Music allowed on outdoor terraces in Geneva in the run-up to Christmas

The Geneva city council has announced that cafes, bars and restaurants in Geneva will be allowed to play music outside in the evening on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

Music allowed outside to liven up Geneva’s city centre

To “help liven up the city centre during Advent”, merry-goers will be able to enjoy listening to music while they eat, drink and indulge in Christmas festivities in Geneva. The city council announced in a press release that public establishments will be permitted to play background music outside, such as on an outdoor terrace, on Saturday, December 6, 13 and 20. 

In true Swiss style, music cannot exceed a volume of 75 decibels and can only be played between 10am and 8pm to reduce disturbances.

Geneva has regulations in place to reduce noise pollution in the city. There is a “general obligation to avoid excessive noise, regardless of the level or time”, according to the council’s website. The site even lists which noises are “permissible” and which are “excessive”.

Petition submitted to relax noise rules in Geneva 

The decision to relax Geneva’s noise regulations comes after a petition was submitted in 2024, calling for “more entertainment in Geneva’s streets during the pre-holiday period”, according to Le Messager. The petition was supported by politicians from across the Swiss political parties and asked for bars and restaurants to be allowed to play music outside. 

Anthony Castrilli, President of the Professional Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, explained to RTS why the announcement was welcomed: "We have lots of Christmas markets [and] restaurateurs felt a bit left out, not being able to organise any events. This is the first time we've been allowed to do so; we feel more included in the Christmas spirit."

Geneva’s government has started to become more lenient with noise rules for certain events. In June, outdoor concerts were allowed at the Fête de la Musique and in July, outdoor broadcasts of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 were also permitted.