As the end-of-year festivities approach, Nice Shopping and the Nice merchants’ associations are joining forces to offer the residents of the Azure city a magical and festive December. A series of events is proposed to delight young and old around one goal: to celebrate and share the magic of Christmas while discovering or rediscovering local commerce and contributing to its support.
In Nice, the end-of-year celebrations come alive with a rich and varied program of activities offered by Nice Shopping and the various merchant associations of the city. On the agenda: an immersion in the enchanting world of Christmas magic through a grand parade, a window display contest, and musical activities. The major aim is to delight young and old while highlighting local shops and craftsmanship.
Magical events to share the magic of Christmas
Among the festive activities offered to celebrate Christmas by Nice Shopping and the city’s merchant associations, one event is undoubtedly the highlight of these festivities: the Great Christmas Parade.
It took place on December 7, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., starting at Thiers Station and finishing at the Christmas Village on Place Masséna, passing through Avenue Jean-Médecin. This free event, unique in France and open to all, brought together nearly 200 artists, fifteen troupes, and three floats. A magical event aimed at “boosting Christmas shopping while bringing joy to the people of Nice and tourists attending the event in a unique festive and sharing atmosphere,” explained Patrick Nolier, president of Nice Shopping and director of Nicetoile.
Merchant associations, notably the Nice Centre-Rive Droite, have organized several activities, including a Christmas window display contest.
This competition began on November 28, 2025, and its results will be revealed on the evening of December 24, 2025, a date filled with symbols and enchantment.
To choose the most beautiful window display illuminating the heart of Nice, the public is invited to vote either via a QR Code available at participating merchants or directly on the association’s website and social networks. Their vote will account for 50% of the final decision shared with the association’s board of directors.
To crown these initiatives, the same merchant association is offering a Secret Santa until December 18, 2025. Participants will draw the name of their “target” with a maximum budget of €15. The challenge? Find a local gift within ten days.
The merchant associations of Nice Carré d’Or and Nice Avenue Jean Médecin are also participating. They will offer young and old parading and musical festive activities to share the magic of Christmas while encouraging the discovery of shops and new concept stores in the city center and the hyper-center.
Patrick Nolier: “highlighting the merchants’ expertise”
Beyond their enchantment, these proposed events are also an opportunity for Nice Shopping and the Merchant Associations to showcase the Nice businesses, whether small or large stores, and local craftsmanship.
Patrick Nolier, president of Nice Shopping and Nicetoile, explains: “These events go far beyond mere festive sharing. They give people the opportunity to discover or rediscover the richness of Nice’s commercial offer. These events allow us to highlight small and large merchants and local expertise.”
Such activities signify a rise in attendance. According to Nice Shopping, the 4th edition of Nice’s Great Parade in 2024 doubled attendance in central and hypercenter stores during the two weekends preceding the event.
By multiplying the activities during these year-end festivities in various districts of the city, Nice Shopping and the merchant associations aim to stimulate store visits and also to remind, as emphasized by Patrick Nolier, “that it’s important to favor Nice’s small or large businesses over online commerce. Consumers contribute to sustaining their neighborhoods and the local economy.”
The president of Nice Shopping and Nicetoile also emphasizes that “each purchase, each visit helps strengthen the commercial fabric, highlight merchants’ expertise, and create connections.”
A diversity of events that encourage moments of sharing during this special period while highlighting an essential element: supporting local commerce by inviting everyone to discover or rediscover it in its most beautiful colors.
