Blog · Season
Christmas in Nice 2026: Christmas village, lights and tips for getting there
From 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, the heart of Nice fills with chalets, lights and a big wheel. Christmas under the Riviera’s winter sun has a charm of its own. Here is how to enjoy it without worrying about the car.
01 · The village
The Nice Christmas village
Dates: 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, every day.
Where: Jardin Albert Ier and Place Masséna, right in the centre.
On site: several dozen chalets selling crafts and treats, and the big wheel on Place Masséna.
Opening hours vary by day and change around Christmas and New Year: check the City of Nice or tourist office website before you go.
02 · Getting there
Reaching the centre of Nice over the holidays
Place Masséna is pedestrian and the surrounding streets are very busy in the late afternoon and at weekends. City-centre car parks are often full.
- From the airport, allow fifteen to twenty minutes to the centre in normal conditions.
- Your chauffeur drops you as close as possible to the pedestrian area and meets you there at the agreed time.
- For families, the V-Class carries up to seven people; a child seat is available on request.
03 · Nearby
Monaco, Cannes and the villages: other Christmas moods
Each town on the coast has its own way of celebrating. Monaco traditionally sets up its own Christmas village on Port Hercule, from early December to early January; this year’s dates are announced by Monaco’s town hall. Cannes, Antibes and the hilltop villages also offer markets and lights.
A chauffeur at your disposal for half a day or an evening lets you see two or three of these places without looking for parking.
04 · Your flights
Arriving or leaving during the holidays
Holiday departure days and the days after Christmas and New Year are busy at Nice Airport. Book your transfer in advance and give us your flight number: we follow its actual arrival time.
Find out more: from the airport to Nice city centre and how to find your chauffeur on arrival.
Before you go
Opening times and festive programme in Nice
Official information (times, access, programme) is published on the Explore Nice Côte d’Azur website. We recommend checking it a few days before you travel, as details can change.
The tourist office publishes the village’s opening times, the entertainment and the programme of illuminations there.
To enjoy the lights, come in the late afternoon: night falls early in December, and Place Masséna lights up at the end of the day. The old town is a short walk away, with its lanes, its sweet shops and the Cours Saleya market.
Families also like the Promenade du Paillon and its playgrounds, just behind the square. With young children and a pushchair, ask for a V-Class: everything fits in the boot, and your chauffeur drops you a few metres from the chalets.
Booking your chauffeur in practice
Whatever your journey, booking follows the same steps.
- You tell us your journey. Pick-up address, destination, date, time, number of passengers and bags: the online booking form shows the price before you confirm anything.
- You choose your vehicle. Mercedes E-Class or S-Class saloon for up to three passengers, V-Class for up to seven.
- You receive a confirmation. It sums up your journey and the pick-up time.
- Your chauffeur is waiting. At the airport, he follows your flight and waiting time is included for up to one hour after landing.
Payment is by card online or in cash. Cancellation is free of charge more than 48 hours before departure. For a special request, a group or a chauffeur at your disposal, write to us: we reply with a quote.
Frequently asked
Christmas in Nice: your questions
What are the dates of the Nice Christmas village?
From 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Check the day’s opening hours with the City of Nice.
Can we be dropped on Place Masséna?
The square is pedestrian. Your chauffeur drops you at the closest access, a few steps from the chalets.
Do you provide child seats?
Yes, on request. Tell us the child’s age when booking.