The end-of-year illuminations are back, putting Carouge in a magical mood. This year, for the first time, deer and bears have been added to the traditional decor of the illuminations. On the roof of the library, artist Cédric Le Borgne's Doe is keeping watch, while his Birds are back in their place near the Tours fountain and at Les Noirettes. Bears will also be illuminating the schools in Les Promenades and rue Baylon, bringing a new magic to the festivities. It's against this backdrop that the winter illuminations are currently being installed, so that they can all be lit on the first Sunday in Advent when the shops are open.
Come and explore the charming streets of Carouge, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere and make the most of your festive season with the many shops specially open every Sunday in December. What's more, the traditional Christmas Market and ice rink will also be there to amaze you.
And to see all the illuminations, just follow the map !
CAROUGE MAGIQUE
- Ice rink and Ice Bar, Place de Sardaigne, from 23 November to 2 March 2025
- Shops open on Sundays 1, 8, 15, 22 December 2024
- Christmas Market, rue Saint-Joseph and Place du Marché on 13, 14 and 15 December 2024
- Santa's letterbox, in front of the Town Hall entrance hall, from 23 November to 18 December 2024
- Christmas tree sale, Place de l'Octroi and Place de Sardaigne, from 1 to 24 December 2024
- Wishing tree, Place des Charmettes
Winter decorations
Once again this year, the City of Carouge is adapting its Christmas decorations to meet the challenges of energy conservation. In this context, Carouge is committed to taking action in a number of areas, by identifying, removing or replacing the most energy-intensive installations, lightening arrangements or reducing the number of lights or lighting times. It should also be remembered that this seasonal embellishment is part of Carouge's Lighting Plan, which already includes energy-saving measures.
Only one fir tree has been cut down and is featured in this sparkling display. It's the majestic one in Place de Sardaigne. This specimen was not cut especially for the festive season, but comes from a circuit of trees that, for one reason or another, had to be felled. Once dismantled, the tree will be recycled as firewood. Since last year, no cut trees have been put up in schools or administration buildings, but reusable wooden specimens can also be used to decorate these areas and let the magic happen, inside and out.
Lastly, the lighting of the traditional rope light will be optimised in line with the recommendations of the Municipal Council.
As for the decorations and the artistic displays themselves, they have been redesigned, as they are every year, to create an original scenography that involves the Cultural Affairs and Communications Department, the Town Planning Department and the Roads, Green Spaces and Equipment Department.
The illuminations will be switched off and taken down from mid-January in the town centre and during the2nd week of the Christmas holidays in the schools.
Artistic sculptures by Cédric Le Borgne
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. This year, the birds will be pecking around the Fontaine des Tours, the Place d'Armes, the library and the Noirettes with a new duo. New guests are also joining the Carouge light scene, transforming the city into a landscape for the festive season. For the first time, deer and bears will be part of the scenery. The Biche , designed by Cédric Le Borgne, has found its place on the roof of the library, close to Les Oiseaux. Majestic bears will also be illuminating the Promenades school and the temporary school on rue Baylon.
Light installations by the Pitaya studio
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
- A cloud of Palomas flies in the sky over rue Vautier
- Hanabis, a kind of metal dandelion, come to life in the branches of the marrionnier in the Salle des Fêtes.
Carouge ice rink
Open from 23 November 2024 to 3 March 2025, 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.
Events at the Carouge library
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.
Christmas market
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 13 December from 2pm to 8pm
- Saturday 14 December from 10am to 8pm
- Sunday 15 December from 10am to 6pm
Sunday shopping
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 1, 8, 15, 22 December 2024, from 11am to 5pm.
Wish tree
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.
Until early January
Place des Charmettes
Santa's letterbox
On 23 November 2024, a mysterious red box will appear in front of the Town Hall entrance hall!
It's official: Father Christmas is now collecting letters from all the children! Don't forget to give your full name, age and home address, and hand in your letters between now and 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!
Illuminations plan
Thursday evening market
Igloo on the Place de l'Octroi
Come and enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a unique setting!
This ephemeral igloo-shaped venue is open to the general public every day of the week from 22 November to 16 February.
On the menu: raclette & fondue.
Full details to follow.
