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Antibes 🎄 Christmas Market & Events
With plenty of entertainment available year-round, the historic Antibes and partyish Juan-les-Pins is worth a visit any time of the year, but don’t make a special trip for the holidays. The Christmas market in Antibes is nothing special, and neither are the areas for kids. You’re much better off going to Nice, which is a much more interesting market for both adults and kids.
Important note about this holiday guide: Please make sure to double-check the official 2022 holiday itinerary and verify with the local tourism office or venue before going to an event. Make sure to also check our complete guide to spending your Christmas season holidays on the French Riviera.
The Christmas Market
The Christmas market, near the port of Antibes, is the main attraction for the celebration of Christmas in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. The Antibes Christmas market is actually quite boring, with two rows of the traditional chalets selling the usual small-gift items, set in a concrete atmosphere, with picnic benches. It does not feel very festive compared to other cities like Nice, and is far from glamorous. We recommend skipping it and going straight to the Christmas Village in Nice instead.
There’s also a Christmas ice-skating rink, and your kids can ride the ferris wheel, carousels, and visit Santa’s Christmas shack as they eat their favorite Christmas treat from the stalls. See the city lights and the spectacular Mediterranean view from above the Ferris wheel, which rises up to 27 meters high.
- Location: Esplanade Pré-aux-Pêcheurs
- Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.
Holiday Events For Kids
Kids can have fun and learn from the small animals’ farm. Have your kids ride a pony and pet the donkeys, goats, sheep, geese, ducks, chicken, rabbits, and other cute animals. The small educational farm and pony rides are open from 9:30am to 5:30pm for kids from 3 to 10 years-old accompanied by an adult. There are two Christmas food trucks on-site to restore you.
- Location: Pinède Garden
- Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.
There are a few rides and attractions for children aged 2 to 11, as well as the traditional exhibition of Christmas drawings. Your kids can also enjoy free workshops under the kiosk.
- Location: Place Nationale
- Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.
There are also kid’s holiday workshops, which are held at the Christmas Village and are free for children. The Christmas village will have rides, trampolines, inflatables, and a car circuit. There will also be a Ferris wheel, carousel, and musical rides for kids to enjoy.
- Location: Pinède Garden
- Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.
The square at Place des Martyres de la Résistance is where you’ll find Santa’s mailbox.
Ice-Skating Rink ⛸️
Antibes has a 525 m² natural ice rink (+105m² reserved just for children), located at Pinède Gould park. The ice rink is open from 9:30am to 8pm (or 9pm, on Fridays and Saturdays). The last access to the ice is at the latest 40-45 minutes before the scheduled closing time. Free up to 10 years-old and €3 for kids older than 10. Gloves must be worn, so do not forget to bring your own gloves!
Carriage Rides 🐴
Free horse-drawn carriage rides in the old city with the Noël family coachman. Circuit: Departure from Port Vauban (opposite the Ferris wheel) towards Rue Lacan or departure from Rue Lacan towards Port Vauban. Departure every 30 minutes depending on the number of visitors, from December 18 to 31 (except the 25th).
Light Shows
The ‘Show of Lights’ is a large luminographic show highlighting the Place du Grand Hôtel and its buildings, with architectural projections.
- Location: Place des Martyrs de la Resistance
- Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.
Enjoy Your Christmas Vacation in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins!
French Riviera‘s Christmas never lacks in luster and vibrancy. With all the cheerful lights and displays, and the lively activities, Antibes and Juan-les-Pins this season will be one of your unforgettable sojourns to cherish for a lifetime. Remember to check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.