crafts, local delicacies, and festive activities across the city. Discover unique gifts, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere with family and friends.
- This year’s 30th anniversary of Noël Riviera lights up Montreux, Vevey and Villeneuve with Christmas markets, illuminated lakeside promenades, and seasonal delights. In Montreux you'll find regional products, entertainment, and a visit to Santa's house at the top of Rochers de Naye: in Vevey, you can enjoy the truffle market, and in Villeneuve, even more family activities including the village of gnomes with its carousels.
- From December 17-23, enjoy extended shopping hours in Lausanne.
- The Christmas Tree Market at Place de la Riponne from December 4 to December 23, every day from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m (until 8 p.m. only during late night openings on December 17-23).
NEW YEAR's EVE:
- Burning of the Cathedral: a tradition which dates back to 1904; every New Year's Eve, at midnight, Amis de la Cité association light up the Cathedral's tower. Meet other Lausanners at the Cathedral's Esplanade in a friendly atmosphere with champagne, mulled wine, tea and apple juice.
- A giant silent disco: The Silent Party is making its big comeback! Get ready to dance until early morning from 6pm at Plateforme 10, Place de la Gare.
- A Midnight concert at Lausanne Cathedral: Jean-Christophe Geiser (appointed organist of the Cathedral of Lausanne) invites you at 10.30 pm to a “Fireworks” surprise programme on the Cathedral’s great organs, with the participation of Manon Devulder.
- New year's Eve Cruise: an original way to celebrate the new year! On the programme: festive menu, bubbles and party favours in a fun atmosphere with DJ set. Boarding in Lausanne-Ouchy from 7:00 pm.
