Nice Carnival 2025: a full lineup of events

The Nice Carnival 2025, themed “King of the Oceans,” will take place from February 15 to March 2, transforming the city into a vibrant stage of festivity, magic, and color.

This year’s program includes the traditional day and night parades and the renowned Flower Battles, enhanced by new elements that will make the show even more special. Highlights include burlesque performances, magical shows, extravagant floats, giant symbolic figures, and the elegant floral battles. Adding further excitement will be Lou Queernaval, France’s first gay Carnival, an iconic event bringing inclusivity and color to the heart of the celebration.

Main Dates

Saturday, February 15, 2025

• La Carnavalina: official opening of the festivities, with free entertainment and activities throughout the city.
• Défilé d’ouverture: opening parade with the presentation of floats and carnival groups.
• Corso illuminé d’ouverture: 8:30 p.m. – around Albert 1er Garden and Place Masséna, lights come on for the first night parade.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

• Corso carnavalesque illuminé: 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – a spectacle of lights and colors at Place Masséna.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

• Bataille de Fleurs: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – a colorful flower battle at Place Masséna.

Friday, February 21, 2025

• Lou Queernaval: 8:30 p.m. – Place Masséna transforms into the setting of Queernaval, celebrating diversity in a vibrant show of music and festivities.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

• Bataille de Fleurs: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – another flower battle at Place Masséna.
• Corso carnavalesque illuminé: 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – another night parade with spectacular floats and sparkling lights.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

• Daytime Carnival Parade: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Place Masséna hosts a colorful daytime parade.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

• Corso carnavalesque illuminé: 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – once again, the city lights up for the nighttime carnival.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

• Bataille de Fleurs: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – flower battle in the magical setting of Place Masséna.

Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Closing Day

• Bataille de Fleurs: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – final flower battle.
• Corso carnavalesque illuminé: 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – concluding night show at Place Masséna.
• Incinération du Roi and fireworks show: 10:45 p.m. – on the Promenade des Anglais, at Plage du Centenaire, the Carnival King will be symbolically burned, concluding the festivities with a fireworks display.

The Carnival Village

Also returning this year is the Carnival Village: a gathering point for young and old alike, featuring entertainment, shows, and food stalls along the Promenade du Paillon. The village will be open for the entire duration of the Carnival, offering an immersive experience in local culture and flavors.

An Event Not to Miss

The Nice Carnival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration, with revisited traditions, a tribute to the oceans, and a lively atmosphere that will captivate audiences of all ages, consolidating Nice as one of the world’s Carnival capitals.