What’s on this Christmas in Cannes?
I love this time of year. The buzz in the air, the food, the carols, the champagne and of course, the decorations. Ahh… Christmas in Cannes.
Christmas is celebrated around the world in many similar ways. But I love the fact that Christmas is celebrated with its own unique traditions depending on where you live.
Here, in the South of France, a Provençal Christmas officially starts on the 4th December on St Barbara’s Day and lasts until Candlemas on 2nd February. Our Christmas traditions include ‘pastorales’ (live nativity play), son et Lumiere (sound & light show), horse racing, and (for all those boat lovers out there) a Christmas sailing regatta. Well, it is the Côte d’Azur after all.
For those celebrating Christmas in the South of France, this is the first blog (of three) that brings you the essential guide to Christmas events and markets in Cannes, Mougins and Valbonne this December. The very best places to drink, eat and be merry at Christmas around Cannes and shop for presents.
And be sure not to miss part two & three of my Christmas blogs (coming next). We will cover Christmas decorations and where to buy the best local Provençal Christmas foods.
But for now, here’s our guide to Christmas in Cannes, Mougins and Valbonne 2018.
What’s on this Christmas in Cannes?
I love this time of year. The buzz in the air, the food, the carols, the champagne and of course, the decorations. Ahh… Christmas in Cannes.
Christmas is celebrated around the world in many similar ways. But I love the fact that Christmas is celebrated with its own unique traditions depending on where you live.
Here, in the South of France, a Provençal Christmas officially starts on the 4th December on St Barbara’s Day and lasts until Candlemas on 2nd February. Our Christmas traditions include ‘pastorales’ (live nativity play), son et Lumiere (sound & light show), horse racing, and (for all those boat lovers out there) a Christmas sailing regatta. Well, it is the Côte d’Azur after all.
For those celebrating Christmas in the South of France, this is the first blog (of three) that brings you the essential guide to Christmas events and markets in Cannes, Mougins and Valbonne this December. The very best places to drink, eat and be merry at Christmas around Cannes and shop for presents.
And be sure not to miss part two & three of my Christmas blogs (coming next). We will cover Christmas decorations and where to buy the best local Provençal Christmas foods.
But for now, here’s our guide to Christmas in Cannes, Mougins and Valbonne 2018.
What’s on this Christmas in Cannes?
I love this time of year. The buzz in the air, the food, the carols, the champagne and of course, the decorations. Ahh… Christmas in Cannes.
Christmas is celebrated around the world in many similar ways. But I love the fact that Christmas is celebrated with its own unique traditions depending on where you live.
Here, in the South of France, a Provençal Christmas officially starts on the 4th December on St Barbara’s Day and lasts until Candlemas on 2nd February. Our Christmas traditions include ‘pastorales’ (live nativity play), son et Lumiere (sound & light show), horse racing, and (for all those boat lovers out there) a Christmas sailing regatta. Well, it is the Côte d’Azur after all.
For those celebrating Christmas in the South of France, this is the first blog (of three) that brings you the essential guide to Christmas events and markets in Cannes, Mougins and Valbonne this December. The very best places to drink, eat and be merry at Christmas around Cannes and shop for presents.
And be sure not to miss part two & three of my Christmas blogs (coming next). We will cover Christmas decorations and where to buy the best local Provençal Christmas foods.
But for now, here’s our guide to Christmas in Cannes, Mougins and Valbonne 2018.
Cannes Christmas Village & lights
Once again, the Cannes Christmas village descends on Les Allées de la Liberté with seasonal cheer. Over 49 chalets in the village this year, offering sweet treats, seafood, champagne, mulled wine, decorations and beautiful gifts. At 6pm on Dec 1st, the Christmas illuminations kick off the celebrations, accompanied by carols and ice skating with free skate shows. A traditional Provençal crèche from the private collection of Prince Albert II of Monaco provides the star attraction. Not to be missed.
*Rue d’Antibes is pedestrianised 2-6pm every Sunday in December.
Cannes Christmas market
When: From 1st Dec – 6th Jan 2019
Where: Les Allées, Cannes
Christmas Parade
When: 24th December – 3pm
Musical Parade
When: 31st December – 3pm
Le Suquet Church & Malmaison illuminations
Gaspare de Cara is this years’ artist selected to create wonderful displays of lights on numerous landmarks in Cannes including Le Suquet Church. Previously, he has lit up the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janerio and the Arc de Triomphe. Stunning work to view after dark.
