The Côte d’Azur takes on a new look with the arrival of ski season and the start in earnest of the Christmas and holiday festivities. But, fear not, there are plenty of other activities on the agenda to keep you occupied!
For gourmands and lovers of classical music, for fans of dance and film, an action-packed programme awaits you on the beautiful Côte d’Azur. Whatever your tastes, you’ll definitely find plenty here to keep you happy.
So, without further ado, here are our picks for the week ahead.
– SATURDAY 29th NOVEMBER –
It is almost upon us, Ski Season 2025/’26! A number of stations will be opening in the coming week but Isola 2000 is having a pre-opening weekend today and tomorrow. On-slope entertainment with DJ Afroman radio. See you there!
The 28th edition of Monte-Carlo Gastronomie continues at the Chapiteau de Monaco, running until this Monday, 1st December. You will be treated to international gastronomy, table art, sweets, chocolates, wines, champagnes, liquors… more than 100 exhibitors will be present to show you a variety of exceptional products. This will be a gastronomic journey to be remembered with plenty of entertainment on hand, including the 7th edition of the unmissable Maestro Chef contest, the Maestro Kids and many other surprises! Get your invitation on the Monte-Carlo Gastronomie website.
The Festival de Danse continues with a performance by the Cannes Jeune Ballet Rosella Hightower at La Malmaison in Cannes at 11 am. This new class of enthusiastic and seasoned graduating students will be presenting ‘Infinite’, an original choreographic performance that resonates with the work of Jean-Michel Othoniel, the current exhibition in the venue. The performance lasts an hour. Access upon presentation of your exhibition ticket. Price: €6.50 – Concessions: €3.50. Free for students, job seekers, people with reduced mobility and their companions, ICOM/ICOMOS card holders. for tickets and further information, please call +33 (0)4 92 98 62 77
For the past five years, the association Cannes Université has organized the Rencontres Débats, a major two-day conference held as part of the Rencontres de Cannes. This 2025 edition explores the multifaceted nature of engagement through the combined perspectives of a dozen speakers from diverse backgrounds: artists, military personnel, journalists, entrepreneurs, philosophers, and members of the non-profit sector. Understanding what motivates people to engage,or not, allows us to better grasp the individual and collective drivers of action. Whether artistic, political, social, or personal, engagement connects individuals to their world and invites them to become active participants in it. Taking place at For the past five years, the association Cannes Université has organized the Rencontres Débats, a major two-day conference held as part of the Rencontres de Cannes. This 2025 edition explores the multifaceted nature of engagement through the combined perspectives of a dozen speakers from diverse backgrounds: artists, military personnel, journalists, entrepreneurs, philosophers, and members of the non-profit sector. Understanding what motivates people to engage,or not, allows us to better grasp the individual and collective drivers of action. Whether artistic, political, social, or personal, engagement connects individuals to their world and invites them to become active participants in it. Taking place at Espace Miramar in Cannes. Free entry.
The latest immersive experience, L’Odyssée Céleste, continues in the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Nice. This incredible show, designed and executed by Luminiscence, transforms sacred architecture into living narrative through light, sound, and technology. There are two shows per night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Tickets start from €19 and may be reserved online (reduced rates also available).
The magic of Christmas is coming to Antibes / Juan-les-Pins today! Come and enjoy the festivities and illuminations throughout the city, including the Christmas Village on the Pré des Pêcheurs esplanade, rides and gourmet chalets in the Place Nationale and Place de Gaulle. There will be.a grand parade and free concert at 5:30 pm this evening in Old Antibes. Experience the magic of the holidays until Sunday, 4th January, 2026. Check out the full programme.
The Christmas Markets in Nice and Cannes continue (and the ice rink in Cannes opens today as well!) and there are also plenty of other local markets to enjoy in the region!
