What’s On Côte d’Azur: 20 – 26 December, 2025

So, this is Christmas! The festive spirit is well and truly alive on the beautiful Côte d’Azur and what an amazing spectacle it is. Read on for our suggestions for things to do during this holiday season.

We have an action-packed programme for the next seven days with Christmas markets, Christmas concerts, Christmas swims and so much more on offer.

Whatever your tastes, you’ll definitely find something here to keep you occupied .

So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the holiday week ahead.

– SATURDAY 20th DECEMBER –

The Christmas Markets and villages continue around the region in Nice | Cannes | Cannes La Bocca | Monaco | Menton | Antibes/Juan-les-Pins | Fréjus | St Laurent du Var | Vence | Saint Tropez and many other towns and villages.

^{Courtesy Ville de Cap d’Ail}

Cap d’Ail hosts its Christmas Market today at Square Beaverbrook from 10 am to 4 pm. Come discover local artisans and their unique creations: scented candles, artisanal honey, leather goods, and much more. This is a great opportunity to find those last-minute Christmas gifts! Hot chocolate and mulled wine also on offer.

^{Courtesy Ville de Villeneuve-Loubet}

The Marina in Villeneuve-Loubet is entering festive party mode throughout the weekend. Today is all about the children with the opportunity to get their photo taken with Santa and write a letter to him, face-painting, magic shows, pony rides and a whole lot more! Running from 2 – 5 pm. Further information available by calling +33 (0)6 66 59 01 57 or emailing fiona.communicationu@gmail.com

^{Courtesy Médiathèque Caroline}

For the holiday season, the Médiathèque Caroline in Monaco invites you to ‘Raconte-moi… un conte de Noël’, a reading session full of warmth and surprises at 3pm today. Come and discover captivating stories about Christmas, rich in traditions and symbols. Suitable for chaildren aged 4 and over. Free admission.

If you are in Nice this afternoon, pop along to Place Rossetti in Vieux Nice at 3:30 pm and catch « Contes d’ici ou d’ailleurs » by La Compagnie Miranda, a 30 minute production suitable for all ages from 7 to 99! Open air and free!

^{Courtesy of Opéra de Nice}

The Nutcracker continues at the Opéra de Nice. For this new production, the renowned Benjamin Millepied offers his own bold and personal vision of this ballet. There are two shows today, at 3 pm and 8 pm. Tickets cost from €5 to €47 and may be reserved online.

^{Courtesy EDwin Officiel}

Our good friend EDwin is performing at the Salle Joe Dassin in Lucéram at 4 pm this aternoon. ‘Gloria – Un Concert de Noël’ is organised by La Maison de Pays de Lucéram and admission is free. Come one, come all!

^{Courtesy Mairie Le Rouret}

Le Rouret celebrates J’aime Noël today from 4 – 10 pm with plenty of activities including the arrival of Santa Claus, a parade, carol singing, and creative workshops. There will be plenty of food and drink stalls on site. Taking place in Place de la Liberation, free entry.

^{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 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.

^{Courtesy Gare Croisette}

Our friends in Gare Croisette have another busy weekend lined up for us, starting with the Festival des Créateurs, running from 11 am to 10 pm today. Here you can discover products from local artistic and creative talent and is the ideal place for finding Christmas gifts for the whole family! From 2 – 6 pm, the Cannes Festival International des Jeux and Trolls de Jeux will be on hand with some great games to keep you entertained. Join Reia from 6:30 pm to 8 pm for a free hip-hop dance class (you do need to sign up for this), followed by a hip-hop dance show. The evening is rounded off (10 pm to 4 am) with another Soirée Twelty featuring EPISODE.

^{Video via Opéra de Monte-Carlo}

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wildly successful musical CATS continues at the Monte-Carlo Opera with two performances today at 3 pm and 8 pm. The performances are in English, surtitled in French. Online ticket sales are not available so please contact the box office on +377 92 00 13 70

^{Courtesy Panda-Events}

Frigo 16 at Le 109 in Nice welcomes Latin Addict tonight with the PONTE LOCA concept. On the programme ther is Reggaetron, Dembow and Shatta all night long. A pioneer of reggaeton parties in France, Latin Addict has been THE place for Latin vibes since 2010: a collective of international DJs and dancers who rock clubs worldwide. Doors open 8 pm. Food and drink available on site. Tickets may be purchased online.

– SUNDAY 21st DECEMBER –

^{Courtesy Ville de Beaulieu-sur-Mer}

Time to take the plunge! Today’s the day for les Bains de Noël with swims taking place in Nice, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villenueve-Loubet, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Each event has other side attractions on offer, so get yourself along to the coast and dare to bare!

Marina en fête in Villeneuve-Loubet comes to an end today with a Christmas market in the port. With over 80 stalls on offer, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy here. Running from 10 am – 5 pm. Further information available by calling +33 (0)6 66 59 01 57 or emailing fiona.communicationu@gmail.com

The Festival des Créateurs, organised by République des Arts, continues in Gare Croisette today, running from 11 am to 8 pm. There will also be a speed chess tournament from 3 – 5 pm, organised by Le Hive.

^{Video via Wild Bunch on YouTube}

Monaco Dance Forum presents a screening of ‘La Danceuse’ by Stéphanie Di Giusto at 11 am in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. The movie is a biographical historical drama film about dancer Loie Fuller, based on the novel Loïe Fuller: Danseuse de la Belle Époque by Giovanni Lista. Free admission. Inc collaboration with the Institut audiovisuel de Monaco.

