Halloween might not be a Swiss tradition, but Geneva has embraced it with unique events, spooky activities, and themed parties. Here’s how you can enjoy Halloween in Geneva without breaking the bank. Plus, our savvy Swiss tips will keep it all budget-friendly!
1. Ghost Walk in Geneva’s Old Town
Dive into Geneva’s haunted history with a ghost walk through the city’s Old Town. Explore cobbled streets, dark alleys, and eerie corners while hearing about Geneva’s haunted past, ghost sightings, and legendary tales.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Ask about group discounts if going with friends, or look up self-guided ghost tour maps to do it on your own for free!
2. Halloween Party at Mr. Pickwick Pub
Mr. Pickwick Pub is known for its Halloween celebrations, complete with themed decorations, costumes, and spooky drink specials. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy a lively Halloween party with a cozy pub atmosphere.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Arrive before the rush to score good seats and take advantage of happy hour deals. Costumes are encouraged, and there’s often no cover charge, making it a fun, low-cost night out.
3. Pumpkin Picking at Ferme de la Gavotte
Just a short drive from Geneva, Ferme de la Gavotte offers pumpkin picking throughout October, perfect for a Halloween vibe. Pick your favorite pumpkin, take photos in the scenic fields, and get into the Halloween spirit without spending too much.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Bring your own snacks and a reusable bag for your pumpkin to keep costs down. It’s a great day trip that’s budget-friendly and family-friendly.
4. Ciné 17 – Halloween Movie Marathon
Ciné 17 or other Geneva cinemas often host Halloween movie marathons featuring horror films, cult classics, or kid-friendly Halloween favorites. It’s a cozy, low-cost way to celebrate with some classic scares on the big screen.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Check for matinee showings, as tickets are typically cheaper earlier in the day. Bringing your own snacks can also help keep costs in check.
5. Thrifting for Halloween Costumes at Caritas or Salvation Army
If you’re planning to dress up, skip the expensive costume stores and head to thrift shops like Caritas or Salvation Army. You can find affordable clothes and accessories to build a creative costume while shopping sustainably.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Try simple costumes that don’t require a lot of extras (think a black cat, witch, or zombie) so you can save on accessories and even reuse parts of the costume afterward.
6. Halloween at Parc des Bastions
During Halloween, Parc des Bastions often hosts themed events, decorations, and family-friendly activities. You can walk through the beautiful park, admire spooky setups, or join in on kid-friendly games and treats.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening stroll through the park’s Halloween setup. It’s a free activity, and you can get into the festive mood without spending a cent.
7. DIY Haunted House Party
If you want a more personalized Halloween experience, why not host a haunted house party with friends? Use candles, spooky music, and simple decor like fake cobwebs to create a haunted atmosphere. Encourage guests to come in costume and hold a contest with a fun, affordable prize for the best costume!
Savvy Swiss Tip: Make it a potluck and ask everyone to bring a themed snack or drink. Not only will you save on food costs, but you’ll have a diverse spread of treats!
8. Halloween at CERN – Science, Mysteries, and Fun
CERN, the renowned research center, occasionally holds Halloween-themed science talks or events where they dive into mysterious topics like black holes or “spooky” science phenomena. This can be a unique, intellectual twist on Halloween in Geneva.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Check CERN’s events page, as many of these talks are free or low-cost. They can fill up quickly, so register in advance for a budget-friendly Halloween experience.
9. Outdoor Halloween Picnic with Views of the Jet d’Eau
Gather some friends, pack spooky snacks, and set up a Halloween-themed picnic along Lake Geneva with views of the Jet d’Eau. You can bring decorations, a blanket, and themed treats like orange cupcakes or “ghost” sandwiches for a festive, low-cost outing.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Make your own Halloween snacks at home to save money, and pack reusable items to keep your picnic eco-friendly.
10. Trick or Treat Trail at Signal de Bougy
A short trip from Geneva, Signal de Bougy is a beautiful park that hosts Halloween events for kids, including trick-or-treat trails, pumpkin carving, and face painting. It’s a fun and affordable day out for families looking to enjoy Halloween festivities.
Savvy Swiss Tip: Bring your own treat bags and check if there are entry fees or free activities for certain age groups to keep costs manageable. Many events are free or low-cost, making it a family-friendly Halloween on a budget.
Geneva may not have a long-standing Halloween tradition, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate affordably. With these savvy Swiss tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a spooky, fun-filled Halloween in Geneva without stretching your budget. Happy Halloween! 🎃
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