Nice Shines Bright for the 5th Grande Parade de Noël: Over 200 Artists and Three Signature Floats for a Magical Event

Nice Lights Up for Christmas with Its Grand Parade: 45,000 Spectators Expected

The magic of Christmas will once again illuminate the heart of the city on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with the 5th edition of the Grande Parade de Noël by Nice Shopping—an unmissable event that attracts around 45,000 spectators each year, both locals and tourists. The parade, free and open to all, will offer a breathtaking show along Avenue Jean Médecin all the way to Place Masséna.

This year, more than 200 performers will take part—musicians, dancers, circus artists, mascots, and stilt-walkers—alongside 15 professional troupes and three carnival floats created by the celebrated Povigna family, a dynasty of float makers spanning five generations and closely linked to the iconic Nice Carnival.

The Heart of the Event: Nice Shopping, the Ambassador of Local Excellence

Founded in 2017 and chaired by Patrick Nolier, director of NICETOILE, Nice Shopping brings together nearly 8,000 local businesses, artisans, institutions and major retailers, with the mission of promoting local commerce and positioning Nice as a prime shopping destination on the French Riviera.

Through its website niceshopping.fr and social channels @Niceshopping.06, the association offers tips, insights and must-visit addresses for shopping, food, culture and leisure—an essential guide to experiencing Nice all year round.

The Mayor of Nice: “A Joyful Moment Shared by All”

The Mayor of Nice and the Municipal Council highlighted the value of the event as a symbol of community and Christmas spirit:
“Every year, as Christmas approaches, magic happens… The ‘Grande Parade’ has become a key moment of the season, allowing residents to celebrate together, enjoy a free show and its magic, while supporting their local shops.”

Music, Dance, Lights and Fantasy: The Stars of the Parade

The 2025 edition will offer a succession of dazzling performances. Among the highlights:

🎶 Opening with Gilles Roche & Feel Good Made in Nice

The iconic Carnival host will lead the parade on his Segway.

❄️ Winter Party – Mix and Light

DJ Joan will turn Avenue Jean Médecin into an open-air dance floor.

✨ Light & Acrobatics Performances

• Spot Light, 18 dancers in a burst of light and movement

• Cie Haut Perché, stellar costumes blending juggling, aerial performance and stilts

• Kalice – Miroir Team, futuristic choreographies with reflections and beams

• Le Génie, master of cold sparkles with luminous props

🧸 ML Kids Mascots

Beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Olaf, Winnie, Tigrou and more will delight families.

👑 The Princess Float

A new Povigna creation, featuring three princesses in gowns designed by Christelle Buravand.

🎺 Traditional Troupes & Dance Schools

From the magical Puss in Boots world by Classi Jazz, to the icy Tambours des Neiges, the poetic silhouettes of Clair de Lune, the award-winning Majorettes du Pays de Fayence, and the historic Municipal Guard.

🎅 Santa Claus on His Sleigh Float

Santa Claus will parade with his reindeer aboard a custom-built float by the Povigna family.

🌌 Astrobulles by Jimyprod

Giant glowing spheres will create a cosmic, dreamlike atmosphere.

Key Numbers for 2025

• 45,000 spectators

• 5th edition (first edition in 2021)

• 200 local artists

• 15 professional troupes

• 3 Povigna floats

• 1h30 of show

• 1 unique parade in the region celebrating local craftsmanship

Practical Information

📅 Sunday, December 7, 2025
🕔 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
📍 Route: From Iconic (top of Avenue Jean Médecin) to Place Masséna
🎟️ Free event – open to all