Nice, France at Christmas – Sun, Lights, Markets & Riviera Holiday Vibes 2025

Nice, France at Christmas – Sun, Lights, Markets & Riviera Holiday Vibes 2025

Hey everyone. So, picture this. It’s almost December. The sun is out. It’s 15°. And somewhere between palm trees and pastel buildings, we’re trying to find Christmas in these. [Music] Well, challenge accepted. Anna and I headed out on a little mission. wandering through the old town, checking out the decorations, and following the trail of fairy lights all the way to the Christmas market. There was mold wine, a sunny snack break, and a ferris wheel ride to top it off. But did the holiday magic actually hit us? Let’s find out. We’ll start in the old town. So, how’s the Christmasy vibe coming along? Well, at Alzaris, we’ve already spotted something in the shop window. This local and very tasty olive oil producer decorated the Christmas tree with tiny olive oil cans. Too cute. And kind of the perfect little gift, don’t you think? [Music] Just across the road, there’s another Oldtown classic, Pattisree Aer. absolutely made for Christmas treats. So, of course, we had to check what they are offering this year. There’s chocolate, obviously, lots of Christmasy shapes, and all kinds of sweet little sins disguised as festive goodies. Always fun to see what their delicious little bites look like whenever we pop in. Right next door is the flower market. Beautifully sunny today. It’s one of the last days of November and everyone’s soaking up the warm light. And so are we. The light here at this time of year is exactly what expect from the Riviera. Bright and inviting and making every building glow in the nicest way. The market has flowers as always and further down you’ll find souvenirs and food. What we don’t see though is a whole lot of Christmas decorations. Luckily, just around the corner, as we start winding our way through the tiny alleys of the old town, there’s a Christmas tree full of big glass barbles. And then we come across Treasor Publique, one of the shops full of beautiful French products to give or take home. The window is packed with wrapped gifts. And inside you’ve got inspiration for a classy holiday table, plus candles in every shape and color. Let’s keep going. M another tree on plast where there’s another little market going on, but again, not exactly the biggest holiday vibe. But wait, we forgot another classic. Fraun. If anyone goes all out for Christmas, it’s them. They’re the perfumery from Grass that always has the cutest decorations and little things for your home. Everything really. And yes, this is exactly what we were expecting. Anna immediately falls in love with those funny slippers for cold days. And honestly, lovely gift ideas everywhere you look. But now it’s lunchtime. We grabbed a couple of sandwiches and need somewhere to sit. And well, there’s no better spot than the Promead. [Music] Christmas on the Mediterranean definitely feels different from what we were used to back home in the more northern parts of Europe. Can’t say we’re complaining though. It’s basically winter and people are sitting outside everywhere. No need for gloves, for scarves. [Music] What we do need though is the letter box for posting our little note to Peru. Do you remember the one we showed you last time? Because look what we’ve brought. Dear Santa, forgot the socks and candles this year. We’re aiming higher. All we want for Christmas is 100,000 subscribers in 2026. If that fits on your sleigh, of course, Anna and Isa. But no letter box this year. Or maybe it just hasn’t been put up yet. Across the road is where the little tourist train starts its daily trips and where the Christmas market takes place every year. So now we’re talking. Wow. a look at the font sole if that doesn’t get you into festive mood. [Music] And look what we found. So there is a letter box for Per Noel. It’s just over at the tourist office stand. As for decorations, we’ve been a tiny bit disappointed so far. No nativity scenes in the churches yet. And well, N really isn’t London or New York, but it definitely has its own magic. Just look at this. In summer, this whole area is filled with little fountains and kids playing in the water. Pretty cool, right? People love this new winter setup. It’s fun to walk on the water feature and take pictures of all the reflections and angles. [Music] At one end of the water mirror is the entrance to the Christmas market. You can’t miss it with a big ferris wheel towering above everything. And that’s exactly where we’re heading now. The market only opened last night, so everyone seems pretty curious to check it out. It’ll be open until January 4th. So, now let’s see what they’ve got this year. [Music] No Christmas market in the south of France is complete without the famous son. Those little figurines that don’t just show the Holy Family, but pretty much every character you can imagine from a traditional French village. People love creating their own nativity scenes at home, and every year it’s fun to grow the village with a couple of new arrivals. And of course, Anna has her eye on this one. What else is around? Apart from merry-gorounds and all the fun stuff for kids, there are a few stalls with small gift ideas, but honestly, it’s mostly about the food. All the classics, it’s cotton candy, gingerbread in every possible shape, churros, and all those other super healthy treats. [Music] And where there’s food, there are drinks. [Music] And as it should be in the east, right in the heart of the market, sits the mandatory champagne bar. It’s the perfect spot to catch a bit of sun and enjoy something bubbly. I’m completely ready for a mild wine, but Anna’s right. It’s better to come back at sunset when the temperature actually calls for a hot drink. And look who we run into as we’re getting ready to explore more of outside the market. Still on our mission to find all the festive corners of the city. We’re hopeful that Gallerila Fet just across Plasmas will deliver. Did it? Well, a little bit. Mostly in the china department. [Music] Okay, they did put up some Christmas trees here and there. So, yes, they’re slowly getting us into the right spirit. Time for a break, though. But we’re popping into a cafe friend recommended lain in hopes of finding a Christmas flavored cup of something caffeinated. But no such luck. No cinnamon, no gingerbread latte, no festive pastries. But hey, a plain old cappuccino does the job. And honestly, a sip of water after all that filming feels pretty great, too. [Music] When we’re back on the road, the sun is setting and suddenly the whole city feels so much more festive. Plasma Masina as always is the perfect stage. [Music] And just look at this. People are still sitting outside. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Well, we could keep staring at these beautiful scenes forever. We’re so ready for a steaming hot cup of mold wine. Now, cheers. [Music] And look, it’s even more crowded now than earlier for us. There’s only one mission left now. taking you up on the ferris wheel. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] So, I guess it has been pretty festive after all, hasn’t it? The only thing Anna is still missing is the big Christmas tree they used to set up on the huge square below us. But maybe we’re just a little too early this year. So, how do you like knees during the festive season? Ready to come and see for yourself? Thanks for joining us today. We love having you with us every week. If you enjoyed this little festive tour, give the video a like and subscribe for more Cortez adventures. And as always, see you next Saturday on Rivergo.

What does Christmas in Nice, France really feel like? We spent a full day exploring the festive side of Nice — hunting for Christmas decorations in the old town, checking out the Christmas market, soaking up the winter sun, and ending the night on the ferris wheel with mulled wine. Here’s what the holiday season on the Côte d’Azur looks like in 2025!
In this video, we walk through Vieux Nice, stop by Patisserie Auer and Fragonard, wander the Flower Market, visit the “Miroir d’Eau,” explore the Christmas Market at Jardin Albert Ier… and show you exactly how festive the city gets in December. Spoiler: it’s different from London or New York, but it has its own Riviera magic.
If you’re planning a winter trip to the French Riviera, this guide will help you understand what to expect from Christmas in Nice — from decorations and lights to food, drinks, and activities around town.

⏱️⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS ⏱️⏱️
00:00 Intro
00:58 Christmas decorations in Nice’s old town
03:30 Sunny winter vibes on the Promenade des Anglais
05:21 Exploring the Christmas Market at Jardin Albert Ier
08:00 Coffee break in the city
10:16 Riding the ferris wheel at night

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