Christmas magic on the Riviera

Waving happily at the children of the Lenval children’s hospital, the 9-metre tall santa claus is lighting up the Promenade des Anglais this festive period Copyright Ville de Nice

Cannes is offering a fantastic Christmas market in its Village de Noël on the Espace Pantiero by the port. Meanwhile the picturesque village of Biot is spreading festive cheer for all with an ice-rink and market until 31st December. This smaller, more intimate array of holiday treats is the perfect alternative to the busier atmosphere in Cannes.

Antibes is getting in on the action too, with many celebrations since 10th December. Spectacular light displays are taking place every 30 minutes throughout Christmas, including an illuminated fountain display and a laser show on Place de Gaulle.

Why not celebrate 2012 with a chilly ocean dip? Antibes’ ‘bain du jour de l’an’, or New Year’s Day swim, is set to take place at the Salis beach at 11.30am, and another in Nice at around 10am. Then, the New Year’s day fireworks display in Juan-les-Pins will sparkle at 6pm on 1st January - a great way to spend the first evening of 2012.

Since 17th December, the Antibes port has been welcoming 40 ships as part of its Semaine de Noël celebrations, with a typical Christmas market fair and an international maritime atmosphere. The town is also hosting a fun snowman parade on the 23rd at 2.30pm, and extended laser shows on the Promenade du Soleil in Juan-les-Pins from 24th to 31st December.

Chocolate lovers were suffisciently satisified on Sunday 18th December when the Safranier district offfered a typically charming and authentic experience involving a giant yule log. Yes, you read it right – its Buche de Noël celebrations were a resounding success, as 500 locals brought their own yule logs to be cooked in the baker’s oven. 800 eggs, 20 kilogrammes of sugar and 40 litres of cream later, a 12.4 metre-long cake was made, beating last years attempt. The chocolatey feast was shared with hot chocolate and mulled wine.

And of course, the Principality is not holding back on spreading Christmas happiness this season. A sprinkling of large and small Christmas trees have been placed in Place du Casino, the Boulingrins gardens and Avenue de Monte Carlo. For families, there is a village of stalls and trinkets to discover as well as fairgoround rides on Port Hercule on Quai Labert I from 6th December until 8th January.

Mougins has also played a part in this season’s fun, offering Christmas food fun at the ‘Stars of Mougins’ cookery workshop. There has also been an extra special market, with ski and boarding demonstrations and children’s workshops led by Sébastien Chambru from the Moulin de Mougins.

Meanwhile, for Christmas Eve, Saint-Paul de Vence will host the second traditional truffle market. For those interested in any of the tempting truffle treats, connoisseurs will be on hand to offer advice and answer any questions. The famous Christmas nativity cribs and figurines at the collégiale church continue to fascinate visitors, on show well into the New Year. (For more information call 04 93 32 86 95)

‘Ballet Coppélia’ performs with music from Leo Delibes and Nice Philharmonic Orchestra in Nice on 24th December. Choreography is by Eric Vu-An and the show will run from 3pm at the Nice Opera House. Entrance fees range from 25 to 40 euros. A midnight mass with also run at Eglise St Marie-Madeline from 12pm until 2am in Biot.
Enjoy Christmas day fireworks on the hill at Garibeuil, Valberg. Slurp away on winter warmers and watch the sky light up on the special day.

A Boxing Day circus is coming to Cannes. Famous for its exciting performances, the National Chinese Circus will showcase ‘The Nut-Cracker’ at the Palais des Festivals.

Tende is putting on a unique torchlight parade under the stars on the 31st. Experience an unusual New Years Eve with a glass of mulled wine in hand and your loved ones around you. Alternatively, come along to the ‘Valses de Strauss’ performance by L’Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice. Conducted by Daniel Smith, the concert will light up Acropolisat 11am.

To Monaco, and fireworks will mark the New Year above Place du Casino. 

So wherever you choose to spend your Christmas Day and New Year, make sure that it is filled with warm mulled wine, a tasty treat and most importantly, your loved ones.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year from all the team at The Riviera Times!

Louise Kirby