December is a magical time to visit Nice, the city that is the heart and soul of the French Riviera.
During winter, the sunny city is adorned with festive decorations and the famous Nice Christmas market is in full swing.
From traditional Christmas carols to delicious local treats, the market offers a festive atmosphere and all sorts of delights for visitors of all ages.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about visiting Nice for Christmas.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission.
Nice in December: What You Need to Know
Is Nice worth visiting for Christmas?
Absolutely! Nice is a beautiful city and definitely worth visiting in December. Its festive atmosphere makes it even more special during this time of year.
🎄 Best tours to take in Nice during December
What events take place during December in Nice?
The Nice Christmas market is the highlight of the festive season and features traditional stalls selling local handicrafts, decorations, and delicious treats like mulled wine.
Additionally, there are a number of other events that take place throughout December including a beautiful light show, which illuminates landmarks in the city with spectacular light projections.
You can see the calendar of events in Nice here.
Best things to do in Nice in December
1- Visit Colline du Chateau
Getting to the top of Colline du Chateau – also known as Castle Hill – requires a bit of effort but it’s well worth it: this park offers incredible views of Vieux Nice and the Port.
Book: Walking Tour of Old Nice and Castle Hill
2- Go on a day trip to Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, and La Turbie
The towns and villages surrounding Nice are all beautiful and worth exploring. A day trip to Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, or La Turbie is a must for any visitor in November.
These places offer stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline, as well as some unique cultural sites. Plus, you can always take the train back to Nice after your day out
Book: Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, la Turbie Full-Day from Nice Small-Group Tour
3- Visit Vieux Nice
Vieux Nice is the old quarter of Nice and it’s a must-visit at any time of the year.
It’s great to wander around and take some photos, while also enjoying a nice meal in one of the many restaurants or cafés.
4- Explore the villages in the Baroque Route mountain railway
The Baroque Route mountain railway is a great way to explore the beautiful villages and towns in the Alpes-Maritimes. This scenic train ride passes through some of the most picturesque places in France, including Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze, La Turbie, and Menton.
Book: The Baroque Route Train Tour from Nice
5- Take a perfume workshop class
The South of France is famous for its perfumes and taking a perfume workshop class in Nice is a great way to learn more about the art of French perfumery.
You’ll get hands-on experience creating your own personalized scent, as well as learning about the history and science behind making fragrances.
Book: Molinard Perfume Workshop in Nice
6- Go on an authentic food tour
Nice has a vibrant food scene and there are plenty of dishes to try. Taking a food tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s culinary offerings and get an insight into its culture.
You will experience traditional Nice dishes such as Socca (chickpea pancakes) and Salade Nicoise, along with sampling wines from local vineyards.
Book: Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties and wine-tasting
7- Go wine tasting in Provence
A visit to the South of France is not complete without a wine-tasting trip to Provence. The region has some of the best wines in France and there are plenty of boutique wineries to explore.
You can tour the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and taste some delicious local wines.
Most of the vineyards offer tasting sessions, so you can try out some of the region’s most renowned wines. You can also book one of these wine-tasting tours from Nice.
Book: Provence Private Wine Tour
8- Visit Gorges du Verdon
Gorges du Verdon is definitely one of my favorite places in France. And the good thing is that December is still a great time to visit – although swimming won’t be possible!
Book: Day trip to Gorges du Verdon
Where to stay in Nice in December
When it comes to picking the perfect accommodation for your Nice trip, there are plenty of options.
Some of my favorites include Hotel Le Negresco, Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, and Boscolo
Conclusion: Nice in December
That’s a wrap. As you can see, December is a great time to visit Nice. I hope this guide was helpful and that it gives you more clarity for planning your trip.
Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.
