For anyone thinking of going to the south of France at the end of year, why not consider Christmas 2023 in Cannes? It has a very particular charm, topped off by the annual New Years Eve firework show.
Christmas is now a big deal in Cannes. Every year, the city organises a series of events to bring some Christmas spirit to the city of palm trees. These include the unmissable Christmas Village and its ice rink as well as the Christmas Parade. The events focus on four main areas:
- l’Allée de la Liberté and the Pantiero,
- the Rue d’Antibes,
- la Bocca and
- the Bay of Cannes.
Here are the dates and times of the relevant happenings.
The Christmas Village Allées de la Liberté and Cours Félix Faure
From Sat. Dec 2, 2023 to Sun Jan 7 2024. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fri and Sat until 10 p.m.)
The traditional Christmas village with its chalets and new luminous sculptures, entertainment and ice rink. Look out for the first exhibition match of ice hockey for middle school students. The ice rink is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children from 4 to 10 years old. From 1 p.m., open for all.
The Funfair, Esplanade Pantiero
Like every year, the funfair takes place on the Pantiero esplanade with no less than 59 attractions: ghost train, rides for children and adults, pirate ship, stunt games, duck fishing and food stands…
From Sat. Dec 2, 2023 to Fri, Dec 22, 2023:• From Mon to the game. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.• Fri., Sat. and Sun. from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
From Sat. Dec 23, 2023 to Sun Jan 7 2024 included: • Every day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Christmas Parade, Rues d’Antibes, Hoche, Meynadier, cours Félix Faure
Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. Departure from Cours Félix Faure, then Allées de la Liberté, rue d’Antibes and return via rue Meynadier.
Cannes’ charming light parade with Santa Claus in traditional costume accompanied by his horde of elves made up of artists, stilt walkers, musicians and inflatable horses and snowflakes with traditional Christmas carols and jazz music.
PEDESTRIANIZATION AND SOUND SYSTEMS
Pedestrianisation of the Rue d’Antibes
From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Sat. 16 and 23 Dec. 2023
Sound system on the Rue d’Antibes
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Sat. Dec. 2, 9 & 16 & Sun Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2023From Mon 18 to Sun Dec 31, 2023From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 😀 Wed 10 to Sun 14 Jan 2024
Meynadier Street sound system (Christmas music and carols)
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Sat. Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Sun Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2023From Wed 10 to Sun 14 Jan 2024From 2 pm to 6 pm 😀 Mon 18 to Fri 22 Dec 2023Mon, 25 to Fri 29 Dec 2023
Christmas in La Bocca, Avenue Pierre Sémard
From Wed. Dec 20, 2023 to Wed Jan 3 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m
New Year’s Eve fireworks, Bay of Cannes
Sunday, December 31 at midnight
Cannes runs a major firework festival in the summer months which sets the bar high when it comes to New Year’s Eve. This year, the theme is Charlie Chaplin. I’m curious to see what this means in real terms. These shows are immensely popular every year. It is advisable to get to the Croisette early, or book a table on one of the hotel events. Boat trips can also be organised.
You can expect many other private events to take place over the Christmas period. Follow Cannes or Bust on Twitter/X or Facebook for last-minute tips.