Nice Shopping's Grand Christmas Parade: soak up the magic of Noël on Sunday December 8th in Nice!

Soak up the magic of Noël at Nice Shopping with its festive Grand Christmas Parade on Sunday December 8th 2024 in Nice!

A SPELLBINDING SPECTACLE WITH 200 PERFORMERS

Over 200 musicians, dancers, DJs, mascots, acrobats and carnival acts bring the magic of Christmas to life in a free illuminated show bursting with music, dance and acrobatics.

The Povigna and Pignataro families are big names on the carnival scene in Nice and have designed beautifully decorated floats for Nice Shopping’s Grand Christmas Parade, with show-stoppers ridden by Father Christmas and the elves.

A magical illuminated event that will delight children and adults alike! Head to Avenue Jean Médecin in Nice at 5pm for a 90 minute show that will blow you away!

Schedule:

5pm – Grand Christmas Parade start – the corner between Avenue Jean Médecin and Pertinax
6.20pm – Grand Christmas Parade finish on Place Masséna
6.30pm –Show-stopping Grand Finale of the Grand Christmas Parade (10 minutes)

Let’s take a look at the magical illuminated show

The Grand Christmas Parade in figures

4th event: Following the success of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 parades.
200 artists: Musicians, dancers, circus and carnival acts.
4 carnival floats designed for Nice Shopping by Povigna and Pignataro, Nice’s float-making family businesses.
45,000 spectators each year.
1.5 hour show, 5pm-6.30pm, with a show-stopping finale on Place Masséna.

LET’S MEET the acts at the 2024 Grand Christmas Parade

The fantastic swing dresses, a Swing ‘n’ Show performance –Nice

The dancers spin their magical dresses and turn into huge snowballs.

Music by the Garde Municipale de Nice, conducted by Romain Mussault – Nice

The brass band was founded in 1856 and performs 200 times a year. Its rich and diverse repertoire, ranging from marching songs to film scores, has helped the band put Nice in the spotlight. We’re delighted to see them back at the parade for the second time.

Fayence majorettes, directed by Laurence and Samantha Halter – Fayence

The group from Fayence has been around for 10 years and has won 3 French championships. The 30 majorettes in the group are aged 3-24 and will dazzle audiences on Jean Médecin.

Constellation, produced by Cie Haut Perché – Valbonne

The artists and sparkling costumes lighting up our parade are stars in every sense of the word. Dive into the heart and soul of the Milky Way as a galaxy of illuminated jugglers, stilt dancers and spinning acrobats go into orbit.

Winter Party Mix, produced by Mix and Light – Nice

If you love busting a move then you’re really going to love the beats blasting out of the Winter Party Mix. Boogie on down as DJ Joan and the elves turn Avenue Jean Médecin into a huge dancefloor. Christmas Fiesta!

Mascots, produced by ML Kids– Nice

Look out for your favourite character in the mascot parade: Mickey and Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Chase, Olaf and Super Mario. Make your dreams come true in a magical, unique experience for all ages.

Classi Jazz, directed by Nadège Natale – La Trinité

This school has had a real passion for performance and dance for over 40 years! It explores art in all its forms, no matter the style or period. This year’s no different, with The Nutcracker taking centre stage at the parade this year.

Prisma Banda, directed by Rossella Roggia – Italy

This street band from Cuneo has been with us from the very start and brings us their original, funny and exciting music and choreography.

The Elves’ Float, produced by Nice Festivités – Nice

Feast your eyes on the Elves’ Float, designed especially for Nice Shopping by the city’s talented carnival float maker, Cédric Pignataro. Dive into a winter wonderland where cheeky elves have wrapped up the presents and are hiding in the Christmas trees. Something new to blow us away!

Melting Danse, directed by Maguy Georgian – Nice

The professional dance school was founded in 2007 to promote and develop culture, dance, music, theatre and any form of artistic expression.

Les Enjoliveurs, produced by FV Prod – Montpellier

A musical and illuminated event conjuring Christmas magic with tradition and creativity. The talented musicians are always full of bright ideas. The event sees them cover the classics and create original pieces especially for the show!

Les Ambianceurs, produced by NKP Production – Nice

Bringing the feel-good factor in Nice! Their show-stopping tricks have put them on the map and they most recently dazzled international audiences on Main Street at Disneyland Paris.

Papillons et Danse Aérienne, produced by the International Show Parade – Italy

Sleek and stylish stilt-walkers glide through the streets as a chic float glitters with lights and hums a sweet tune. The spellbinding music works its magic on the dancers to create a fairytale atmosphere.

Father Christmas and his sleigh, produced by France Festivités – Nice

Father Christmas has told his reindeer to take him down to Avenue Jean Médecin in the most fabulous sleigh, designed especially by Nice’s family of float makers, the Povigna family. Santa himself will bring Nice Shopping’s Grand Christmas Parade to a close with his colourful and magical float.

Santa’s friends, produced by ML Kids – Nice

Santa’s friends join the parade just behind his glittering float. A cheerful gingerbread man, a happy snowman, a cheeky reindeer and a mischievous elf will put a smile on everyone’s face. They end our dazzling parade on a whimsical note full of festive cheer.

The Grand Finale: Christmas Laser Show, produced by NKP Production – Nice

Get ready for a unique and show-stopping Grand Finale! A sound and laser show will light up Place Masséna at the end of the parade: laser beams, special effects, dance performances and music from the iconic Gilles Roche… Place Masséna will whisk you away to a winter wonderland in a rainbow of Christmas colours.

See VIDEOS from previous Grand Christmas Parades

2023 parade

2022 parade

NICE SHOPPING AND PARADE PARTNERS

Nice Shopping promote the Shopping Destination of Nice and brings local shops and leading retailers together to promote Nice as a shopping destination, both in and outside the city centre. Nice Shopping share its tips and great spots to help you discover and experience the best of Nice.

Nice Shopping’s Grand Christmas Parade conjures up the magic of Christmas and supports local businesses during such an important time. This festive, family-friendly event helps promote Nice as an unmissable winter destination. It’s been a much-anticipated event among locals and tourists since it began 4 years ago.

With the support of: