Spend Christmas 2023 in Cannes 

Did you know that Cannes, the pearl of the Côte d'Azur, transforms itself into an enchanted winter wonderland over the Christmas period? From 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, the city comes alive with festivities for young and old, day and night. 

Follow the guide! 

     1.The Christmas market in Cannes

No Christmas is complete without the traditional Christmas market! And it's an Alsatian who tells you so! ;) Located just a stone's throw from the Hôtel Alnéa, on the Allées de la Liberté, this veritable Christmas village offers an immersive experience from 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, from 11 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be 51 craft and tasting chalets, a 350 m² ice rink, and special events, including an ice hockey exhibition match on Saturday 16 December from 10.30 am to 12 pm (the rink will be closed to the public during the match). The century-old brass band L'Espérance de Cannes will be playing in the village on 2 December from 6 pm.

And don't forget! This year there will be an election for the most beautiful chalet. Scan their QR code to vote! 

     2. Christmas activities for families

Santa claus will be visiting us in his chalet at the Christmas market. He will be welcoming children from 10.30 am to 1 pm and 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm on Saturdays 9, 16, and 23 December 2023, and on Sundays 10, 17, and 24 December. 

The elf workshop offers fun workshops for children, from making Christmas decorations to creating greetings cards, at the Christmas market from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm on the weekend of 2 and 3 December, on Wednesdays 6, 13, and 20 December and every day from 25 December to 7 January. 

The funfair is back on the Esplanade Pantiero, with 59 rides, games, and food stalls. From Sat. 2 to Fri. 22 December 2023: from 4 pm to 9 pm. (11 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.) And from 23 December to Sunday 7 January 2024 inclusive: Every day from 2 pm to 11 pm

On 23 December, a light parade with Santa will start in the Cours Félix Faure, cross the Allées de la Liberté, the rue d'Antibes, and return via the rue Meynadier. The town will be decked out in Christmas lights and music, with sound effects in rue d'Antibes and rue Meynadier.

L'École des Lutins presents a free show for children on 13 December at 2.30 pm at the Salle Gilbert Fort. 

Dive into the magic of Christmas with the "Joy to the World!" concert on 1 December 2023 at 8 pm at Holy Trinity Church, 2 Avenue Branly, 06400 Cannes. Presented by Les Virtuoses and The Golden Voices Stars Concerts

As well as the Nativity scene at the Christmas market, don't forget to visit the large Nativity scene in Suquet at the Notre-Dame d'Espérance church from Saturday 9 December 2023 to Thursday 1 February 2024 from 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm (except during religious services and concerts), and also the exhibition of Nativity scenes from around the world at the Moulin Forville-Musée Victor Tuby (15 and 17 rue Forville, Cannes). Many scenes are on display, from the smallest, which fits into a walnut shell, to the largest, including Provençal, Italian and African cots. Free guided tour (by appointment: 06 09 87 08 87).

     3. Christmas in Cannes without children 

Casino Les Princes is offering a series of events from 1 to 21 December 2023, including a prize draw on 21 December at 7 pm. Come along and fill in your letter to Santa by circling the gift of your dreams. You'll also be able to take part in a tree toss and a candy cane game to win gifts from the 100% winning tree. All in a warm atmosphere reminiscent of Christmas markets.

Find out more here! 

     4. Visit the city of  Cannes at Christmas

Christmas is also the perfect time to enjoy the magnificent city of Cannes and its 3,000 shops. The festive atmosphere will extend beyond the illuminated decorations. The rue d'Antibes will become pedestrianised on Saturdays 16 and 23 December 2023, and will feature sound throughout the festive season, as will the Rue Menadier. 

A giant christmas tree 32 meters high will be installed in front of the Palais des Festivals, and 18 illuminated Christmas trees of varying heights will adorn the town, including two in La Bocca. Can you find them? 

Images will be projected onto the streets and facades of many of the buildings, including the Tour de la Castre and the church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance, illuminated by the colorful projections of luminographer Gaspare di Caro. 

Transparent inflatable bubbles, containing a magical display of automatons, enchanted the squares of Lamy, Taras Chevtchenko, and Roubaud, while a giant bubble 8 meters in diameter provided a magical backdrop for the Allées de la Liberté. There will also be 13 light displays illuminating the lampposts in the rue des États-Unis for an even more captivating illuminated experience.

     5. Christmas at Carlton hotel in Cannes

At Carlton hotel, from 23 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, enjoy an enchanted experience. With a 120 m² ice rink in the garden, open Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 8 pm and Friday to Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm. A gospel choir, every day from 5 pm to 7.30 pm. A gourmet chalet, with unique culinary creations, from mulled wine to Panettone.

For children, the Kids Club at Viñales with special activities.

To find out more, click here

With all this, you may have to extend your stay! 

The Hotel Alnea team wishes you a Merry Christmas in Cannes! 

Find out more on the City of Cannes website.