Christmas in Nyon. A Month of Light, Local Magic and Festive Moments

red christmas bauble

nyon christmas tree

Nyon castle lit up in red from across the lake

building in nyon at night with moon

nyon castle with christmas tree

nyon town centre christmas decorations

nyon rive during Christmas markets

Christmas choir in nyon town

December in Nyon has a very particular charm. The city lights up (literally), local shops pull out all the stops, and there’s a constant hum of music, markets, and little surprises around every corner. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, this is one of the loveliest times to wander, explore and enjoy the town.

Shop Windows That Tell a Story

Throughout December, Nyon’s businesses get wonderfully creative with their festive displays. Every shop window becomes its own little world some elegant, some playful, all full of personality.

While you're out enjoying them, you can also join the town-wide riddle hunt. Here's how it works:

• Solve simple riddles in participating shops

• Collect a letter in each one

• Piece the letters together to reveal a mystery word

• Enter the draw to win CHF 500 in Only Nyon vouchers

It’s easy, fun, and a brilliant way to support local businesses while discovering shops you may never have visited before.

A Festive Heartbeat Around the Château

From 11 to 31 December, the Place du Château becomes the warm, glowing centre of the city’s celebrations.Expect:

• Cosy food and drink stands

• Beautiful light installations

• A friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay for “just one more drink”

If you’re meeting friends in December, there’s a good chance this is where you’ll all end up.

The Christmas Village at Rive

From 11 to 14 December, Rue de Rive transforms into a proper Christmas village. Think concerts, artisans, local products, flea-market finds, and plenty for kids — carousels, face-painting, even a little Christmas train.It’s one of those events that feels very “Nyon”: lively, local, and full of familiar faces.

Festive Highlights You’ll Want in Your Diary

Here are a few standout moments from a very full programme:

• IllumiNyonLight, fire, candles, and street performances bringing two neighbourhoods to life

• • Couchant – 2 December

• • Cossy – 8 December

• Children’s Race – 11 DecemberA fun, informal run from the Château to Rive. No registration needed, just turn up.

• Marché de Noël, Musée du Léman – 14 December. Handmade creations, a calm lakeside setting, great for thoughtful gifts.

• Storytelling & Aerial Show at the Château – 17 December. Christmas tales in the afternoon, followed by a beautiful aerial performance at dusk.

• The Big Festive Parade – 18 December. Acrobats, dancers and magical creatures moving through the old town.

• Cinema & Karaoke Night – 19 December. Torchlit mini-tour of the Château, film screening of The Polar Express, then karaoke under the stars.

• Eco Market & Silent Party – 20 December. Sustainable gifts by day, silent disco under the Château by night.

• Children’s Sunday – 21 December. Pony rides, storytelling, kids disco, and a visit from Father Christmas.

• New Year’s Eve at the Château – 31 December. Music, lights, the countdown, and a big festive atmosphere before the after-party at Usine à Gaz.

• Galette des Rois – 6 January. Free slices for everyone on the place du Château. A sweet way to end the festive season.

Why We Love December in Nyon

Because it feels like the whole of Nyon joins in. Shops stay open later, the streets feel alive, and there’s something happening almost every day, without it ever feeling overwhelming. It’s festive, but in that very Nyon way: friendly, easy-going, and rooted in community.

For full details, timings and participating shops, you can check the Ville de Nyon website HERE. The programme is packed, so it’s worth a look.