Christmas Markets in the Cote d’Azur & Monaco

 

If Christmas is your favorite time of year, then you’ve come to the right place as the lights and sounds of the season liven up the cities and villages throughout the region.

One can sense the energy in the air as the holidays approach with numerous shops beautifully set up for all the shoppers getting their gifts and the party season is already in full swing as restaurants have started their Christmas parties along with the outdoor cafes being the ideal place to catch up with friends and family between all the ongoing activities.

Christmas markets are a long-standing tradition in the region, so to break it down for you, here is the following list of what is taking place where:

Nice - Without question, the Christmas Village in Jardin Albert 1er and Place Masséna is always an impressive sight filling the senses of the season. Running until January 1st, there will be crafts and food stalls, entertainment, games for children, Santa’s Grotto, rides, and 14 free shows for young and old. Nice is also organizing a series of festive “Soirées After Work” with international DJs and acts.

Monaco – Once again in Monaco, the traditional Christmas Village has taken up residence on the Port Hercule. This year, it will be open until January 2nd, 2023. With lots of stalls, rides, and games making it entertaining for everyone in attendance. This year, to stay in line with energy savings, the ice rink has been transformed into a roller rink. The Société des Bains de Mer has also decorated the Place du Casino in its sumptuous five-star style and has a full schedule of events taking place in hotels across its portfolio.

Cannes – This year, the captivating Cannes market has 50 different chalets selling Christmas fare alongside Santa’s Cottage and an ice skating rink on the Allées de la Liberté Charles de Gaulle until January 2nd. There is also a parade on Rue d’Antibes with acrobats and live music on December 24th from 3 pm.

Antibes – Not a place known for holding back, this year, a 450m2 ice skating rink will dominate the Antibes Christmas market on the Esplanade Pré-aux-Pêcheurs, which runs from December 11th to January 2nd. Plus, there is a Ferris wheel, carousel, and rides set up alongside stands laden with handicrafts and warming food and drink options. In Antibes’s old town, a letterbox for sending wish lists to Santa, a mini farm, and craft workshops for young children.

Menton – You won’t be able to miss Santa’s Workshop which can be found in Menton until January 1st in the Jardin Biovès, where elves will be hard at work making toys in full view so all can see the magic. At the Bastion and the Sablettes, visitors can enjoy delicacies, a merry-go-round, a little train, Santa’s mailbox, a gourmet market, and workshops of all kinds in this most colorful city.

Saint Tropez – There is nothing better than spending time in the holiday season at this most beautiful seaside village where you will see Christmas-themed stalls line the old port every day until January 1st, as well as the timeless open-air ice rink in the Place des Lices. In the week running up to Christmas, little ones will love meeting Santa and his animals at the pedological farm in Place Grammont.

As for anything in the LGBTQ community, all the bars, cruising bars, bathhouses, and nightclubs will be open as usual and of course will be party central.

Have a wonderful Christmas season everyone.