When: 15th-22ndJanuary 2019
Where: Le Suquet Church
Le Cannet
The town’s lights Christmas Lights are officially switched on
When: 9thDecember – 6pm (events from 4-8pm)
Where: Place Foch, Rocheville, Le Cannet
Son and Lumiere (Sound and light show)
Be sure not to miss this popular and specular show which is accompanied by fireworks and mulled wine. An event for all the family as Papa Noël will be there for selected dates to meet the kids. Additional Christmas events take place in Place Bellevue and Rue St Sauveur 4-8pm
When: 16thDecember – 6.30pm
Where: On the facade of the town hall
Christmas Market
When: 15th-23rd December
Where: Tivoli Gardens, Le Cannet
What’s on this Christmas in Mougins?
I never tire of visiting the beautiful medieval village of Mougins. On a hill top and only 15 minutes from Cannes it becomes a truly magical place to visit during Christmas time.
Christmas Market
When: 10th& 11thDecember
Where: Mougins Village
The traditional market returns to the village with over thirty stalls. Chalets are packed with seasonal foods, chocolates and sweets, creative crafts, home-made gingerbread stalls and the opportunity to take a photo with Papa Noël. All round family fun.
What’s on this Christmas in Valbonne?
Valbonne Christmas Art Fair
When: 7th-24th December
Where: Salle Saint-Esprit, Valbonne.
(free admission)
Twenty artists have been selected by Artothèque for this years Christmas exhibition. Gift ideas on offer include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, Raku, unique objects, maps, jewels and travel books. Perfect gift ideas for creative friends & family.
La Malle à Jouets
Simply put, a truly wonderful little toy shop full of treats. The toys look like they have come straight from the elf workshop in Greenland. Lots of beautiful wooden toys and magical things. One of my favourite toy shops and an absolute must-visit for Christmas this year.
Where: 17 rue Eugène Giraud, Valbonne
Gospel Choir Christmas Concert
The Vocal Ensemble of Mougins will sing Christmas carols, gospel songs and sacred songs.
When: 8thDecember – 16.00pm
Where: Saint Paul des Nations Church, Valbonne
So many good events & markets to choose from and so I hope you have found my Christmas guide useful…tune in soon for part 2 & 3 of my Christmas blogs, packed with local knowledge!
Till next time,
Geraldine & Pia xx
Cannes Christmas Village & lights
Once again, the Cannes Christmas village descends on Les Allées de la Liberté with seasonal cheer. Over 49 chalets in the village this year, offering sweet treats, seafood, champagne, mulled wine, decorations and beautiful gifts. At 6pm on Dec 1st, the Christmas illuminations kick off the celebrations, accompanied by carols and ice skating with free skate shows. A traditional Provençal crèche from the private collection of Prince Albert II of Monaco provides the star attraction. Not to be missed.
*Rue d’Antibes is pedestrianised 2-6pm every Sunday in December.
Cannes Christmas market
When: From 1st Dec – 6th Jan 2019
Where: Les Allées, Cannes
Christmas Parade
When: 24th December – 3pm
Musical Parade
When: 31st December – 3pm
Le Suquet Church & Malmaison illuminations
Gaspare de Cara is this years’ artist selected to create wonderful displays of lights on numerous landmarks in Cannes including Le Suquet Church. Previously, he has lit up the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janerio and the Arc de Triomphe. Stunning work to view after dark.
When: 15th-22ndJanuary 2019
Where: Le Suquet Church
Le Cannet
The town’s lights Christmas Lights are officially switched on
When: 9thDecember – 6pm (events from 4-8pm)
Where: Place Foch, Rocheville, Le Cannet
Son and Lumiere (Sound and light show)
Be sure not to miss this popular and specular show which is accompanied by fireworks and mulled wine. An event for all the family as Papa Noël will be there for selected dates to meet the kids. Additional Christmas events take place in Place Bellevue and Rue St Sauveur 4-8pm
When: 16thDecember – 6.30pm
Where: On the facade of the town hall
Christmas Market
When: 15th-23rd December
Where: Tivoli Gardens, Le Cannet
What’s on this Christmas in Mougins?
I never tire of visiting the beautiful medieval village of Mougins. On a hill top and only 15 minutes from Cannes it becomes a truly magical place to visit during Christmas time.
Christmas Market
When: 10th& 11thDecember
Where: Mougins Village
The traditional market returns to the village with over thirty stalls. Chalets are packed with seasonal foods, chocolates and sweets, creative crafts, home-made gingerbread stalls and the opportunity to take a photo with Papa Noël. All round family fun.
