Christmas in Nice: the ultimate guide to unmissable festive events 2025
To make the most of the festive magic, we’ve selected the very best Christmas events in Nice: Christmas markets, parades, Santa meet-and-greets and so much more.
The Christmas Village
Until 4 January 2026, Jardin Albert 1er transforms into a real Christmas village right in the heart of Nice. More than 60 wooden chalets offer crafts, decorations and sweet treats, while the streets glow with garlands and sparkling Christmas trees. Between the ice rink, rides, Ferris wheel and Santa’s house, children and adults alike will find plenty to immerse themselves in the festive spirit and share magical moments as a family. In the heart of this enchanting christmas village, visitors can enjoy ceramic-painting workshops on 10 December to spark their creativity, or a fun disco party for kids on 10 December.
Opening hours of the Christmas Village in Nice (28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026):
Monday to Wednesday: 12 pm – 9 pm
Thursday and Friday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
24 & 31 December: 12 pm – 7 pm
25 December: 2 pm – 11 pm
1 January: 12 pm – 11 pm
The Nice Shopping Christmas Parade
Time for the magic of the Nice Shopping Christmas Grand Parade!
Sunday 7 December 2025 from 5 pm, along Avenue Jean Médecin.
More than 200 performers will parade for 1.5 hours of enchanting, free entertainment: musicians, dancers, acrobats, mascots, a DJ and of course Santa Claus on his majestic float designed by Nice’s carnival artists. A not-to-be-missed moment to enjoy with family or friends.
A magical Christmas at Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette Masséna is lighting up Christmas with a festive programme for all ages. This year, on Saturdays 6, 13 and 20 December, a Kids Corner awaits little ones on level 2: a creative space where they can have fun and enjoy festive workshops while you shop with peace of mind.
Over three weekends, families will also be able to meet Santa Claus, personalise gifts, enjoy sweet treats and discover live musical and dance performances.
And to keep the magic going, the Christmas Party on Friday 12 December will feature entertainment, music and special offers until 9 pm: a festive day full of surprises.
Festive entertainment at NICETOILE
Once again this year, NICETOILE joins the celebrations with a magical programme in the heart of the city centre.
On 17 and 21 December from 2:30 pm, a quirky magician will wander through the mall with funny and surprising tricks, while on 23 December a live concert will fill the air with classic Christmas tunes as shoppers finish their gift lists.
Santa will also be present throughout this period to share a special moment with children and offer a souvenir photo.
Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 28 November to 17 December, creative Christmas workshops (baubles, wreaths, small crafts) will take place—unique moments for all ages, perfect to keep or gift. Additional workshops will also run from 20 to 24 December.
To spoil you even more, NICETOILE offers one hour of free parking with €50 of purchases and extends its store opening hours to 9:30 am – 8 pm from 15 December.
Magical encounters at Leclerc Saint-Isidore
Santa Claus is particularly generous this year at Leclerc Saint-Isidore!
He will meet children and adults alike and pose for the traditional festive photo on Wednesdays 3, 10 and 17 December, Saturdays 6 and 20, and Sundays 7 and 21 December.
Until 24 December, the outdoor marquee awaits you to choose your perfect Christmas tree.
On Wednesdays 3 and 17 December (10 am – 12 pm), children can enjoy free face-painting at the cultural space, and on Wednesdays 10 and 17 and Saturday 20 December, lovely festive processions will bring sparkle to everyone’s eyes.
Enchanting activities at Nice Lingostière
Nice Lingostière is celebrating big this season thanks to its partnership with Disney and Star Wars, unveiling a programme full of festive activities.
On 3 and 6 December, children will try their luck with mystery boxes for a chance to win a Stitch surprise gift.
On 10 and 13 December, little ones are invited to dress up as their favourite Disney heroes before posing for magical photos at a themed photocall.
On 20 and 21 December, the Han Solo 3D Puzzle Challenge promises fast and fun duels.
A truly enchanting event plunging the whole family into the magic of Christmas.
Santa’s House arrives at Nice Valley
From 6 to 21 December, Nice Valley welcomes Santa’s House, a magical space designed to delight children and adults.
With sparkling decoration, a photobooth and lots of surprises, it’s the perfect place for unforgettable festive memories. Baubles, garlands and a warm atmosphere create the ideal setting for taking home bright and joyful souvenirs.
Christmas comes to every neighbourhood in Nice
Across Nice, neighbourhoods will shine with Christmas spirit through a wide range of festive entertainment:
Christmas carols at the Conservatoire auditorium on 19 December, creative workshops for children at the Cimiez library on 3 December, a Festival of Light in the Ray district on 13 December, and the living nativity scene Lou Presèpi on Place Rossetti from 18 to 28 December—perfect to discover Niçoise traditions.
And this is just a glimpse: many more magical events await you.
And to make the wait even sweeter, here is our selection of the best Advent calendars.
