Christmas Markets in Geneva

Geneva's strategic position at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône River exits toward France, has shaped its identity for over two millennia. Originally a Celtic settlement, it became an important Roman crossroads before emerging as a powerful bishopric in medieval times. The Protestant Reformation transformed Geneva in the sixteenth century when John Calvin established the city as a center of Reformed Christianity, earning it the nickname 'Protestant Rome.' This religious heritage fostered traditions of education, printing, and intellectual debate that attracted refugees and thinkers from across Europe. Geneva's Christmas market tradition dates back several decades, evolving from seasonal fairs into the festive celebration held today. The main market in the Old Town has expanded to include lakefront areas, blending traditional Alpine crafts with international influences reflecting the city's cosmopolitan character.