As part of European Waste Reduction Week, come extend the life of your electrical and electronic equipment with Munegu Repair. Taking place at Maison du Numérique – Jardins d’Appoline, this free repair workshop is in partnership with Repair Café Cagnes-sur-Mer. Running from 2 pm to 5 pm. Free and open access. More information: environnement@mairie.mc
Cinema For Space, Cannes’ newly created film festival, concludes today. Dedicated to space exploration, the festival is on a mission to create a dialogue between science and the Seventh Art. Taking place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, tickets are available online.
As part of the ongoing Festival de Danse, Hervé Koubi, his team and ten Korean dancers are given carte blanche at the heart of the Musée des Arts Asiatiques in Nice, a place where Asian arts and contemporary creations meet. There are two performances at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. Free access to both performances but you are obliged to pre-register.
Gare Croisette, the multi-faceted cultural pop-up concept, is back in action. Today, there is La Grande Vague running from 11 am to 7 pm, a market featuring Japanese and South Korean influences. From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, there is a samba dance class (registration required), followed by a samba dance show at 8:30 pm. The evening is rounded out with Do Brazil (10 pm to 4 am), a Soirée Twelty, featuring Tamo Junto.
The 42nd Foire aux Santons continues in Mouans-Sartoux, running daily from 2 pm to 6 pm until Christmas Eve, 24th December. Taking place at Médiathèque cinéma La strada. Free admission.
Stockfish in Nice presents Bleu mon Jules – this is a state of mind, spontaneity, an atmosphere, and an energy. Bleu mon Jules puts authenticity back at the heart of it all. Behind it all? Jules, the sea, and the colour blue. La Java Bleu was born from the desire to organize a real party, a wild night out, with one goal: to bring people together. Different cities, different lives, different horizons, but a shared passion: the nostalgia for the evenings of the Belle Époque. Standing room only. Doors open at 7 pm. Food & Drink available on site. Tickets available online only.
The 18th edition of ZeFestival, the LGBTQIA+ film festival, continues in Nice, running until this Monday, 1st December, 2025. Organized by Polychromes, it is a multi-disciplinary event that embraces cinema, literature, poetry, painting, photography, singing, stand-up comedy, debates, and festive evenings. Check out the full lineup.
Video via Festival de Danse – Cannes Côte d’Azur on YouTube
We have more action from the ongoing Festival de Danse with a performance by Robyn Orlin with the Garage Dance Ensemble and Johannesburg musical duo uKhoiKhoi. In response to the violence of the world, Orlin blends dance, music, and video in an exhilaratingly energetic performance. It’s a testament to how joy can blossom in an arid landscape. The performance takes place at the Théâtre de Grasse at 6 pm and tickets may be reserved online.
The Junior Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris will also be performing as part of the Festival de Danse, in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, at 9 pm tonight. Made up of 24 dancers aged 18 to 25, they present a vibrant programme, composed of the various pieces studied throughout their training. Tickets for the perfomance can be booked online.
Video via Asaf Avidan YouTube channel
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival concludes tonight with Asaf Avidan opening a new chapter on stage, this time surrounded by his full band. The evening kicks off with Les égarés: Segal, Ballaké, Sissoko, Parisien as the opening act. These masters create musical lines that draw shared landscapes at the intersection of jazz and traditional music, in perfect harmony. The concert takes place in the Salle Garnier, starting at 8:30 pm. Tickets cost €90 and may be reserved online.
Ginger Boy, the excellent Parisian DJ and member of the Sssound Collective brings us an evening dedicated to the sounds of Amapiano, sprinkled with Afrobeats hits and Ragga dancehall. From Meryl to Burna Boy, by way of Rema and Wizkid, he’s THE leading DJ in the Afroworld scene. La Mélodie provide support. Concert takes place at Frigo 16 in Nice, 8:30 pm to 2 am. Tickets start at €12 and may be reserved online.
– SUNDAY 30th NOVEMBER –
Video courtesy Movember Cannes
Join the Movember Cannes team for the final event of the 2025 Movember campaign with a Jogging des moustachus (the Mustache Jog) with Guyz and DM Coaching. Taking place at 9:00 am at Plage du Midi in Cannes. After a fun and sporty warm-up, join the Mo’Bros team for a festive and wild jog. Get those costumes ready! You need to register for this event.
