Riviera Christmas and New Year Guide
How to enjoy Christmas and New Year on the French Riviera — festive markets, illuminations and fireworks, with a private chauffeur through the season.
The Riviera wears the festive season beautifully. Mild days, illuminated seafronts, Christmas markets under the palms and fireworks over the bays on New Year's Eve make it a quietly magical time to visit. Here is how to enjoy Christmas and New Year on the French Riviera.
Festive markets and lights
Through December, the coast lights up. Nice sets a Christmas village and a Ferris wheel by Place Masséna, Monaco stages its own market and rink around Port Hercule, and the seafronts and old towns glow with illuminations. Chalets sell mulled wine and crafts under the palms.
It is a warmer, gentler take on the European Christmas market, with the sea always nearby.
- Christmas markets in Nice and Monaco
- Ice rinks and a Ferris wheel by the sea
- Illuminated seafronts and old towns
- Mild days for strolling the stalls
New Year's Eve on the coast
New Year's Eve brings fireworks over the bays of Nice, Cannes and Monaco, along with gala dinners in the grand hotels and celebrations that run late. The coast fills for one of the most glamorous nights of its year.
A chauffeur makes an evening of dinner, fireworks and a party effortless, whatever the hour it ends.
- Fireworks over the bays of Nice and Monaco
- Gala dinners in the grand hotels
- A glamorous, busy night on the coast
- Late finishes handled door to door
A mild festive season
Sheltered by the Alps, the coast keeps mild, often bright weather through the holidays, so the markets and walks are a pleasure rather than an endurance. It pairs naturally with the wider quiet charms of the Riviera in winter.
For a festive break without the deep cold, few places rival it.
Getting around over the holidays
Festive evenings are cool after dark and the centres busy, with taxis stretched on the big nights. A private chauffeur carries you door to door between markets, dinners and the fireworks, warm and unhurried throughout.
It is the easiest way to make the most of the season across the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Does the French Riviera have Christmas markets?
Yes. Nice and Monaco both stage festive markets with chalets, ice rinks and illuminations, in a mild seaside setting through December.
Where are the New Year fireworks on the Riviera?
Over the bays of Nice, Cannes and Monaco, alongside gala dinners in the grand hotels and celebrations that run late into the night.
What is the weather like on the Riviera at Christmas?
Mild and often bright, sheltered by the Alps, making the markets and seafront walks a pleasure rather than a cold endurance.
How do I get around over the holidays?
A private chauffeur carries you door to door between markets, dinners and fireworks, warm and unhurried when taxis are stretched.
Ready to book your private driver on the French Riviera?
Tell us your route, dates and preferred service and we will recommend the right vehicle and booking format for your stay.
Continue planning your Riviera journey
The French Riviera in Winter
Mild weather, quiet villages, festivals and ski days — why the French Riviera rewards a winter visit.
Best Things to Do in Nice
From the Promenade des Anglais to Old Nice and Castle Hill, the best things to do in the Riviera's capital.
How to Get Around Nice
Walking, the tram, bikes, taxis and chauffeurs — how to get around Nice and reach the rest of the Riviera.