Christmas has certainly taken hold on the Côte d’Azur at this stage with festive markets and villages springing up everywhere, along with the odd patinoire too!
The Holiday Season is in full swing around the region, ski stations are open, the sun is shining. What more could you ask for? How about an action-packed programme for the next seven days on the beautiful Côte d’Azur?
Whatever your tastes, you’ll definitely find something here to keep you occupied .
So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the week ahead.
– SATURDAY 6th DECEMBER –
Courtesy Ville de Mandelieu-La Napoule
The Christmas Market in La Napoule takes place this weekend, with two magical days awaiting you filled with crafts, entertainment, shows, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere! There will also be daily creative workshops including face-painting, photos with Santa and much more! Full programme available on the Mandelieu-La Napoule website. Open daily from 10 am to 8:30 pm.
It is official, Ski Season 2025/’26 is upon us! The majortiy of ski stations will be opening this weekend, with a few opening later in the month.
Courtesy Festival de Danse Cannes-Côte d’Azur
The Festival de Danse continues with Marion Muzac MZ Production and “Le Petit B”, with two performances at Théâtre de la Licorne in Cannes at 9:30 am and 11 am today. The aim of this production is to raise awareness of dance in children, including toddlers. Tickets may be reserved online but are nearly sold out.
Later this evening, Compagnie Leïla Ka presents “Maldonne” at Scene 55 in Mougins at 5:30 pm. This piece for five performers is choreographed by Leïla Ka. The event is now sold out.
The final performance of the day in the Festival de Danse sees Companhia Paulo Ribeiro & Orchestre national de Cannes bring its “Louis Lui” to the Théâtre Debussy, in the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes at 8:30 pm. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Team French Riviera
Hotel Aston in Nice hosts the Marché des Créateurs this weekend, run by Team French Riviera. Come along and meet 30 local artisans and discover unique and original Christmas gifts. Your visit to the market will be a delightful way to support and encourage local shopping. Free entry, open to all.
Courtesy Mairie de Mouans-Sartoux
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.
Photo by Valentin Hennequin; courtesy Mairie de Cannes
La Mairie de Cannes invites the public to meet the artist Jean-Michel Othoniel at 2:30 pm today at La Malmaison, on the occasion of the signing of the catalogue of his exhibition Poussière d’étoiles. This magical and poetic exhibition, running until 4th January, 2026, features 91 works exploring the themes of glass and light. Claude Arnaud, author, and Hanna Baudet, curator of the exhibition, co-author of the catalogue, and director of the Pôle d’Art Contemporain de Cannes, will also both be in attendance.
Courtesy Académie Rainier III
The Académie Rainier III hosts two concerts at the Théâtre des Variétés in Monaco today, the first ‘Voices & Plucked Strings‘ taking place at 3 pm. This performance will take the audience on a musical journey through a variety of repertoires, from neo-classical to folk and film music. Featuring students from the adult vocal ensemble, who will perform excerpts from Julien Joubert’s Huit poèmes de Ronsard, a composer with whom the Académie has already collaborated on several occasions. The mandolin and plucked-string guitar classes will also be on hand to perform both folk and film pieces, including iconic film compositions. Free admission to the concert but pre-registration is required. Please send an email to academie@mairie.mc, indicating your full name and the number of seats required.
The second concert of the day takes place at 6:30 pm, featuring students from the academy, focusing on the emblematic work “In C” by composer Terry Riley. Under the direction of Tristan Lofficial, the young musicians will explore this seminal piece of the minimalist movement, offering audiences an immersive, vibrant and resolutely contemporary musical experience. Free admission to the concert but pre-registration is required. Please send an email to academie@mairie.mc, indicating your full name and the number of seats required.
Courtesy Masséna Around the World
Our friends in Masséna Around the World bookstore in Nice welcome author Rosie Whitehouse in-store from 5-7pm this evening. Come meet Rosie as she discusses her book Two Sisters – a story of betrayal, love and resistance in wartime France. This is a riveting account of two young women – the author’s own mother-in-law and her sister- and their miraculous escape from the murderous authorities of Vichy France. No need to reserve and entry is of course free. All welcome.
Courtesy Luminescence
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).
Courtesy Centre Culturel La Providence
Catch KISS CABARET at Centre Culturel La Providence in Nice at 8 pm tonight. There are six of them – musicians, singers, actresses. Six temperaments, six bursts of femininity … and one mission: to offer you an absolutely irresistible evening! Dive into KISS CABARET, a live, acoustic musical show where each song becomes a miniature scene, a bubble of humor, poetry, and gentle madness … From the ingenue to the diva, from the clown to the provocateur, the entire spectrum of femininity takes to the stage! On the programme: Big Spender, Mon truc en plumes, Tu veux ou tu veux pas, Mein Herr, Mackie Messer, Willkommen… and many more surprises! Tickets cost €18 and may be reserved online. Reduced rates are also available.
