Christmas Markets 2026 on the French Riviera: Nice, Monaco, Cannes and Menton from Hôtel du Centre
Categories : Events, published on : 10/22/25
From 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Nice sets up its Village de Noël in the Jardin Albert Ier and on Place Masséna. All along the French Riviera, the lights come on: Monaco, Cannes, Antibes and Menton each have their own market, just a few train stops apart. Wooden chalets under the palm trees, mulled wine by the sea: here, Christmas has a Mediterranean accent.
Hôtel du Centre, 2 rue de Suisse, stands at the foot of the Notre-Dame Basilica, a 3-minute walk from Nice-Ville station, in the shopping district of Avenue Jean Médecin. The Village de Noël is around ten minutes away on foot, and the station puts every market on the coast within easy reach.
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Nice's Village de Noël
Every winter, the City of Nice turns the Jardin Albert Ier and Place Masséna into a Christmas village: around sixty chalets run by artisans and producers, food stalls, and a Ferris wheel overlooking the illuminated city. Entry is free, every day, from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
More Christmas markets on the French Riviera
- Monaco: the Village de Noël opens on Port Hercule from 4 December 2026 until 3 January 2027, this year on the theme "La Forêt enchantée" (The Enchanted Forest). Programme on the Mairie de Monaco website.
- Cannes: the Christmas market fills the Allées de la Liberté and Cours Félix Faure, just steps from the Croisette, from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
- Antibes: food chalets, merry-go-rounds and children's activities in the town centre, around Place de Gaulle and the Esplanade du Pré-des-Pêcheurs, from late November to early January.
- Menton: the whole town centre celebrates Christmas, with a Christmas market, rides and family shows, from early December to early January.
Christmas in the winter sun
On the French Riviera, Christmas markets are often enjoyed in full sunshine. Days are spent between the chalets and the seafront, and in the evening the illuminations take over. The coastal railway line links Nice with Monaco, Menton, Antibes and Cannes, so you can visit several markets in the same week without a car.
Why choose Hôtel du Centre
- A 3-minute walk from Nice-Ville station, to reach Monaco, Menton, Antibes or Cannes by train.
- In the heart of the Jean Médecin district, close to the tram, the shops and the Nice Étoile shopping centre.
- Rooms overlooking the Notre-Dame Basilica, some with a balcony.
- Hug Café, our coffee shop with a terrace, with 10% off for our guests.
- A reception open 24/7, and a team always happy to share their favourite local tips.
- A public car park at a preferential rate, 150 metres away.
Our tips
- Visit Nice's Village de Noël on a weekday, in the early afternoon, to enjoy the chalets before the evening crowds.
- Take the train rather than the car to Monaco, Cannes or Menton: you avoid parking, which is often difficult in December.
- Save the Ferris wheel for nightfall, when the city lights up.
- Check each market's opening hours the day before: they often change on 24, 25 and 31 December.
- Bring a light jumper: days are mild, but evenings by the sea cool down quickly.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Nice Christmas market in 2026?
Nice's Village de Noël runs every day from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, in the Jardin Albert Ier and on Place Masséna. Entry is free.
Which Christmas markets can you visit by train from Nice?
From Nice-Ville station, the coastal railway line runs directly to Monaco, Menton, Antibes and Cannes, which each hold their own Christmas market in December.
When does Monaco's Village de Noël open?
Monaco's Village de Noël opens on 4 December 2026 on Port Hercule and runs until 3 January 2027.
Where to stay in Nice to visit the French Riviera's Christmas markets?
Hôtel du Centre, 2 rue de Suisse, is a 3-minute walk from Nice-Ville station and around ten minutes on foot from the Village de Noël, in the Jean Médecin district.
This year, experience the magic of Christmas between sea and mountains, setting off each day from a hotel where everything is within walking distance or a short train ride away. Our team looks forward to helping you plan your outings.
