Christmas in Menton

The magic of the mountains by the sea

From 5 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, Menton will be lit up and transformed into a veritable winter fairytale. During the festive season, the city of lemons becomes an enchanted mountain resort, where chalets, mischievous bears, snowflakes, frosty panoramas and seasonal treats await young and old alike.

This year, the “Christmas in the Mountains” theme invites everyone to enjoy a unique experience: Menton, swept by the sea air, suddenly takes on the air of a snow-covered village… with Mediterranean charm to boot!

“Christmas in the mountains

Enchanting decorations and grandiose illuminations

As soon as night falls, Menton sparkles.
The town unfurls its 440 luminous motifs, its enchanting decorations and its famous 2.2 km starry sky, which has become one of the symbols of Menton’s festive season. From the valleys to the narrow streets of the town centre, every street corner tells a story of light, inviting you to take a stroll.

In the heart of the Biovès gardens, visitors will be immersed in a truly frosty universe: snow-covered villages, mountain scenes, illuminated characters… and even a little train to take children to the North Pole!

A magical launch: 5 December at 6pm

The festivities officially kick off on Friday 5 December on the Mail du Bastion. It’s an eagerly-awaited moment, when the lights come on simultaneously to reveal the city in all its splendour. Music, entertainment and the opening of the Christmas market make this inaugural evening a not-to-be-missed event, a symbol of the magic that takes hold for an entire month.

LEARN MORE

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Ville de Menton (@villedementon)

The Menton Christmas Market: delicacies, crafts and warmth

On the Francis-Palmero esplanade and the Mail du Bastion, a soft, fragrant atmosphere takes hold throughout December.
Among the 35 wooden chalets, local craftsmen, designers and producers reveal their treasures: decorations, jewellery, toys, pottery, local produce… the perfect opportunity to find authentic gifts made with passion.

And because a Christmas market is as much about tasting as it is about visiting, the scents of mulled wine, melting chocolate, gingerbread, steaming tartiflettes and crispy waffles transport visitors to the heart of mountain tradition. For children – and those who have kept their childlike spirit – the gourmet stands in the Biovès gardens add an extra sweet note to this enchanted escapade.

MORE INFORMATION

Attractions and leisure: from the ice rink to the panoramic tower

The festivities in Menton wouldn’t be the same without a bit of skating and thrills!
On the forecourt of the Musée Jean-Cocteau, the open-air skating rink has become a must-see place for laughter, pirouettes and family memories. Younger children can take their first steps on the ice, while more experienced skaters can enjoy the exceptional setting, between the sea and the frosty decor.

A major new feature this year is the panoramic tower, a vertiginous attraction that lifts visitors above the rooftops of Menton. From up there, the view is spectacular: sparkling illuminations, deep blue sea, mountains in the background, and that Christmas atmosphere that envelops the whole town. A unique experience not to be missed!

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Ville de Menton (@villedementon)

An enchanting and lively programme

Throughout the month, the city will be alive with a rich and varied programme designed to amaze everyone.

The festive parades on 20 and 27 December take to the streets to the sound of music, accompanied by illuminated characters and dancers. Children can meet their favourite heroes on a day dedicated to Disney mascots, or take in a host of magical shows in the Biovès gardens: storytelling, fairies, magicians, acrobats… an enchanted world awaits them.

The more creative can join in the postcard workshops on 22 and 23 December, while music lovers can enjoy the concerts at the Christmas market every weekend. The Menton du Rire festival also promises some great evenings, before giving way to the traditional New Year’s Concert on 1 January at the Palais de l’Europe.

And let’s not forget the strong traditions: the cot trail, the Christmas tree sale, Santa’s letterbox, and the famous New Year’s Bath on 4 January for the bravest!