Christmas in Nice: All the Scheduled Events

The Christmas season in Nice is not limited to Place Masséna and the Jardin Albert Ier; it also spreads across the city’s neighborhoods and surrounding areas in the metropolitan region, with a rich calendar of events and celebrations lighting up the city.

Here are the main events:

Ski Resorts
The mountain resorts of Auron, Isola 2000, and Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage are decorated with life-sized Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere even in the mountains.

Vieux Nice – Place Rossetti
Giant Nativity “Lou Présépi”
From December 19 to 29, daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, one of Nice’s beloved traditions comes to life with a giant nativity scene. 17 animated statues depict the Nativity, including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the donkey, the ox, the sheep, the shepherd with his dog, the camels, and the Magi.

Celebrations in Nice

• The Big Christmas Shopping Parade – Sunday, December 8, 2024
  From 5:00 PM, a magical and free parade will take over Avenue Jean Médecin with over 200 street performers, acrobats, dancers, mascots, musical groups, and DJs. Among the attractions, the majestic Santa Claus and Elf floats, created by the operators of the Nice Carnival, will make their way down the avenue as part of a grand Christmas procession. The grand finale is set for 6:30 PM in Place Masséna, with a show of lights, music, and dancers.
• Santa Lucia, the Festival of Lights – Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Parvis de la Gare du Sud
  Starting at 5:30 PM, discover the Swedish tradition that celebrates the first day the sun sets later and the beginning of the Christmas season. Candles and torches will symbolize light, renewal, and hope.
• Eco-friendly Christmas – Saturday, December 14, 2024, on the Promenade du Paillon
  From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the fourth edition of this event will feature numerous eco-responsible associations and businesses. In addition to local artisan product sales, there will be free workshops and activities for everyone.
• Christmas at Phoenix Park – Saturday, December 21, 2024
  From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the park will host “Adam’s Christmas” with inflatables, entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus. Entry is free. From December 21 to 24, the park will offer other activities with workshops and stands, with regular entry fees.

Events in Nice’s Neighborhoods

• Hauts de Nice: Wednesday, December 4, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at Parc du Ray
• Coeur de Nice: Saturday, December 7, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at Jardin Thiole
• Nice Ouest: Wednesday, December 11, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at Animanice Sainte-Marguerite, 71 Avenue Sainte-Marguerite
• Nice historique: Saturday, December 14, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at Jardin Arson
• Rives du Paillon: Saturday, December 14, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at Place Lentulo
• AnimaNice Bon-Voyage: Wednesday, December 18, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at 2 Pont René Coty
• Collines niçoises: Saturday, December 21, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at 36 Avenue de la Bornala

These celebrations bring the Christmas spirit to the most iconic places in Nice, involving the entire city and offering a unique and diverse experience for both residents and visitors.