Courtesy Palais Nikaïa
A leading figure in the French music scene, Soprano returns with the “Freedom Tour”. He plays the Palais Nikaïa in Nice at 8 pm. Get ready for a unique experience where every concert becomes a moment of connection, sharing, and freedom! Tickets cost from €38 to €74 and may be reserved online.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
Our friends in Gare Croisette, have another busy weekend lined up for us. Today, there is the Playground Market running from 11 am to 7 pm, a lifestyle market where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for! From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, there is a technical workshop in mixing given by EEC Loops, followed by a hip-hop dance class given by Companie La Mesure. The evening is rounded out with California Love (10 pm to 4 am), a Soirée Twelty, featuring Hip-hop / RnB Old School with Greenhigh X NicoPac.
Courtesy Panda Events
Join Panda Events at Frigo 16 in Nice tonight from 8pm for a unique evening where they will be paying tribute to the world of Teyana Taylor’s album “Escape Room.” Through a captivating show, they will explore the emotional journey of a woman going through a breakup and slowly rebuilding her life. Renowned local DJ EEC Loops will be on hand to keep the atmosphere lively and keep you dancing all night long. Frigo 16 – 8pm to 2am, food and drink on site. Tickets costing €13 available online only.
– SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER –
Courtesy Mairie Le Rouret
The traditional Christmas Market in Le Rouret is back today, running from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, and get a start on your Christmas shopping! There will be plenty of artists, craftspeople, and farmers showcasing their quality products. Also on the programme there will be street performers, a Christmas choir, a petting zoo, and numerous other activities and workshops throughout the day to bring the magic of Christmas to young and old alike…! Free entry, all welcome.
The Christmas Markets and villages continue around the region in Nice | Cannes | Monaco | Menton | Antibes/Juan-les-Pins | Fréjus | St Laurent du Var | Saint Tropez and many other towns and villages.
Courtesy Ville de Cannes
The Rencontres de Cannes series comes to a conclusion in the coming days. The final event on the agenda is the Rencontres des Arts Animés featuring the Festival international d’arts et d’animation de Cannes : l’art sous toutes ses formes (Cannes International Animation Festival: Art in all its forms.) There will be several short film programmes from around the world screened, in partnership with the prestigious Stuttgart International Festival of Film and Television, encounters with exceptional artists, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, workshops, and a unique exhibition. Taking place at Espace Miramar in Cannes today. Booking is required for this event and tickets may be resserved online.
The Playground Market continues at Gare Croisette in Cannes today, running from 11 am to 6 pm, a lifestyle market where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
Courtesy Nice Shopping
La Grande Parade de Noël takes place in Nice at 5 pm today, starting on rue Pertinax / Avenue Jean Médecin and making its way to Place Masséna, arriving at 6 pm. This festive event, open to all, helps strengthen Nice’s image as a must-see winter destination. For the past five years, it has become a highly anticipated event for both locals and tourists.
The Festival Off of the 23rd Festival de Musique Sacrée concludes today in Cagnes-sur-Mer. We have a concert featuring Treasures of Orthodox Chant and Christmas Carols from Around the World: A Musical Journey Through Centuries and Continents with the Ensemble Vocal Cantate Domino and Valeriu Moruz, specialist in Byzantine chant and Arsène Arnaud, soloist and composer. Taking place in Église Saint-Pierre du Haut-de-Cagnes at 3:30 pm, with Olga Singayivska conducting. 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
Courtesy Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
As part of the Grande Saison Concert Symphonique, Kazuki Yamada conducts the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo and guest pianist, Seong-Jin Cho. On the programme, we have Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff. The performance takes place at 6 pm in the Auditorium Rainier III. Tickets may be reserved online.
The Festival de Danse comes to an end today. One of the final performances takes place at the Théâtre Palais Stéphanie at the JW Marriott Cannes, with Ballet de l’Opéra Grand Avignon and their “United Dances of America”. Martin Harriague and the Ballet de l’Opéra Grand Avignon immerse us in the world of three young choreographers on the current American scene and the challenges facing a society grappling with social, cultural, and even civilizational issues. The performance starts at 5 pm and tickets may be reserved online.
The Nederlands Dans Theater – NDT 2 perform at the Théâtre Debussy at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes at 8 pm tonight. Three pieces, three perspectives on our present. The triple bill presented by the virtuosos of NDT 2 offers a vibrant demonstration of the power of dance to illuminate our lives. Tickets may be reserved online.
