French Riviera Christmas Markets 🎄FREE
Nice Christmas Market
28th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
11am - 8pm
Place Masséna & Le Jardin de Albert 1er (Centre Ville)
Let’s Start with the biggest and most famous Christmas Market on the coast Nice Ville.
The Christmas Village will host 60 chalets selling clothes, crafts, chocolates, food, gifts and more.
There will be a ferris wheel, light shows, food stalls and of course, Father Christmas! Amongst the Christmas Village will be hundreds of Pine tree to give the full affect of an alpine Christmas!
Perhaps the most scenic part of Nice is the lights along Promendade des Anglais. The festive lights against the coastal backdrop is a wonder.
Things to do in Nice ~
Valbonne Village Christmas Market
21st - 24th December 2024
Valbonne Village ~ Place des Arcades
My favourite Christmas Market on the Riviera. Only running for a few day, which makes it even more special. This is the ultimate cosy, market filled with locals getting together for the holidays. If you are lucky enough to be holidaying for Christmas Day, this is a great place to come for Christmas Eve (I did for 8 years!).
Wander the cobbled streets, have a glass of Vin Chaud ( mulled wine ) and settle down for a long lunch among the festive stall at Café des Arcades - my favourite restaurant in Valbonne (try the Café Gourmand!)
You won’t find big fairground rides or ice rinks here. Just a quaint village festival with mostly locals!
Le Rouret Vintage Christmas Market
Dates to be announced but they are usually the first or second Sunday of December. I will update as they are released.
11am - 10pm
Le Rouret / Centre Village
Le Rouret Christmas Markets is a very special one. You won’t find a chalet type market here, rather, around 130 stalls made up of truffles, chocolates, crafts and more. This more traditional market has a wonderful atmosphere and is a far cry from the crowded markets along the coast.
Located a further 15 minutes drive from Valbonme Village, its best to drive to Le Rouret as busses can be scarce!
Again, there won’t be any fairground rides or ice rink but you will see some farm animals and maybe even reindeer!
Grasse Christmas Market
15th - 17th December 2024
From 11am
Cours Honoré Cresp, Grass Ville
Head up to the perfume scented city of Grasse this Christmas and here is what it has to offer! They really put on a show up in Grasse with pony rides, funfair, ice rink and even Santa makes an appearance! With spectacular views down to the coast, this is a great market to visit.
~ Want to make the most of your time in Grasse? Why not visit one of the famous perfumeries whilst you are there for a free tour? I’ve linked tickets at the end.
Ice Rink ~ 22 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
Cours Honoré Cresp – From 10.00am to 8.00pm. The ice rink is accessible to adults and children aged 4 and above. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Price: skate hire €3 / Gloves required
Pony Rides ~ 23 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
from 23/12 to 07/01 every day (except 24, 25, 31/12 and 01/01)
Located at the Botanical garden – from 10.00am to 5.00pm
Free – Provided by the Town Hall
Santa’s Arrival~ 23 December 2024
Arrival of Santa Claus by carriage
Place aux Aires – 11.00am
Photographs in front of Santa’s cabin
Perfumery Tickets ~
Christmas in Cannes
2nd December 2024 - 7th January 2025
11am - 9pm / 10.30 at weekends
Cannes Centre - Ville
Home to my favourite vin chaud ( mulled wine )on the coast and the only one served in an actual glass!
With a backdrop featuring super yachts you can’t get much glitzier than Cannes Christmas Market. With the famous Palais in full view, super yachts and a hop, skip away from La Croisette, Cannes is up there with the fabulously chic markets. Here you will find champagne, seafood, gifts, clothes and more in the 46 alpine chalets.
~ insider tip ~ I previously said, my favourite vin chaud is here. Head into the Christmas village and walk towards the end (le suquet side) you will find a husband and wife run vin chaud stall with barrels and stalls to sit and watch the world go by.
Christmas Fairground
You will also find a fairground with 50 attractions. This is open 4pm - 9pm on weekdays and 4pm - 11pm on the weekends.
Christmas Parade
23 December leaving Felix Faure at 5.30pm. Santa, his elves, musicians, and festive floates will take to the streets of Cannes.