La Grande Vague continues at Gare Croisette in Cannes today, running from 11 am to 6 pm, a market featuring Japanese and South Korean influences.
The Christmas Market in Nice continues in Jardin Albert 1er, running throughout the Festive Season until 4th January, 2026. Come along and experience the enchanting illuminations, the Christmas Village and Ferris wheel, the gourmet markets, and entertainment for all ages bring the city to life. From Place Masséna to the Promenade du Paillon, and throughout the city, experience the spirit of Christmas in a warm and festive atmosphere. Full details on the Ville de Nice website.
The Christmas Markets and other festive activities in Antibes / June-les-Pins and Cannes continue and there are also plenty of other local markets to enjoy in the region!
More action from the Festival de Danse in Cannes with Cie. S’Poart Mickaël Le Mer, who perform “Enso – Bolero” at 3 pm at the Théâtre Palais Stéphanie in the JW Marriott Cannes. This is a world premiere and a co-production with the festival. Tickets may be reserved online.
The Festival Off of the 23rd Festival de Musique Sacrée continues in Cagnes-sur-Mer with a performance at 3:30 pm this afternoon by La Compagnie de la Voix at Eglise de la Sainte-Famille. On the programme there will be some Vivaldi and Fauré but also spirituals and contemporary works by artists such as Victor C. Johnson, Andrew Parr, Ola Gjeilo and Rollo Dilworth. Tickets cost €15 on the door (reduced rate of €5 for under 18s and under 10s free entry). Further information available from the Direction des Affaires Culturelles by calling 04 93 22 19 05/25
Video via Warner Classics on YouTube
As part of the Grande Saison Concert Symphonique, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo presents David Fray, who will conduct and play the concertos of Johann Sebastian Bach. The performance takes place at 6 pm in the Auditorium Rainier III. Tickets may be reserved online.
M.G.Art presents a Christmas Charity Concert at 6 pm in the United Protestant Church of Cannes. Proceeds will benefit the local French Red Cross. On the programme there will be opera, operetta, popular music and Christmas carols. Tickets cost €15 and may be reserved online. Reduced rates also available.
The Festival de Danse continues at the Théâtre Debussy at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes with the incandescent, transgressive, and virtuosic Rocío Molina. Her art of flamenco is a thrilling risk, to be discovered in this new work. A premiere in the region, this is a co-production with Cannes – Côte d’Azur Dance Festival. Performance starts at 8:30 pm and runs for an hour. Tickets may be reserved online.
Look out for Spanish dancer Lorena Nogal just before the Rocío Molina performance. She is performing a series of four original solos in theatre lobbies, created especially for the 2025 Festival. Each performance lasts approximately 10 minutes and resonates with even greater power and sincerity as it takes place just steps away from the audience, in the rare intimacy of a unique and shared moment. Théâtre Debussy, Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes at 19h45. Tickets can bre reserved by calling +33 (0)4 92 98 62 77
The Hôtel de Ville in Cannes has been lit up in blue for Movember, supporting the campaign to raise awareness about men’s health, particularly testicular and prostate cancer and male suicide. Once again, kudos to Mayor Lisnard and his team.
– MONDAY 1st DECEMBER-
Today is World AIDS Day, being run under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”, calling for sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-centred approaches to end AIDS by 2030.
Monaco also marks World AIDS Day with a moving memorial organized by Fight AIDS Monaco, the charity founded by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie at the Oceanography Museum at noon. The event honours those lost to the epidemic while raising awareness and promoting solidarity, prevention, and continued support for those living with HIV today.
At the heart of the legendary Marché Forville in Cannes, the Monday flea market is a veritable treasure trove for passionate bargain hunters and those curious about great finds. Here you can find everything from tableware, luxury and vintage secondhand goods, to contemporary art and vintage vinyl. Whether you’re a collector, art lover, vintage fan, or simply strolling through Cannes, don’t miss this authentic event every Monday at the foot of Le Suquet!