– MONDAY 8th DECEMBER-
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 reno tigoboANIMATION on YouTube
The Rencontres de Cannes continues with the Rencontres des Arts Animés featuring the Festival international d’arts et d’animation de Cannes : l’art sous toutes ses formes (Cannes International Animation Festival: Art in all its forms.) A very ambitious programme is on offer for the festival which finishes tomorrow. Taking place at Campus Georges Méliès in Cannes La Bocca today. Booking is required and tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Palais Nikaïa
Gojira, the metal band that has gained international recognition playing in the biggest festivals and stages in the world, is returning to France for an exceptional tour. They play the Palais Nikaïa in Nice tonight. Support acts Comeback Kid and Neckbreakker. Show starts at 7:30pm and tickets costing from €52 to €85 may be reserved online.
– TUESDAY 9th DECEMBER –
Courtesy Académie Rainier III
The students of the Académie Rainier III perform in public in the new Auditorium with a Young Talents Concert. All classes and disciplines are represented. These concerts combine musical initiatives with educational objectives. For the young talents, it’s an opportunity to practice under professional conditions; for the audience, it’s a chance to see how far they’ve come, and to enjoy a fine concert experience. Free admission to the concert but pre-registration is required. Please send an email to academie@mairie.mc, indicating your full name and the number of seats required.
The Academy is hosting a Lyrical Chant Audition at the Salle de l’Église de Saint Martin in Monaco. at 7:30 pm This features the lyric singing class of Marie-Anne LOSCO who will be accompanied on piano by Nelly FOURCADE and Emmanuelle JASPART. Open to all.
– WEDNESDAY 10th DECEMBER –
Video via Academy of St Martin in the Fields YouTube channel
The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo presents a Christmas Concert at 7:30 pm at Église Saint-Charles in Monaco. Peter Szüts conducts soprano Stefanie Steger, mezzo-soprano Julie Nemer and tenor Antonin Rondepierre. Also featuring the Chœur d’Enfants de l’Académie Rainier III. On the programme Handel and Bach, amongst others. Free admission, subject to availability of places.
Video via David Marques YouTube channel
The David Marques Quartet play tonight at La Note Bleue in Monaco. Formed only one year ago by members of the infamous Groovyboyz collective, the David Marques Quartet project has its own distinctive sound rooted in contemporary Jazz. Limited seating, 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
Courtesy Palais Nikaïa
MARIE S’INFILTRE, actress, writer, singer, dancer, and director, rose to fame in 2017 on social media thanks to her satirical, comedic, and political videos about French society and current events in general. She brings her « Culot » show to the Palais Nikaïa in Nice at 8pm tonight. Tickets costing from €39 to €69 may be reserved online.
– THURSDAY 11th DECEMBER –
Courtesy Mairie de Monaco
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.
Photo © RIVIERA BUZZ
Our friends in Masséna Around the World bookstore in Nice welcome Canadian author Diana Ash back to the bookshop between 5pm and 7pm this evening. Diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in what should have been the prime of her life, Diana is a passionate advocate for young women with cancer and bringing ovarian cancer to the forefront. Free entry, all welcome!
Les Jeudis de la Villa continue at the Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Tonight features guest Bernard Deloupy will explore a pressing question in his latest detective novel, Crim’ à la Mairie: Will artificial intelligence one day match or surpass human intelligence? Reserve your place now for this event.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
More from Gare Croisette in Cannes this evening with a Soirée Stand Up with the Jamel Comedy Club. The support act will feature local talent by Bobar Comedy Club with one artist from the Jamel Comedy Club.
Courtesy Wayne’s Bar
Wayne’s Bar in Vieux Nice is holding its Christmas Party tonight. Plenty of festive cheer guaranteed and live music to take you into the wee hours. And remember to wear your Christmas jumper! Free entry. And Jingle All the Wayne’s…
– FRIDAY 12th DECEMBER –
It’s been a very busy week for our friends in Masséna Around the World bookstore in Nice. Tonight, there will be a book signing/meet and greet with award-winning actress, writer and filmmaker Carol Drinkwater. She will be signing copies of her latest book One Summer in Provence – a heartwarming, sunkissed novel of family, community and wine-making. Free entry, all welcome!
Courtesy Grimaldi Forum Monaco
The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco welcomes Roald Dahl’s Charlie et la Chocolaterie (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) for three performances at the Salle des Princes. Tonight is the opening night with a 7:30 pm start. Suitable for all the family. Tickets may be reserved online.
Courtesy Gare Croisette
More from Gare Croisette in Cannes this evening with the Wigstock Show, running from 8:30 to 10 pm. This is followed by Funktown at 10 pm – 2 am, a soirée by Melpote Productions featuring funk, disco & soul with Must x Brooklyn2Nice.
– 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.
Courtesy TimpelPictures
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 © RIVIERA BUZZ; all other images/photos as credited
Please share on your social channels
Leave a Reply