Every year this festive season the city turns into a magical place full of lights, colours and sparkles around every street corner. This French Christmas market is one of the most popular winter markets in Europe, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year!
The climate over the festive period remains pleasurable. Although the temperature drops, you still get many mild days averaging around 13-14oC (57F) and the skies are still bright blue. The climate remains dry (with only a 17% chance of rain and rain falling on 9 days per month) and you can benefit from the 9 hours of sunshine per day.
Christmas Markets
The main draw to Nice is of course like any other city the Christmas markets and Nice does not disappoint! Nice organises an annual “Le Village de Noel” in the central Jardin Albert 1er that incorporates an ice rink (€5 per hour), a Ferris wheel, carousels and giant inflatables. The market is themed around an alpine village and you will see the stalls located in 60 French mountain chalets and an alpine forest constructed from over 600 pine trees. From time to time there is also ice sculptures, mini concerts and parades. *Top tip – ride the Ferris wheel to get a truly marvellous view of the market and city.
This is France so of course there is a lot of Christmas related food and drink to be consumed! Crepes, roasted nuts and mulled wine are a must, but we also recommend that you look out for the oyster and champagne stalls!
The house of Father Christmas is a must for children along with free theatre live shows for children.
Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
Christmas Concerts
There is a free concert staged by the Nice Philarmonic Orchestra on New Year’s Day (at the Acropolis) and you can enjoy the Christmas Carols sung in Occitane at the local churches.
Christmas Lights
Perhaps the most picturesque element of Nice at Christmas, is the Christmas lights and decorations along the Promenade des Anglais. The lights glow and make the glittery Promenade des Anglais shine even more than usual. Be sure to also check out the lights in the Place de Massena which are fantastic.
Shopping
The shops along the Avenue Jean Medecin are full of Christmas decorations and the Old Town is not as jam-packed busy as you will find at other times of the year.
You can find some more information on the links below:
https://www.gosouthfrance.com
https://www.iconicriviera.com/nice-france-christmas-events-market/
