For the tenth consecutive year, the Nice Tourism and Convention Office is organizing the Christmas Village, which, for the past three years, has been associated with the enchanted forest and its animations offered by the City of Nice. There’s an even richer program this year!
Located in the Albert 1st Gardens, this year the Christmas of the Niçois Country is closer to the sea. From December 9, 2005, to January 1, 2006, every day from 11 am to 7 pm – and until 10 pm on Saturdays the 10th, 17th, and 31st – it brings together about fifty chalets, around the French gardens, housing a wide range of crafts mainly based on Christmas products.
In front of the Centenary Monument, the traditional Christmas tree donated by Sweden is inaugurated during St. Lucia, on Saturday, December 10.
In a winter setting that sets the tone for the festivities, visitors discover, from one site to another, the village and the many animations every weekend. Thus, the Théâtre de Verdure, true to its vocation, hosts real shows every day during the holidays (before, weekends, and Wednesday). Alternatively, four original shows created by the Company Miranda, invite you on a journey into the world of imagination: the Daughter of Santa Claus; the Fairy Academy; Micro and Mégalo; What’s New, Mr. de la Fontaine?.
Performances of Clowns and musical story readings for children and adults animate the afternoons, but also face paintings and even dance parties are on the agenda!
On the lawn next to the Arc de Venet, a large skating rink welcomes both experienced skaters and novices during four 1.5-hour sessions (5 € including skates, bring gloves and an ID card) every day – at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm; sessions at 7 pm on the 10th, 17th, and 31st. These sessions are animated by Nice Côte d’Azur Skating.
Children can come with their families to enjoy a play area, next to the Ferris wheel, with inflatables and other rides.
On Sunday, December 18, from 11 am to 5 pm, the Haut Pays Niçois day will take place, a rendezvous with sheep, goats, horses, and cows which will lend a pastoral air to the Promenade des Anglais, around the Music Kiosk where loggers and old tractors, woodcutters and shepherds, producers and artisans will offer animations, tastings, or sales of local products.
Other exceptional animations: three night-time parades shrouded in mystery on the Promenade des Anglais, between 8 pm and 9:30 pm, on the 10th, 17th, and 31st of December!
