Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Cannes

6 October 2017

Immerse Yourself in Christmas Magic with a Four-Star Festive Stay at Amarante Cannes

As the fairylights are turned on across the city, so begins Cannes’ festive season; where superb seasonal shopping, Christmas Villages, traditional Mass services, and fantastic fireworks displays arrive in town, to create a Cote d’Azur Christmas to cherish. All of which can be experienced as you delight in a festive four-star stay at Amarante Cannes, situated just minutes from the heart of the city’s Advent action.

Christmas Village

End of November – Start of January

Allées de la Liberté

At the centre of Cannes’ seasonal celebrations is its famous Christmas Village at Allées de la Liberté; where no end of festive family fun, food, and mulled-wine-fuelled-merriment await in the majestic market, which is situated just a 13 minute walk from Amarante Cannes.

A good way to start your exploration is with a stroll amid the charming wooden chalets of Allées de la Liberté, where over 50 local artisans can be found; offering up a bounty of bric-a-brac treasures, including: lovingly handcrafted toys, trinkets and delicate decorations.

Stomach fillers also feature at the Christmas Village, where savoury flavours of a traditional French Noël are provided by foie gras, roasted chestnuts, oysters, and the hot gooey goodness that is raclette (melted cheese). Those with a sweet tooth can also immerse themselves in Cannes’ custom to enjoy 13 desserts as part of a festive meal!

After a spot (or a lot) of indulgence, endless entertainment also awaits; as kids (and big kids) can get creative in dedicated workshops on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays! While visits to Santa in his charmingly appointed Grotto can also be enjoyed in the run-up to Christmas. But only if you’ve been good.

Not to be missed is the opportunity to skate, spin, spiral (and probably fall) at the ice rink, which will open every day until 8.00pm. Those with younger children (aged 4-10) can also attend between 10.30am and 12.00pm for dedicated sessions in sliding (not real) penguins! Also keep an eye out for specialist shows, as the pros take to the ice for a series of dramatic dance spectacles.

Christmas Shopping

Year-round, Cannes is revered as a veritable retail mecca; but the city outdoes even itself at Christmas, when the illuminated palm-aligned-boulevard of La Croisette turns into your one-stop-shop(s) for anything and everything festive!

In particular, French fashion houses flourish along the Boulevard de La Croisette, with the likes of Chanel, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton providing perfect luxury gifts for a loved one (or yourself).

Set one street back, parallel to La Croisette, Rue d’Antibes also caters for opportunities to partake in retail therapy aplenty - housing a blend of affordable fashion houses, chic interior design shops, and a smattering of luxury boutiques. Those sticking around until January can also have themselves some luxury bargains in abundance, when Les Soldes (January Sales) arrives in Cannes.

Traditional Mass Services

Those wishing to experience traditional Christmas and New Year’s Eve services will find a warm welcome at Notre Dame de l' Esperance Church. Situated atop the majestic Le Suquet, the church’s beautiful exterior of an evening, is itself worthy of a visit; but once inside, choirs, nativities, and religious ceremonies make for a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the traditional aspects of a Cote d’Azur Noël.

Alternatively, English-speaking Anglican services can also be found at the Holy Trinity Church on Avenue du Général Férrié.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Celebrate the start of 2018 with an almighty bang, as you join locals and tourists alike for a Le Reveillon display to remember - as the Bay of Cannes comes alive to the colourful (and noisy) tune of thousands of fireworks!

The French Riviera and rockets have become somewhat synonymous, given the Cote d’Azur’s housing of pyrotechnic festivals throughout the year - but nothing beats the vivid spectacle of New Year’s Eve, when seemingly the whole city is illuminated by the beautiful displays.

In the past, themes have celebrated everything from cinema to Star Wars; so expect something out of the ordinary for this year’s 20 minute offering! Perhaps the only given is that good company, dazzling displays, and the backdrop of majestic musical performances awaits you in Cannes this New Year’s Eve.

Enjoy a Cote d’Azur Christmas with Amarante Cannes

Are you dreaming of a Christmas in Cannes? Why not make your stay an unforgettable one with Amarante Cannes; where our luxury boutique hotel is on hand to immerse you in the heart of the city’s spectacular seasonal offerings. Take a look at our latest offers & packages and book your festive four-star stay today!