Video via RobertoAlagna_Official YouTube channel
Opéra de Monte-Carlo presents C’est magnifique ! with tenor Roberto Alagna at 8 pm at the Salle Garnier at the opera house. Alagna invites us to relive memories of his youth: born into a family of Sicilian immigrants, he first earned his living by singing in Parisian cafes and cabarets a mixture of songs of yesterday and popular verses, made famous by Mario Lanza or Luis Mariano a few decades earlier. The event is sold out but you could try the box office on 00 377 92 00 13 70 or by email ticket@opera.mc on the off-chance.
– TUESDAY 2nd DECEMBER –
The Christmas Village and festivities continue in Cannes. There is an impressive programme of events lined up throughout the holiday period, including the ice-rink, the illuminations and so much more! Meanwhile, festive celebrations are also well underway in Nice and Antibes / Juan-les-Pins, and in every other town and village in the region!
Video via Eugénie Andrin YouTube channel
The Festival de Danse de Cannes continues with Companie Eugénie Andrin performing their ‘On n’est pastoutes des Cendrillons’ at Anthéa – Antipolis Théâtre d’Antibes at 7pm. Tickets may be reserved online but are sellign out fast at the time of writing.
This is followed by Club Guy & Roni with the Australasian Dance Collective, also at Anthéa, performing ‘Bad Nature’ at 8:30 pm. Tickets may be reserved online but are nearly sold out.
The legacy of the great master Monteverdi will resonate in the Église du Sacré-Cœur des Moneghetti (Church of the Sacred Heart of the Moneghetti) at 8:30 pm tonight, with a concert by Ensemble Les Passions, a Baroque orchestra in residence in Montauban, founded by recorder player Jean-Marc Andrieu. Composed of four musicians, including two violins, a viola da gamba, and an organ, the ensemble will be accompanied by the chamber choir Dulci Jubilo, in a performance imbued with “sweet joy,” as its name suggests, and respecting the traditional playing techniques of period instruments. This programme, entitled 1643, The Italian Heritage, explores the connection between Claudio Monteverdi and Marc-Antoine Charpentier, represented by the Roman composer Carissimi, Charpentier’s teacher, who in 1648 composed the famous biblical oratorio Jephthah, considered one of the finest masterpieces of the Italian Baroque. It is conducted by Jean-Marc Andrieu, in collaboration with composer and choirmaster Christopher Gibert, who brings his creativity and a fresh perspective to the choral repertoire in France. Free entry subject to availability of places.
– WEDNESDAY 3rd DECEMBER –
The 34th edition of the Nice Semi-Marathon takes place on 19th April, 2026. Registration for the Half Marathon (21.1 km) will open today at 11:00 am with a special early bird rate for the first 1,000 entries. Act quickly, the places are going to go fast! Just to note that registration for the 10 km race will open on Wednesday, 10th December and registration for the 5 km and the Family Relay will open in 2026.
The Festival de Danse de Cannes continues with CCN – Ballet de Lorraine who perform Maud Le Pladec’s ‘Works’ at the Théâtre National de Nice at 8 pm. Tickets may be reserved online but, once again, are selling out very quickly.
Video via Emily Johnson Official YouTube channel
Emily Johnson meets Whitney Houston tonight at La Note Bleue in Monaco. For this very special evening, Emily brings her 9 piece band to pay a stunning tribute to the one and only icon Whitney Houston. Limited seats, don’t miss out! Les Mercredi Live are designed as a friendly weekly gathering with a DJ starting at 6:30 pm and live music from 8 pm. Book your place now by calling +377 93 500 502
– THURSDAY 4th DECEMBER –
If you are in Monaco, why not take some time and check out the Petit Marché du Larvotto, which takes place every Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm. Located on the Esplanade Joséphine Baker, near the Lartigue Fountain. A weekly event to complement the municipal markets, delighting foodies and fresh produce lovers.
