Nice 🎄 Christmas Market & Events

There’s no better place to be at Christmas time than the wondrous city of Nice, France! Every year during Christmas season, the city turns into a magical place full of lights and colors. Hundreds of palm trees glow with white Christmas lights, making the seaside Promenade des Anglais shine. All across the city, there are spectacular displays of sparkles, garlands and colorful Christmas decorations.

One of the few holiday destinations where you can have a drink on the beach while watching the sun set, then explore the Christmas market, and have some warm cider or mulled wine with a gourmet treat. With sunny and mild holiday weather, Nice is an exquisite holiday destination!

Important note about this Christmas guide: Please make sure to double-check the official 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.

Nice’s Christmas Village and Market

Place Massena and Jardin Albert 1er will have a dressing up and will turn into a lovely Christmas village and market. Adding to the wintry feel, an enchanted forest of 600 fir trees will be set up on a dreamy winter landscape. You can find food delicacies and handcrafted trinkets in the traditional chalets.

Of course, the experience will be incomplete without having a taste of the food and drink available on the stalls. Along with Christmas-themed goodies, there will be gourmet sweets, roasted chestnuts, traditional mulled wine, and hot spiced cider. We recommend that you look for the oyster and champagne stalls. You can also have a cup of hot chocolate and eat some gourmet waffles as you roam and explore the Christmas village, the fir forest, and the market.

There’s also two Canada cabins selling foodie gifts and delicious delicacies from Canada, and a Swiss Chalet, selling fresh gourmet cheese raclette and other Swiss goodies.

• Location: Place Massena and Jardin Albert 1er
• 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’s also a separate area, attached to the Christmas village, just for kids, with games and activities specially made for them. There are giant inflatables, trampolines, a Ferris wheel, skating rink, carousels, Santa’s cabin (open every day, for most of the day), live theater, and a Christmas tree-shaped merry-go-round. For both kids and their parents, there are fun workshops on every weekend of the season. You can also see ice sculptures, parades, and mini-concerts from time to time.

Christmas Concerts

Each Christmas, Nice hosts many holiday music events for both adults and children.

• Location: Jardin Albert 1er
• Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.

Christmas Parade

The big Christmas Parade is a must-see for both adults and children. Expect a magic show, and more than 200 performers: musical groups, dancers, acrobats, DJs… not to mention the presence of Santa Claus!

• Location: Avenue Jean Médecin
• Timing and surrounding events: It’s usually held the second Saturday of December. Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.

Christmas Mass at the Cathedral

Following the tradition of the birth of Jesus, there is the Midnight Christmas Mass for the devout and seculars alike.

• Location: Cathedral Ste-Reparate
• Timing: December 24 (eve mass at 11pm) and December 25 (morning mass at 10am, and a Latin mass on midday)

You may also like taking pictures in the life-size nativity scene, which has life-size statues of baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds, and animals.

• Location: Place Rossetti
• Timing and surrounding events: Check the official schedule, which should be updated regularly by the tourism board, as there may be last-minute changes.

Come and Visit Nice in this Holiday Season!

The city of Nice in France is a splendid place with all its famous landmarks and a lovely lit promenade. It is truly a wonderful spot to fill yourself with the holiday spirit (and take some selfies, too)! The city is made even more glamorous with all the lights and decorations during this Christmas holiday season.