The Nutcracker continues at the Opéra de Nice with a matinee performance today at 3 pm. Tickets cost from €5 to €47 and may be reserved online.

There are a further two performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wildly successful musical CATS at the Monte-Carlo Opera today at 3 pm and 8 pm. The performances are in English, surtitled in French. Online ticket sales are not available so please contact the box office on +377 92 00 13 70

^{Courtesy La Communauté Maronite}

La Communauté Maronite in Nice presents a Christmas concert at 5 pm this evening in Église Saint Paul, featuring EDwin and Jack. Entitled Entre Orient & Occident, you will be treated to an exceptional evening where international Christmas carols intertwine with authenticity. Free admission.

Villeneuve-Loubet hosts a Christmas concert this evening at 5 pm in Église Saint-Marc featuring Chœur Espace Chant. There will be sacred music, gospel, contemporary music and traditional Christmas carols on offer. Admission is €8 per person, under 12s get in for free. All proceeds go to the Téléthon. Further information available by calling +33 (0)6 87 20 60 19.

– MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER-

^{Courtesy Antiquites Brocante Cannes}

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!

Our friend Steve Villa-Massone and his legendary red piano will be perfoming in Place Rossetti in Vieux Nice at 11 am this morning. Part of the Ville de Nice Christmas celebrations around town. Open air and free – enjoy!

^{Courtesy Monaco Sous Les Étoiles}

« Monaco sous les étoiles, » the Christmas Charity Show held under the High Patronage of Princess Charlene, is taking place at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille today and tomorrow. All proceeds from the show will be donated to her Foundation and the Monaco SPA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). This original Christmas tale, blending hip-hop dance and visual poetry, immerses the audience in the adventures of young Elliott who, guided by a mysterious music box, finds himself propelled on an enchanting journey through time. There is one show today at 4 pm. Tickets cost from €20 and may be reserved online.

– TUESDAY 23rd DECEMBER –

^{Courtesy Monaco Sous Les Étoiles}

The final shows of « Monaco sous les étoiles » take place at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille today at 11 am and 4 pm. This Christmas Charity Show is held under the High Patronage of Princess Charlene and all proceeds will be donated to her Foundation and the Monaco SPA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Tickets cost from €10 and may be reserved online.

^{Video via Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur on YouTube}

The Nutcracker continues at the Opéra de Nice. There are two performances at 3 pm and 8 pm today. Tickets cost from €10 to €47 and may be reserved online. Be warned, tickets are selling out fast…

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wildly successful musical CATS continues at the Monte-Carlo Opera with two performances today at 3 pm and 8 pm. The performances are in English, surtitled in French. Online ticket sales are not available so please contact the box office on +377 92 00 13 70

– WEDNESDAY 24th DECEMBER –

^{Courtesy Association Les Amis du Bain de Noël de Monaco}

The Bain de Noël in Monaco takes place today at 10 am at Plage Larvotto. There will also be a giant tombola with the event benefitting the Monaco Liver Disorder association.

^{Courtesy of Opéra de Nice}

There is a Christmas Eve performace of The Nutcracker at the Opéra de Nice this evening at 5pm. Tickets are sold out but it may be worth contacting the box office on +33 (0)4 92 17 40 40 on the off chance…

– THURSDAY 25th DECEMBER –

Wishing you all, your families and friends a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas! Enjoy the day and happy holidays to all!

^{Casse Noisette – photo courtesy Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur; © Mathilde Fanet}

The Opéra de Nice has a Christmas Day performance of The Nutcracker this evening at 5pm. Tickets are once again sold out, but do try contacting the box office on +33 (0)4 92 17 40 40 on the off chance…

– FRIDAY 26th DECEMBER –

Our friend Steve Villa-Massone and his legendary red piano will be once again perfoming in Place Rossetti in Vieux Nice at 11 am this morning. Part of the Ville de Nice Christmas celebrations around town. Open air and free – enjoy!

^{Courtesy Gare Croisette}

More from Gare Croisette in Cannes this evening, starting with a darts tournament organised by Le Hive, running from 6:30 to 8 pm. This is followed by the Swheil Show featuring local artists from 8 – 10 pm. Rounding off the evening, we have Club Disco, running from 10 pm – 2 am, a soirée by Melpote Productions with Soundee x Ergo.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wildly successful musical CATS continues at the Monte-Carlo Opera with a further performance tonight at 8 pm. The performance is in English, surtitled in French. Online ticket sales are not available so please contact the box office on +377 92 00 13 70

The Nutcracker continues at the Opéra de Nice with an 8 pm performance tonight. Tickets cost from €11 to €47 and may be reserved online. Be warned, tickets are selling out fast…

– OTHER EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS –

^{Courtesy Nice Jazz Festival / Ville de Nice}

The 2026 Nice Jazz Festival may be seven 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!

^{Courtesy Ville de Nice}

The Carnaval de Nice takes place from 11th February to 1st March, 2026. Ticket sales are now open so be sure to reserve your places asap! Et, vive la Reine!

^{Courtesy Les Plages Électroniques}

Tickets sales are also open for the 20th anniversary edition of Les Plages Électroniques, taking place in Cannes in August next year. You can purchase your festival passes now.

^{Courtesy Grimaldi Forum Monaco}

The anual summer exhibitions at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco are always something to look forward to. Next summerm we will be treated to a major exhibition retracing over a century of passion for motoring in the Principality. Running from July 1st to September 6th, 2026, advance ticket sales are now open.

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 Ville de Cannes}

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