Holiday Magic: Christmas Markets in the Côte d’Azur and Monaco

 

The Christmas markets in the Côte d'Azur bring a festive charm to the Mediterranean coast, blending Provençal traditions with holiday cheer.

From Saint Tropez to Menton, these markets sparkle with illuminated chalets offering handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats, and regional specialties like socca and nougat. At some locations, visitors can enjoy ice-skating rinks, live music, and Santa's grottos against the backdrop of the glittering sea.

Each market, whether nestled in historic town squares or along palm-lined promenades, exudes a unique blend of coastal elegance and holiday magic, making it a delightful destination for the season.

Saint Tropez

Location: Place des Lices

Dates: December 7, 2024 to January 5, 2025

A variety of seaside chalets at the port showcase gifts, food, and unique services, accompanied by visits from Santa and dazzling fireworks.

Cannes

Location: Allées de la Liberté and Cours Félix Faure

Dates: November 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Cannes blends glamour with festive cheer through its charming chalets offering gifts, gourmet treats, and free entertainment, including concerts and children's shows. Highlights like the ice rink, Santa’s chalet, and the Grand Parade—complete with light fairies and elves—add a magical touch to the holiday season.

Antibes

Location: Esplanade des Pêcheurs and Pinède Gould

Dates: November 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Set against the backdrop of the sea, Antibes features a traditional market with wooden chalets, an educational farm, and an ice rink. Adding a cultural flair to the celebrations, a musical show inspired by The Mysterious Cities of Gold will be performed at the Anthéa Theater on December 14.

Mougins

Location: City center

Dates: December 1, 2024 and January 5, 2025

Calling all food lovers! Mougins celebrates the holiday season with a focus on gastronomy, featuring a Christmas log competition and a festive market (December 13-15) showcasing creations from local artisans and producers. An ice rink, live concerts, and Santa’s house ensure fun for all ages.

Nice

Location: Jardin Albert 1er and Place Masséna

Dates: November 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025

The Nice Christmas Market, one of the largest in the region, features 60 chalets offering artisanal products, festive decorations, and culinary delights like churros and socca. A dedicated dining area invites visitors to savor mulled wine or pancakes while enjoying the enchanting holiday lights. Children's activities and a Ferris wheel further enhance the festive experience.

Monaco

Location: Port Hercule

Dates: December 6, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Monaco transforms its port into an elegant Christmas village overlooking the sea. Wooden chalets feature high-end goods, handcrafted jewelry, and international culinary delights. The port's ice rink serves as a centerpiece, joined by a Ferris wheel and children’s games. Festive illuminations across the Principality add to the event's enchanting splendor.

Menton

Location: Mail du Bastion

Dates: December 7, 2024 to January 5, 2025

The Menton Christmas Market features 35 charming chalets, along with an ice rink, amusement rides, festive entertainment, and Santa visits throughout the holiday season.


Other, smaller locations in the region also contribute to the holiday spirit so no matter where you visit you are sure to experience Christmas French Riviera style.

Increased Train Service to Launch for the Côte d’Azur and Monaco

 

Consider it a Christmas bonus. As mentioned back in September 2024, expanded train services are about to begin in the region starting on December 15th 2024.

 

Much to the relief of locals and undoubtedly tourists, many of whom have faced frustration and stress while trying to catch a train during peak hours—especially during the crowded summer months, when train cars are often packed to capacity.

Starting December 15th, TER trains on the Nice-Ventimiglia line will operate every 15 minutes between 6 AM and 10 PM. This enhancement, highlighted by the PACA Region in a recent interview, stems largely from the introduction of competition in the TER network. It is further supported by SNCF's reliability commitments to the regional authorities, promising even greater improvements.

 

With the introduction of competition in the TER network, the South Region and SNCF Voyageurs Sud Azur are advancing efforts to enhance and modernize regional transportation. Starting December 15, travelers along the Riviera will enjoy modern, comfortable trains running every 15 minutes between 6 AM and 10 PM on the Les Arcs–St Raphaël–Cannes–Antibes–Nice, Grasse–Cannes, and Nice–Ventimiglia lines.

The schedule changes introduced on December 15 do not require new trains. However, to accommodate the ongoing rise in passenger demand on this route, additional trains will be deployed to boost capacity.

 

Since spring 2024, the Region has been renting additional trains to meet demand. By the end of 2027, these rented trains will be replaced by two new high-capacity train sets. Discussions regarding their financing are underway with the Principality of Monaco, which recently announced the purchase of two new TER trains scheduled for delivery by late 2027.

These new trains will enhance the ability to manage the high influx of passengers during peak hours. They will enable the use of reinforced trains, including multiple unit operations, where several connected trains are controlled by a single driver.

 

In August 2024, the TER cancellation rate in the Riviera rail sector dropped significantly to 5.2%, compared to 9.3% in 2023. The South Region, as the organizing authority, has demanded stronger measures from SNCF to further improve service reliability. For 2025, SNCF has pledged to reduce cancellations to 0.25% and achieve 98.5% punctuality. Stricter penalties will be enforced for failing to meet these targets.

 

 

The Christmas Season Begins in Monaco

Over the weekend the Christmas season began in the Principality of Monaco.

On November 30, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, marked the beginning of the holiday season by attending the season’s first light show at the Place du Casino. The event was also graced by Stéphane Valeri, President of the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), Didier Guillaume, Minister of State, and several other prominent Monegasque figures.

“At precisely 6:36 p.m. on Saturday evening, the magic began on the Place du Casino, with a cascading illumination of the historic heart of Monaco, under the eyes of the Princely Family, guests of the SBM and passers-by,” states a recent press release by the SBM.

 

This holiday season, Monte-Carlo's end-of-year celebrations are centered around the enchanting theme of "Magical Christmas Moments." The theme will be featured across all SBM establishments until January 5, 2025.

An 18-meter-high fir tree glittered with thousands of lights, setting the stage for a mesmerizing sound and light show projected onto the façade of the Monte-Carlo Casino. Attention then shifted to five giant Christmas baubles, each adorned with decorations representing magical Christmas moments such as Advent, tree trimming, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

The Princely Family and Monegasque officials explored the enchanting installations before the evening concluded with a second dazzling light show, accompanied by musical reinterpretations of beloved Christmas classics.

The Magical Christmas Moments sound and light show is open to the public until January 5, 2025. From December 6 to 20, the show will run on Fridays and Saturdays, every hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and from December 21 onward, it will take place every evening. A special New Year’s Eve countdown with music is planned for December 31. Additional festivities, including Christmas pop-ups and festive dining menus, are also part of SBM’s holiday offerings.

Photos credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer