Christmas in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Christmas Lights and Parade

Saturday, December 7, 5:30pm – From the Octroi to the Citadelle

To kick off the Christmas festivities, Villefranche-sur-Mer lights up with a magical parade from the Octroi, the beating heart of the Christmas market, to the Citadelle.

From 5.30pm, the streets are filled with sparkling lights, offering residents and visitors a magical atmosphere. The parade, animated by artists in luminous costumes and decorated floats, is a real spectacle for young and old alike.

The illumination of streets and squares adds to the warm, festive atmosphere that characterizes the Côte d’Azur’s festive season.

Inauguration of the Crèche and Concert by the SIVOM Music Conservatory

Saturday December 14 – 3pm: Inauguration of the Nativity scene in the Foyer de l’Auditorium, 4pm: Concert by the Conservatoire de musique

The inauguration of the Christmas crib in the Foyer de l’Auditorium is a traditional event for the people of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

At 3pm, come and discover this carefully crafted nativity scene, full of details typical of the region.

At 4pm, the Conservatoire de Musique du SIVOM de Villefranche offers a concert that will delight music lovers with Christmas pieces played by students and teachers.

The day combines culture and spirituality in a warm and festive setting.

Choir concert at Église Saint-Michel

Friday December 20, 7pm – Église Saint-Michel

On December 20, the magic of Christmas resounds in the Église Saint-Michel with a choir concert.

Starting at 7pm, local vocal ensembles perform in this emblematic Villefranche venue, offering a repertoire of Christmas carols that immerse listeners in the magical atmosphere of the festive season.

Voices soar beneath the church’s vaulted ceiling, creating a solemn yet joyful atmosphere, ideal for celebrating Christmas in a spiritual setting.

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Trail Urbain Nocturne and Soirée Génération 80

Saturday, December 21 – From 4pm to the Citadelle

On December 21, Villefranche-sur-Mer invites you to enjoy a unique experience with the Trail Urbain Nocturne. From 4pm onwards, La Citadelle will be brightened up with sporting challenges and festive entertainment.

In the evening, it’s time for nostalgia with the Soirée Génération 80, hosted by radio station Nostalgie. Fans of 80s music can dance to the hits of the era, while enjoying the warm, festive atmosphere of this special evening.

A perfect mix of sport and party to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas Bath and Christmas in the Quartier Saint-Michel

Sunday December 22 – 11am: Christmas Bath, 3:30pm: Christmas in the Quartier Saint-Michel

On Sunday December 22, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers an unusual Christmas experience with the traditional Christmas Bath at Plage des Marinières.

At 11 a.m., brave souls can immerse themselves in the cool Mediterranean water, a local tradition full of merriment. In the afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., the festivities continue with “Christmas in the Quartier Saint-Michel”.

This family-friendly event includes the decoration of the Christmas tree, a mass at the Chapelle Saint-Grat, and a torchlight procession that brings the day to a close in a spiritual and convivial atmosphere.

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Children’s show
“Lutinette’s Christmas

Sunday December 22 – 11am: Bain de Noël, 3:30pm: Noël au Quartier Saint-Michel

On Sunday December 22, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers an unusual Christmas with the traditional Bain de Noël at Plage des Marinières.

At 11 a.m., brave souls can immerse themselves in the cool Mediterranean water, a local tradition full of merriment.

In the afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., the festivities continue with “Christmas in the Quartier Saint-Michel”.

This family-friendly event includes decorating the Christmas tree, a mass in the Chapelle Saint-Grat, and a torchlight procession that brings the day to a close in a spiritual and convivial atmosphere.

Musical entertainment

Saturdays December 7, 14 and 21 – Marché de l’Octroi

On Saturdays December 7, 14 and 21, the Marché de l’Octroi is transformed into a convivial meeting place with musical entertainment.

Local bands and solo artists bring this traditional market to life with Christmas concerts, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll among the Christmas stalls while listening to Christmas tunes, adding a musical touch to their end-of-year shopping.

These events make Villefranche-sur-Mer an unmissable destination for celebrating Christmas on the Côte d’Azur, offering a wide variety of activities for all ages and tastes.