What’s on this Christmas in Valbonne?
Valbonne Christmas Art Fair
When: 7th-24th December
Where: Salle Saint-Esprit, Valbonne.
(free admission)
Twenty artists have been selected by Artothèque for this years Christmas exhibition. Gift ideas on offer include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, Raku, unique objects, maps, jewels and travel books. Perfect gift ideas for creative friends & family.
La Malle à Jouets
Simply put, a truly wonderful little toy shop full of treats. The toys look like they have come straight from the elf workshop in Greenland. Lots of beautiful wooden toys and magical things. One of my favourite toy shops and an absolute must-visit for Christmas this year.
Where: 17 rue Eugène Giraud, Valbonne
Gospel Choir Christmas Concert
The Vocal Ensemble of Mougins will sing Christmas carols, gospel songs and sacred songs.
When: 8thDecember – 16.00pm
Where: Saint Paul des Nations Church, Valbonne
So many good events & markets to choose from and so I hope you have found my Christmas guide useful…tune in soon for part 2 & 3 of my Christmas blogs, packed with local knowledge!
Till next time,
Geraldine & Pia xx
Cannes Christmas Village & lights
Once again, the Cannes Christmas village descends on Les Allées de la Liberté with seasonal cheer. Over 49 chalets in the village this year, offering sweet treats, seafood, champagne, mulled wine, decorations and beautiful gifts. At 6pm on Dec 1st, the Christmas illuminations kick off the celebrations, accompanied by carols and ice skating with free skate shows. A traditional Provençal crèche from the private collection of Prince Albert II of Monaco provides the star attraction. Not to be missed.
*Rue d’Antibes is pedestrianised 2-6pm every Sunday in December.
Cannes Christmas market
When: From 1st Dec – 6th Jan 2019
Where: Les Allées, Cannes
Christmas Parade
When: 24th December – 3pm
Musical Parade
When: 31st December – 3pm
Le Suquet Church & Malmaison illuminations
Gaspare de Cara is this years’ artist selected to create wonderful displays of lights on numerous landmarks in Cannes including Le Suquet Church. Previously, he has lit up the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janerio and the Arc de Triomphe. Stunning work to view after dark.
When: 15th-22ndJanuary 2019
Where: Le Suquet Church
Le Cannet
The town’s lights Christmas Lights are officially switched on
When: 9thDecember – 6pm (events from 4-8pm)
Where: Place Foch, Rocheville, Le Cannet
Son and Lumiere (Sound and light show)
Be sure not to miss this popular and specular show which is accompanied by fireworks and mulled wine. An event for all the family as Papa Noël will be there for selected dates to meet the kids. Additional Christmas events take place in Place Bellevue and Rue St Sauveur 4-8pm
When: 16thDecember – 6.30pm
Where: On the facade of the town hall
Christmas Market
When: 15th-23rd December
Where: Tivoli Gardens, Le Cannet
What’s on this Christmas in Mougins?
I never tire of visiting the beautiful medieval village of Mougins. On a hill top and only 15 minutes from Cannes it becomes a truly magical place to visit during Christmas time.
Christmas Market
When: 10th& 11thDecember
Where: Mougins Village
The traditional market returns to the village with over thirty stalls. Chalets are packed with seasonal foods, chocolates and sweets, creative crafts, home-made gingerbread stalls and the opportunity to take a photo with Papa Noël. All round family fun.
What’s on this Christmas in Valbonne?
Valbonne Christmas Art Fair
When: 7th-24th December
Where: Salle Saint-Esprit, Valbonne.
(free admission)
Twenty artists have been selected by Artothèque for this years Christmas exhibition. Gift ideas on offer include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, Raku, unique objects, maps, jewels and travel books. Perfect gift ideas for creative friends & family.
La Malle à Jouets
Simply put, a truly wonderful little toy shop full of treats. The toys look like they have come straight from the elf workshop in Greenland. Lots of beautiful wooden toys and magical things. One of my favourite toy shops and an absolute must-visit for Christmas this year.
Where: 17 rue Eugène Giraud, Valbonne
Gospel Choir Christmas Concert
The Vocal Ensemble of Mougins will sing Christmas carols, gospel songs and sacred songs.
When: 8thDecember – 16.00pm
Where: Saint Paul des Nations Church, Valbonne
So many good events & markets to choose from and so I hope you have found my Christmas guide useful…tune in soon for part 2 & 3 of my Christmas blogs, packed with local knowledge!
Till next time,
Geraldine & Pia xx
