As every year, the Christmas lights have been installed in the neighborhoods of Nice. Nearly 1,000 light motifs have been deployed this year. The city focuses on recyclable decorations and the exclusive use of LED lamps.
Each year, the city of Nice sets up a Christmas lighting and decoration system. The whole initiative is based on 100% recyclable motifs and the exclusive use of LED lamps. Deployment began on Monday, November 24 in the territories for an official launch on Friday, November 28 at Place Masséna.
The decorations use only light-emitting diode lamps. These next-generation LEDs offer a brightness five to ten times greater than old halogen lamps, for nine times less power. This choice is part of an energy consumption reduction strategy.
The light motifs are based on eco-responsible technologies. Recyprint, biorprint, and flexiprint are used. These processes help reduce the carbon footprint and promote the circular economy. The structures are made from sugarcane or recycled plastic. They generate no waste during manufacturing. At the end of their life, they can be crushed and reused in the form of pellets.
Nearly 1,000 horizontal and vertical light motifs are installed in each neighborhood of the city. In addition, there are 200 kilometers of light garlands on iconic trees. Three hundred palm trees are illuminated along the Promenade des Anglais, from Carras to Rauba Capeù. Fifty-four Christmas trees seven meters high are decorated and distributed across the territories.
The illuminations will remain visible until January 5, 2026. They cover the entire city, with specific lighting for Place Masséna.
Place Masséna at the heart of the display
Place Masséna is a focal point of the illuminations. The facades are lit up throughout the period. A dining area is set up from November 28 until January 4. A large Christmas tree carousel operates on the same dates. A booth from Côte d’Azur resorts is also present, featuring life-sized decorations.
A luminous Santa Claus approximately eight meters high is installed. It is meant to bring smiles to the children of Hôpital Lenval, as well as to families and healthcare staff. Five light decorations were created from drawings made by hospitalized children. They are placed in the Christmas village.
All of the children’s previous drawings are displayed within the Christmas village and in the windows of the NicEtoile shopping center. “A water mirror with the appearance of a shimmering promenade dusted with fairy frost. Magical encounters await you in this enchanting world where elves, bears, penguins, and reindeer among others gather around a frozen fountain to greet Santa Claus with you,” explains the city.
A luminous network across all neighborhoods
The illuminations are not limited to the city center. Each neighborhood benefits from light motifs installed in public spaces. Trees, key routes, and some iconic sites are included.
This network is complemented by the Christmas village, traditionally set up in the Albert 1er Garden. It is open every day from November 28, also until January 4, 2026. More than 60 chalets are installed there. The illuminations contribute to the site’s visual identity and its continuity with Place Masséna.
The illuminations thus form the common thread of the holiday season festivities in Nice. They connect the neighborhoods, squares, and iconic sites. They accompany all the planned activities during the period. The display will remain in place until the beginning of January 2026.