Ice Rink
Located at Les Allees. The mornings are reserved for children aged 4-10 and is FREE. Adults can take to the ice for three euros (45 minute sessions) including skate hire from 1pm. You must wear gloves - not provided - so remember to take a pair!
Christmas in Monaco
6th December 2024 - 8th January 2025
Port Hercule, Place du Casino & Avenue de Monte Carlo.
I Know I’ve said this a few times but if you have to pick one Christmas Market on the coast - Make it Monaco!
Monaco has transformed into a winter wonderland. Be transported to a fairytale land where sparkling Christmas traditions meet Monte-Carlo’s inimitable style. Wander through the Christmas markets in Monaco, admire the grand decorations that adorn shop fronts and boulevards, and marvel at the glittering illuminations.
Christmas Village
Port Hercule will be transformed into a winter wonderland with alpine chalets, food stalls, ferris wheel and fairground rides. There will also be pop up activities for children.
As well as Port Hercule, you will find an elevated shopping experience at Avenue de Monte - Carlo. Here you will find upmarket alpine chalets selling champagne, fois gras, caviar, seafood and more. You can even create your own hamper for a loved one!
Christmas Snow Globes
Place de Casino, the home of Monte Carlo’s famous casino will have a spectacular Christmas installation of snow globes. Along with the Christmas lights and carousel , this isn’t to be missed! This years theme is Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’
~ Tip ~ head to Café de Paris on Place de Casino for a coffee and take in the festive sights.
Meet Father Christmas
Before taking off on his annual grand tour, Father Christmas has planned a few stops in the Place du Casino on 17, 20, 23, 24 and 25 December from 1pm to 5pm - Put on your best smile for a special photo!
Christmas Carols
The Choir performing on 17, 20, 23, 24 and 25 December 2023 from 1p.m. to 5p.m at Place du Casino & Carré d’Or
Things to do in Monaco ~
Christmas in Menton
1st December 2024 - 5th January 2025
Bioves Gardens, Marché du Carei, located on the Promenade du Maréchal Leclerc & Les Halles ( indoor market )
10am - 7pm / 9pm at weekends
Menton Christmas market, with its extraordinary nativity scenes, is widely regarded as one of the most colourful Christmas markets in France. Also, with Monaco and Nice just down the train line, you can take in a couple of the best Christmas markets in France.
What makes the Menton Christmas market so special is that the whole town gets involved in the festivities. All throughout Menton you will find lovely nativity scenes displayed in doorways, small alleys and in the shops. A long tradition from past generations.
Christmas in Antibes
Dates TBC
10.30am - 7.30pm / 9pm on weekends
Place Nationale, Place de Gaulle & Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs
I’m leaving my old home till last! I spent 8 years living in Antibes. It holds a dear part of my heart and Christmas was one of my favourite times of the year!
Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs between the port and old town is transformed into a winter wonderland. With alpine chalets, food stalls, a extra large wheel! You’ll see Christmas light as far as the eye can see from up there.
Place Nationale is home to our carousel, which seems particularly special this time of year. Along with more alpine chalets, this will be the next stop on the Christmas path. Open
Finish off at Place du Gaulle. On of the bigger squares in Antibes and the location of Santa himself! It also hosts a family ferris wheel,children’s rides, food and drinks chalets along with activities for the children.
Christmas Carrage Ride. Place Nationale (by the carousel) from 23rd December- 7th January (ex 25th & 31st)
Things to do in Antibes ~
Here is a list of smaller markets along the French Riviera ~
Villeneuve Loubet Village & Marina - 8th December - 10am
Feyence - 8th December - 9am
Peymeinade - 15th December - 10am
Frejus - 7th December - 5th January
Carros - TBC
I hope you have enjoyed this festive guide to the French Riviera!
I would love to see your travels inspired by my guides. Follow me on instagram and tag @tashalearussell ✨👇🏻
📌 SAVE this guide for your trip to the Côte d’Azur and SUBSCRIBE for upcoming guides!
*this guide contains some affiliate links. This means if you book though this link I will get a small commission at no extra charge to you. This helps support my little business and thank - you for supporting me! If you would like to leave a tip that is much appreciated also 🤍
My Guides ~
As a gift from me, use TRAVEL20 for 20% off any of my paid guides - Thank you for your support!
The home for unique & authentic travel
