Christmas in Carouge

In the current context of energy sobriety, the City of Carouge has made a commitment by intervening in several areas, by identifying, removing or replacing the most energy-intensive installations, by lightening arrangements or by reducing the quantities of luminaires or lighting times, to save 87% of the consumption initially planned. It should also be remembered that this seasonal embellishment is part of Carouge's Lighting Plan, which already includes energy-saving measures.

Only one cut fir tree is featured in this sparkling display. It's the majestic one in Place de Sardaigne. It is decorated in the colours of the 2023 edition, pink and gold. This specimen was not cut down especially for the festive season, but comes from a circuit of trees that, for one reason or another, have had to be felled. Once dismantled, the tree will be recycled as firewood. For the first time, schools and communal buildings are no longer using cut trees. These are being replaced by wooden models, which can be reused in future years.

As for the decorations and artistic displays themselves, they have been redesigned, as they are every year, to create an original scenography, the implementation of which has involved the Cultural Affairs and Communications Department, the Town Planning Department and the Roads, Green Spaces and Equipment Department.

The illuminations will be switched off in mid-January and gradually dismantled from Monday 15 January 2024.

Cédric Le Borgne plays with volume and transparency in works that are as much light installations as sculptures. He creates latticework silhouettes that come to life in the evening thanks to lighting that combines several shades of colour. At night, these oversized animals are awe-inspiring. In the morning, however, they blend into the architecture. These highly evocative works are (almost) forgotten during the day. It's the artist's delicate touch to blur the line between dream and reality, instilling magic into the urban landscape.

Among the familiar and emblematic elements of Carouge Magique, Cédric Le Borgne's bestiary is back in its winter quarters. The carp of the River have slipped into rue Vautier, while the birds are pecking between the Fontaine des Tours, Place d'Armes and the library.

The Illuminations will be switched off in mid-January and gradually taken down on Monday 15 January 2024.

Founded by David Lesort and Arnaud Giroud, the Pitaya studio uses perspective and pure forms, arranged in series, to breathe movement into a space and slightly alter the way it is perceived.

• Place du Marché sparkles with Bubules
• Place du Temple is magnified by Colombes
• Rue Saint-Joseph welcomes round-petalled Blossom flowers
• Hanabis, a type of metal dandelion, come to life in the branches of the wedding tree in the Salle des Fêtes

The Illuminations will be switched off in mid-January and gradually taken down on Monday 15 January 2024.

Open from 25 November 2023 to 25 February 2024, the Carouge ice rink, located on Place de Sardaigne, is sure to delight young and old alike!

The ice rink has a packed programme of festivities, and you can find all the information on the dedicated page.

Throughout December, Carouge's libraries are offering events for all ages and tastes.

Carouge's libraries have put together a month of December packed with events for all ages and tastes: creative workshops using weeded books, a storytelling and singing Advent calendar, a surprise selection of mystery books, a show for young audiences... There's plenty to keep you waiting until Christmas.

From December 1 to 21
Please note that some events require registration!

Find all the information on the library portal.

Download the calendar

Take a stroll down the market aisles to discover over 150 exhibiting craftspeople, in Rue St-Joseph, Place du Temple, along Place du Marché and in front of the Town Hall. The craftspeople, shopkeepers and restaurateurs are waiting with great enthusiasm to share this magical moment with you. Click here for the list of stalls at the Christmas Market, organised by the Incontournable Carouge association.

Dates to remember:

• Friday 15 December from 2pm to 8pm
• Saturday 16 December from 10am to 8pm
• Sunday 17 December from 10am to 6pm

Carouge's shops are open every Sunday in December so that you can search for your gifts in peace and quiet, outside normal opening hours.
It's the perfect opportunity to unearth your treasures in complete peace of mind.

Visit your local shops, open for you on Sundays 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 December 2023, from 11am to 5pm.

And if we dared to dream? What wishes would you make for yourself, for others, for the world?

Dare to write your wishes, only for the best, and hang them in the tree to entrust them to the most wonderful of messengers: the Wind.

From 24 November until early January
Place des Charmettes

A mysterious red box will appear in Place de Sardaigne on 24 November 2023!

It's official: Santa is now collecting letters from all the children! Don't forget to give your surname, first name, age and home address, and hand in your letters by 18 December to get a reply from Santa.

The box will remain in place until early January, but Santa will no longer be able to answer letters.

A big THANK YOU to Santa's Carouge elves and to you for your participation!

To see all the illuminations, click on the map below.