Christmas is Special in Geneva Visiting Geneva at Christmas is not what springs to mind immediately but now there are many reasons why it is indeed a good idea! First of all, there will be a Christmas market, held in the lively Place de la Fusterie. Shoppers will be presented with a wide variety of gifts specific to Geneva but also from everywhere else in the world. The booths will look just like wooden chalets, decorated with Christmas ornaments. The market will be held from November 30 - December 24, 2001. Furthermore, Geneva will hold its first ever Christmas tree festival. There will be 25 different Christmas trees, each decorated by an eminent Geneva artist, placed all over Geneva. The biggest tree will be placed where the Jet d'Eau, Geneva's emblematic water geyser normally spouts water. This fountain is usually shut off for the winter months so the Christmas tree will be a wonderful focal point for this prominent spot. Various activities are planned around the trees, including street shows, parties, and competitions. The Christmas trees will be up from December 1, 2001 - January 15, 2002. Another attraction will be the ice-skating rink placed at the centrally located Place du Rhone. Skates are available for a moderate fee of CHF 2 for children's skates, and CHF 5 for adults' skates. Access to the rink is free. The ice-skating rink will be open from the beginning of December till February 28, 2002. Intrepid swimmers are invited to participate in the annual X-mas Swimming Cup. More than 600 swimmers will brave the icy waters of Lake Geneva on December 16, 2001 to compete for the coveted X-mas Swimming Cup. The race is open to all participants older than 13. Other December Celebrations in Geneva One of the important historical festival taking place annually is the Escalade. It commemorates the attempted Savoy invasion of 1602 which was repelled thanks to a cauldron of steaming hot soup which was thrown over the ramparts. This historic reenactment will take place from Dec 7-9, 2002. But first, there will be a popular city race which offers various categories. The most interesting race to witness is the "Marmite", which is held after dark and where participants dress up. Racers come as goblins, witches, dragons, and skeletons. This race, which takes place on December 1, 2001, is open to participants from everywhere and of all ages. Equestrians will enjoy knowing that the International Horse Show, Jumping & Dressage Competition will take place in Geneva from December 6-9, 2001. Here's a chance to see the Western world's best riders compete for the coveted World Cup. Apart from the usual competitions, there will also be special attractions, such as camel races and 12 Dancing Horses.

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