Christmas in Vence | Côte d’Azur France / French Riviera

An enchanting start to the festivities

The launch of the festivities on Saturday 6 December promises to be an exciting day.

Right from the morning, the town comes alive with :

the Christmas market
a school market
a charity toy sale (Handicap’Services),
Christmas tree decorations by children in Place Godeau,
creative workshops (Christmas wreaths – €2) in Place Surian and Place Grand Jardin.

At 5pm, Vence officially kicks off Christmas with a modern jazz performance starting in Place Anthony Mars. This festive performance takes visitors through the historic town to the Étoile du Baou, illuminated by the Lions Club.
The evening ends with an exceptional show: the luminous cube, a show combining circus, dance and acrobatics, presented in the presence of actress and author Laëtitia Milot.

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The Christmas Village

From 6 to 27 December, the Christmas Village becomes the vibrant heart of the celebrations.

Every Saturday, a Christmas market brings the town to life, with stalls and alleyways filled with craftspeople, local creations, delicacies, santons and gift ideas.
On the Place du Grand Jardin, La Grande Récré offers a festive area dedicated to children, with merry-go-rounds, giant games, escape games, shows and magical parades.

Highlights:

Carousel (10 December → 5 January)
Little train & trampoline (7 December → 5 January)
Tree climbing (28 December → 5 January)

Every Saturday at 11.30am, 3.30pm and 5pm, enchanting parades will be illuminated:

6 Dec: Rainbow Parade
13 Dec: Mickey and friends
20 Dec: The Winter Nymphs
23 Dec: Christmas Swing

At the same time, the town lights up with immersive decorations and a window display competition to showcase the work of local shopkeepers. It’s a great way to support local businesses and transform the town centre into a magical gallery of light.

A rich programme for families

As in previous years, Vence is offering a wide range of activities accessible to all.

Families will love :

creative workshops (wreaths, crafts, plastic arts),
children’s drawings in Place Surian on the theme of fraternity,
the Children’s Boom, every Wednesday and Saturday from 4.30pm,
free rides and games in La Grande Récré,
magical shows and entertainment throughout the period.

Culture:

Heritage photo exhibition at the media library (9-20 December)
Art at my height” tour at the Musée de Vence (22 November → 11 January)
Guided tour “À hauteur d’enfants”, free on reservation

On 21 December, a Gospel Day will be held in the Place du Grand Jardin, providing a vibrant musical backdrop for an emotional Christmas.

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Unusual events for unforgettable memories

Once again this year, Vence is offering a series of original events that will delight the whole family.

December highlights :

The month comes alive with the Conservatoire concert (12 December) and the Trail du Pays Vençois (14 December).
On 20 December, young and old alike can meet Father Christmas at the Museum, enjoy a fireworks display, a convivial onion soup and the Vence Basket Club’s Grand Loto.
Gospel Day (21 December) and Magic Day (22 December), followed by a concert by the Chœur du Sud, round off a rich and festive programme.

December 23 is one of the highlights of the festive season, with the spectacular arrival of Father Christmas, photo opportunities, pony rides and, from 5.30pm, a magical projection on the town hall, a dance performance and DJ set accompanied by mulled wine.