As the holiday season approaches, the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) lights up in a warm and festive glow. Charming Christmas markets, illuminated streets, and plenty of seasonal events make this a magical place to celebrate. Here’s a guide to the top Christmas villages on the Riviera — including Nice, Antibes, Menton, Cannes, Grasse, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, and Saint-Tropez.
Where & When to Celebrate Christmas on the Riviera
Menton
Dates: December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
Where: Mail du Bastion & Esplanade Francis-Palmero.
What to See:
About 35 wooden chalets filled with artisan gifts and gourmet delights.
A patinoire (ice rink), merry-go-rounds, and a festive “forest” of Christmas trees to choose for your home.
Daily family entertainment: shows, parades, and Santa’s mailbox from December 5 to 19.
Illuminations and a “Way of the Nativity Scenes” running all season.
Opening Hours:
From Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 to 19:00
On Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 to 22:00
Extra Magic: On December 5, the Christmas celebrations kick off with an inauguration at the Mail du Bastion starting around 18:00.
Cannes
Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 for the main Christmas Village.
Location: The village is set up on the Allées de la Liberté and Cours Félix Faure.
What’s Happening:
About 60 chalets of artisans and creators, beautifully lit for the season.
A 350 m² ice rink, with sessions for all ages.
Children’s workshops on Wednesdays (3, 10, 17 December), and on weekends + daily from December 20 to January 4.
Storytelling & Christmas Tales: daily at 15:30 & 17:30.
Santa’s Chalet:
Inauguration: 28 November, 17:30–20:30.
Weekends of December 6–7 and 13–14: 14:30–18:30.
Every day from December 20 to 24: 14:30–18:30.
Musical Evenings (“Jeudis Musicaux”): Thursdays 4, 11, 18 December, 18:30–19:30, with gospel, fanfares, and concert-style performances.
Light Parade: On December 23, a magical illuminated parade starts around 17:30, traveling through several central streets.
New Year’s Fireworks: There will be a fireworks show on 31 December at midnight over the bay of Cannes.
Opening Hours for Christmas Village:
Sunday–Thursday: 11:00–21:00
Friday & Saturday: 11:00–22:00
Other Activities:
In Cannes La Bocca (Avenue Pierre Sémard), from December 20 to 24: a “Gourmet Workshop” where kids can make sweet Christmas treats, enjoy stories, and meet Santa & Mrs. Claus.
At the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, there’s a “Jardin Enchanté” (Enchanted Garden) from 21 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, featuring a skating rink and gospel concerts.
A Broader Riviera Christmas Tour
Nice: The traditional Christmas Village in Jardin Albert 1er / Place Masséna remains a centerpiece for festive crafts, food, and entertainment.
Antibes & Juan-les-Pins: With wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, a small train, an ice rink, and more — ideal for family outings.
Menton: Provides a more intimate, charming feel with its own forest of Christmas trees, skating, and local artisans.
Cannes: Offers a sophisticated and varied Christmas experience — artisan chalets, a large ice rink, musical performances, a parade, and even a hotel garden spectacle.
Grasse / Pays de Grasse: Light festivals, Christmas markets in smaller villages, and artistic workshops.
Saint-Laurent-du-Var: A cozy park transformed into a winter wonderland — rides, chalet, ice rink.
Saint-Tropez: Idyllic harbor illuminations, a “Christmas farm,” sea-arriving Santa, and a festive gondola-like ride.
Why These Christmas Villages Are Special
Mediterranean Flair: Unlike alpine Christmas markets, the Riviera combines traditional wooden chalets with palm-tree-lined streets and a mild winter climate.
Family Delight: Whether it’s skating, meeting Santa, horse-drawn carriages, or creative workshops, these markets are very kid-friendly.
Craftsmanship Meets Local Flavor: Many chalets showcase Provençal artisans, gourmet food, and regional specialties.
Photogenic Charm: From the harbor in Cannes to the bastion in Menton, the Riviera’s Christmas décor is sublime for evening strolls and holiday photos.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Check Local Schedules: Times and events vary a lot — particularly for parades, workshops, and ice rink sessions.
Use Public Transit: Parking can be difficult in town centers, especially on weekends in December.
Dress in Layers: Even though it’s warmer than in mountain regions, nights can be chilly by the coast.
Plan Around Weekends: The biggest shows, parades, and fireworks often happen on weekends — book ahead if you’re staying locally.
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