One of the new features this year will be the “first Christmas Illuminated Balcony Competition 2008” from December 15 to 22 (registration period from November 24 to December 7), initiated by the City. The primary goal of this initiative is “to give a festive atmosphere to the city by involving residents in enhancing their environment,” supported by each of the eight territories.
### Illuminations of the City
“Nice, in a setting of lights” heralds the celebrations throughout the city… Along the Promenade des Anglais, streets, squares, at the top of trees and lampposts, kilometers of garlands, motifs, and light curtains, all designed for reduced energy consumption (50% less since 2004), illuminate the city. This year, the inauguration will coincide with that of the village, a strong sign of the intensification of the event and respect for the environment.
### The Christmas Village of Artisans and Artists
From December 6, 2008, to January 4, 2009, every day, from 11 AM to 8 PM, on the Forum Jean Médecin, the village gathers around fifty chalets housing a wide range of crafts mainly focused on products associated with this festive period. Playful activities at the center of the village, in the forum, a large skating rink of 500 m² welcomes both the experienced and novices during four one-and-a-half-hour sessions each day – 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. These sessions are hosted by Nice Côte d’Azur Patinage (5 € skates included, bring gloves and ID card).
In a Christmas setting that sets the tone for the festivities, visitors discover the enchanted forest of fir trees, with its 600 trees occupying the entire space of the fountains, where numerous animations organized by the City of Nice take place: an ice sculptor, a caravan, bubble characters, Santa Claus, a face painting stand, as well as Christmas parades or end-of-year concerts… Children can also enjoy a playful space installed in Jardin Albert 1st, featuring a Ferris wheel and various attractions.
### Saint Lucy’s Day
The lighting of the traditional Christmas tree, donated by Sweden as a symbol of their community’s attachment to the Côte d’Azur, will take place on December 13 at 3:30 PM, followed by the celebration of Saint Lucy’s Day, in the presence of the Swedish Ambassador in Paris and the Swedish Consul in Nice. This year, numerous cultural events will accompany this momentum, such as the exceptional concert at the Opéra de Nice on December 14. Standing 13 meters high, it will be specially decorated for the occasion.
