The end of an era for Bô Noël in Lausanne
The city of Lausanne has announced that the 2025 edition of Bô Noël will be its last under the current format. A new concept for the end-of-year festivities is set to take over starting in 2026, with the municipality launching a call for proposals to select a single organizer tasked with conceiving and delivering this future programme for a four-year period. The move marks a deliberate pivot aimed at shaping Lausanne’s festive season to better fit its overall tourism strategy while preserving the neighborhood spirit that Bô Noël helped establish over the past decade.
Context and reach of the festival
Since its inception in 2015, Bô Noël has anchored the city’s winter calendar, drawing a broad audience to the heart of Lausanne. The 2024 edition attracted more than 400,000 visitors, underscoring the event’s importance for local commerce and culture. In recent years, organizers experimented by relocating certain activities toward Plateforme 10, notably the big wheel, an adjustment that drew mixed reactions from attendees and stakeholders. The city’s current plan aims to consolidate and refresh the concept rather than simply relocate elements of the festival.
Why change now? The city’s rationale
In a press release, Lausanne emphasizes its intent to “build on the success” of Bô Noël and to entrust an organizer, for a four-year mandate, with the design and realization of a new concept. City officials say the goal is to ensure coherence with Lausanne’s tourism strategy while maintaining close consultation with economic players. This approach seeks to balance the festive atmosphere that residents cherish with a more strategic, sustainable, and economically beneficial model for the city as a whole.
What the four-year call for proposals covers
The municipality is inviting proposals from experienced organizers to conceive an innovative end-of-year concept for Lausanne. Key criteria are expected to include:
– Alignment with the city’s tourism strategy and economic objectives
– Capacity to attract visitors across ages and backgrounds while supporting local businesses and stakeholders
– Innovation in programming, accessibility, and sustainability
– Clear governance, risk management, and measurable success indicators
The chosen organizer will be commissioned for four years to develop, stage, and adapt the festivities, implying continuity and a longer planning horizon than previous annual cycles. Officials hope this framework will enable more coherent marketing, better logistics, and a stronger, more recognizable brand for Lausanne during the holiday season.
Implications for visitors, residents, and the economy
For visitors, the shift promises a refreshed festive experience that remains true to the city’s character while offering new attractions and routes throughout Lausanne’s core districts. Local merchants, exhibitors, and service providers could benefit from a more coordinated schedule, improved pedestrian flow, and enhanced promotion tied to the city’s tourism strategy. At the same time, there may be concerns about preserving the intimate, neighborhood feel of Bô Noël and avoiding over-commercialization. The city stresses that community input and collaboration with business actors will shape the final concept, aiming to balance tradition with innovation.
Timeline and what to watch next
The call for proposals was launched recently, with organizers invited to submit concepts that could unfold from 2026 onward. An evaluation process will consider feasibility, impact, and alignment with Lausanne’s strategic priorities, followed by an official decision on the winner. Once selected, the four-year contract will pave the way for a new festive vision that can evolve in step with the city’s tourism and urban development goals.
Looking ahead: what this means for Lausanne
Lausanne is signaling a mindful reinvention of its end-of-year celebrations, aiming to harness the momentum built by Bô Noël over nearly a decade while ensuring long-term alignment with the city’s broader economic and tourism framework. The forthcoming concept offers an opportunity to craft a more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient festive experience that can adapt to future trends and visitors’ expectations. As stakeholders await proposals and the eventual selection, residents and visitors alike can anticipate a new chapter in Lausanne’s winter calendar that preserves the festival’s spirit while meeting modern urban and cultural objectives.