Gare Croisette in Cannes returns this evening with an Afterwork event running from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, followed by the Soirée Stand-Up with the Jamel Comedy Club. The evening is rounded off with Croisette Live : a DJ Set By Coffee237 X Ykor (NSC), running from 10 pm to midnight.
Our friends in Masséna Around the World bookstore in Nice welcome their first guest in a busy December programme, the author Timothy Jay Smith. They have launched two of Tim’s award winning thrillers previously in the bookshop and love hearing his tales behind the story. Along with his latest two novels, the last remaining copies of his temporarily out-of-print third novel, The Fourth Courier, set in Poland at the end of the Cold War, will be on sale. Free entry, all welcome!
Video via simonne rizzo on YouTube
The Festival de Danse de Cannes continues at 7:30 pm this evening at Théâtre de la Licorne, with Ridz Compagnie and Simonne Rizzo performing “Isicathulo”. A dance that is multifaceted, precise, and musical; polyrhythmic, transforming bodies into vessels of sound and vibration; a harmonious encounter between two worlds in perfect unison. Tickets may be reserved online.
Les Jeudis de la Villa continue at the Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Tonight features guest Jean Plantu, legendary cartoonist and passionate observer of the world, who will share his love of drawing and his unique take on current events, inviting us into the world through his sketches. Reserve your place now for this event and the other upcoming soirées.
– FRIDAY 5th DECEMBER –
Photos courtesy Mairie de Monaco
The Christmas Village and the ice rink both open in Port Hercule in Monaco this evening. The Christmas Village, ‘Au Pays des Nounours’, runs until 4th January, while the ice rink is open until 1st March, 2026.
The Festival de Danse de Cannes continues this evening with Anton Lachky and Eléonore Valère Company who perform their ‘Novland‘ at Salle Juliette Gréco in Carros. Performance starts at 8 pm and tickets cost €10, available online.
With 3 DJ sets and plenty of surprises, Baile Funk at Frigo 16 is the fusion of Rio’s favela sounds and the rhythms of the global urban scene. Heavy bass, raw energy, and a free-spirited, rule-free atmosphere. Born in the streets, Carioca funk has established itself as a distinct culture – a blend of dance, attitude, and collective expression. Doors open 8 pm. Food and bar on site. Tickets cost €20 (reduced rates available) and may be reserved online or via Pass Culture.
More from Gare Croisette in Cannes this evening with a Playground Market running from 4 pm to 10 pm. This is a lifestyle market where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for! From 6:30 pm to 8 pm there is a darts tournament run by Le Hive. This is followed by a fashon show by EMI DAYÉ. The evening finished with Amapiano & Afrobeats Lovers which runs from 10 pm to 2 am – an evening by Melpote with Amapiano France : Triban Evans x Mélodie.
Under the shimmering lights, Dante Gorla captivates the audience with a fiery tribute to Eros Ramazzotti. His powerful voice resonates, capturing the emotional essence of the classics. The stage is illuminated with vibrant colors, creating a captivating visual tapestry. Dante and his musicians fuse talent and passion, reinterpreting each melody with a new intensity. From nostalgic ballads to driving rhythms, the audience is swept away on an unforgettable journey. Tribute to Eros Ramazotti – taking place at 7 pm at Stockfish in Nice. Tickets available online.
– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –
The 2026 Nice Jazz Festival may be eight months away (23 – 26 July, 2026) but intial ticket sales are now open. Early bird passes costing €120 are available online now but not for much longer!
There is plenty going on in the world of theatre around the region. The Anthéa in Antibes has an amazing programme of shows and performances lined up for the 2025/’26 season. The Théâtre National de Nice also has an impressive line-up for the season as does the Théâtre de la Cité in Nice who have a very busy programme.
There are also plenty of excellent exhibitions going on throughout the region.
Be sure to check out our roundups of the must-see exhibitions in Nice | Monaco | Cannes
Have a great week, wherever you find yourself!
Lead image by RIVIERA BUZZ; all other images/photos as credited
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