Nice organises a large annual "Le Village de Noël" in the central Albert 1er Gardens that features an ice rink, a large Ferris wheel, and a fantastic range of Christmas gift ideas, seasonal food and drink.
The market stalls are housed in 50 alpine chalets and there is a full-scale alpine forest constructed from over 600 pine trees. If you are bringing children, they will be pleased to hear "Papa Noel" breaks his busy winter schedule to visit Nice in the week leading up to Christmas day (so you can give him your gift wishes in person from 14.00 to 19.00). The Nice Christmas market runs from the first day of December to the first day of January each year.
The Illuminations de Noël
Perhaps the highlight of this particular event is the amazing illuminations and christmas decorations which line the seafront Promenade des Anglais and the Place de Massena. Although temperatures do drop at this time of year, you still get many mild days averaging around 13-14C and the skies remain bright blue. There's less than a 20% chance of rain and normally 9 hours of sunshine per day. So perfect for that light stroll along the illuminations or browsing in the christmas stalls.
Highlights of the 2023 Village de Noël, Nice
The range of Christmas products included mulled wine, Christmas beers, cold meats & cheeses, an oyster bar, champagne bar and other specialties, socca, waffles, etc. There was a sugar shack where (with the application of some face paints) your children could
become one of the famous Christmas characters. There was also an 'after work evening' for the older ones; hosting live music and sets from DJs Ergo and Afroman. The latter is a Nice favourite and spins his discs from a 1968 Fiat 500 and a trailer:
Transportation: Getting There
The best way to access the fair is by train (to Nice Station) or by tram (line 2 to either the Jean Médecin or Garibaldi stops). If coming by car, signage will direct you to the best places. But do consider the "Parcazur" park and ride service; which lets you reach the city centre by public transport (tram or bus) without worrying about your vehicle.
Accommodation
With stunning views, private pool, super-fast WiFi and modern air-conditioning, Haute Vue is a large holiday home with private pool in Montauroux; a 45 minute drive from Nice and right in the heart of the riot of yellow colours that is Mimosa season (at this time of year). Sleeping 10/12 in 5/6 bedrooms, it is the perfect central base for a holiday in the South of France; close to the beautiful perched villages of Provence and in easy reach of the beaches and sights of the sparkling Côte d'Azur.
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