Events of the First Weekend of 2026 in Cannes

Cannes: a First Weekend of Dance, Art and Winter Magic

The first weekend of 2026 in Cannes promises to be filled with events, shows, and enchanting experiences for everyone. Known worldwide for its glamour and film festival, the city also offers a lively winter calendar, combining culture, music, art, and local traditions.

Dance enthusiasts will not want to miss the “Unis par la Danse” Gala d’Étoiles on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals, celebrating the beauty of movement and the poetry of the human body in performance. Music lovers can enjoy the New Year Concert – Cannes Latino! at the Théâtre Claude Debussy on Saturday, January 3, 2026, a vibrant evening filled with Latin rhythms and captivating melodies.

The magic of Christmas continues to enchant the city: until January 4, 2026, the Allée de la Liberté and Cours Félix Faure host the Christmas Village, a world of lights, music, animations, and activities for both children and adults. Also until January 4, Al Suquet des Artistes presents The Last Dance by Corine Borgnet, reflecting on the body and the passage of time, while Villa Malmaison showcases Jean-Michel Othoniel’s glass installations, Poussière d’étoiles, in dialogue with light and the sea.

For those seeking cultural experiences, the Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite offers until April 26, 2026 the exhibition “The Origins of Cannes – Fishing and Other Treasures of the Sea”, while the Musée des Explorations du Monde hosts “Demons and Goddesses: From Life to Death” until May 24, 2026, exploring myth, history, and universal symbols. The Théâtre de la Licorne (until June 3, 2026) and the Palais des Festivals (until July 5, 2026) also present rich programs of theatrical performances, concerts, and artistic shows.

Cannes also celebrates its roots and flavors: its markets remain the beating heart of the city. The Marché de La Bocca retains an authentic and popular atmosphere, while the Marché Gambetta, open almost daily, delights visitors with the scents of spices, Provençal colors, and fresh local products.

Walking through Cannes during this first weekend means following the light, culture, and flavors of the Mediterranean. Every exhibition, show, and experience reveals a less-known yet equally fascinating side of the city: a lively, welcoming, and surprising Cannes, where art, music, and tradition intertwine in a mosaic of emotions that stays in the heart long after leaving.