The Nice Shopping association is preparing the fifth edition of its Grand Christmas Parade. The event, which has become a must-attend during the year-end festivities, will parade along Jean Médecin Avenue to Place Masséna.
The city of Nice will be decked out in Christmas colors on Sunday, December 7, 2025. From 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, the Grand Christmas Parade organized by the Nice Shopping association will enliven the city center. This festive procession, free and open to all, will bring together more than 200 artists, fifteen professional troupes, and three carnival floats.
Founded in 2017, the Nice Shopping association consists of nearly 8,000 merchants, artisans, institutional partners, and major retailers. It works to promote local commerce and highlight Nice’s expertise. Its Christmas parade, launched in 2021, attracts each year around 45,000 spectators, both locals and visitors.
“The goal of this parade is to boost Christmas shopping in Nice’s stores during this key shopping weekend, combining the first Christmas purchases with an unprecedented festive program – this format is unique in France. This event helps to strengthen Nice’s image as a prime shopping destination, leveraging the magic of the holiday season to attract locals and tourists alike,” explains Patrick Nolier, president of Nice Shopping and director of Nicetoile.
A luminous walk through the city center
The parade will start from the top of Avenue Jean Médecin, at the level of Iconic, heading toward Place Masséna. Musicians, dancers, circus performers, and mascots will animate the evening. Three carnival floats will parade, including that of Santa Claus, designed by the Povigna family, who have been carnival artists for five generations and are prominent figures of the Nice Carnival.
Each edition is rooted in the popular tradition of Nice: street performances, a festive spirit, and the transmission of local expertise. The Grand Parade aims to serve as an economic driver for the city center during the festive season. It combines the Christmas atmosphere with the discovery of local businesses.
The mayor of Nice and the city council welcome this initiative: “Every year, as Christmas approaches, the magic takes hold. The streets light up, the grand Christmas market opens its doors, and a family-friendly and festive atmosphere settles over the city, bringing joy to both young and old. Over the years, the ‘Grand Parade’ organized by Nice Shopping has established itself as a highlight of this Christmas period: a way for the people of Nice to celebrate this joyful time together, enjoy a free show and its magic, all while supporting their local merchants. Merry Christmas to all!”
The event is part of Nice’s year-end festivities, alongside the Christmas market and city center illuminations. Nice Shopping, through its website niceshopping.fr
Practical Information
The Grand Christmas Parade by Nice Shopping
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Avenue Jean Médecin – Place Masséna
Free entry.
