If you’ve ever been to England at Christmas time, then you will know it is a magical time, one which conjures up images of turkey lunches, mince pies, carol singing, and crackers – not to mention all the shopping beforehand for presents.
This year, the town of Vevey has decided to bring its own version of an English Christmas to the shores of Lake Geneva. With a series of events taking place between 6 and 23 December, an English Christmas in Vevey consists of four main elements: a mince pie competition, Christmas lunch, high teas, and shopping. Throughout the 18 days of the festival, visitors to Vevey will be able to feel for themselves the warm ambiance of Christmas in England, which will of course include carol singing and lots of Christmas crackers!
1. Mince pie competition
On 12 December, people are invited to submit their entries for a grand mince pie competition! Traditionally, mince pies were pastry tartlets made in an oval shape to symbolize Jesus' cradle. They originally contained meat but over the years, since Victorian times, they have become sweeter using "mincemeat", a mixed product made from dried fruit, apples, sugar, nuts, spices, brandy and suet (beef fat or vegetable fat for vegetarians).
About 50 contestants are expected to participate in the competition, and entry is free, so don’t miss your chance! To register, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 027 934 1721. Pies will be judged between 15h and 17h at All Saints Church Hall, Avenue de la Prairie 40, 1800 Vevey. During the event, there will be a tombola, free mulled wine and a selection of English products on display. Naturally, there will be a prize for the winner!
2. Christmas Lunch.
The KJU Restaurant at Quai Perdonnet 22 is offering an English Christmas lunch on Sundays: 6, 13 and 20 December. Telephone 021 9221067 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make your reservation. Priced at Fr. 60.-, the menu includes everything you would expect to see at a traditional English Christmas lunch, plus alternative options for those who prefer them:
Starters
Smoked Salmon with horseradish « crème fraÎche » and beetroot
Country Terrine with black pepper and thyme
Devils on Horseback
Main Course
Roast Turkey with stuffing
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, roast potatoes and vegetables
Desserts
Stilton with Port and cheese selection
Christmas Pudding
Apple Crumble
3. High Teas.
On 8, 15 and 22 December, the Hostellerie de Genève will be serving high teas, including a three-tier display of sandwiches on white bread, plus scones with clotted cream and patisserie, all for Fr. 20.-. To make your reservation, telephone 0219214577, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The British tradition of High Tea began in the mid 1700s as an afternoon meal, usually served between 3 and 4 pm. Initially, it was a meal for the working man, taken standing up or sitting on tall stools, thus 'high'. Tea with cakes, scones, even cheese on toast would have been served. Gradually, it was put on the social calendars of ladies and gentleman rather than being served as a meal for the working class.
Queen Elizabeth II hosts at least three garden parties each summer at Buckingham Palace at which High Tea is served. Guests can stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful flower beds, a summerhouse and wealth of wildlife such as the pink flamingoes. This tradition was started by Queen Victoria.
4. Christmas shopping
The picturesque old town of Vevey is a veritable paradise for shopping with some 200 shops in attractive old alleys, a cat's cradle of arcades and shuttered facades. The choice is incredible and includes art galleries, antiques, bakers, beauty and hair salons, books, boutiques, cheese, chocolates, design, fabrics, fashion, flowers, furniture (retro and contemporary), household goods, leather, makeovers, pianos, printing, shoes, smartphones, sports, toys, and wine, as well as restaurants and cafes. There are also the traditional markets (Saturday and Tuesday morning) in the Grand Place, which is overlooked by the Grenette, the old granary building. Shops will be open on Sunday afternoons on 13 and 20 December.
The highlight of this year’s English Christmas in Vevey is a guided shopping tour for individuals or small groups. The shopping tour begins three weeks before Christmas from 9 to 23 December. Shopping has never been easier as presents can be found from everyone from babies to grandparents! To reserve your place on the tour, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 079 217 4682.
5. Carol singing
One event definitely not to be missed by the English-speaking community is the opportunity to sing Christmas Carols on Sunday 13 December at the All Saints Church Hall on the Avenue de la Prairie. Just turn up at 17h30 and get ready to sing your heart out!
This year’s festival is a pilot scheme for a much larger event to be held next year in Vevey. So, if you want to be sure of enjoying the benefits of an English Christmas again next year, then don’t miss this chance to support all the local businesses who are getting into the English spirit of Christmas this December!
English Christmas in Vevey
6 to 23 December 2015
http://www.montreuxvevey.com/en/EnglishChristmasNews
http://www.englishchristmas.ch
