Guide

Christmas

A Côte d'Azur Christmas
A luxuriously adorned Christmas tree with golden accents and soft lights stands in a bright, minimalist living room with champagne and elegant decor on a nearby table.

A little extra sparkle settles upon the French Riviera as the nights draw in and the festive season approaches. Close to the action of Monaco yet tucked away for tranquil stays, The Maybourne Riviera is perfectly positioned for a winter in the French Riviera like no other. Explore enchanting Cannes Christmas markets, indulge in seasonal Provençal delicacies, and delight in the illuminated parades, prominades and festivities of the local towns and villages. With the guiding hand of our concierge, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us and create magical memories that will linger long after you return home.

For Festive Family Adventures

Festive Family Stays

Coquillage posé sur une table devant un sapin illuminé

Festive cheer and unforgettable experiences start the moment you arrive at The Maybourne Riviera. On Christmas morning, wake to lavishly filled stockings and elegantly dressed Christmas trees in your signature Riviera suite. If you're looking for family festivities in the French Riviera, our unique Family Story delights with a complimentary connecting studio for the little ones. Breakfast on your private terrace with sweeping views across the Mediterranean Sea, then head out into the gentle winter sun to explore the charming local towns and wondrous light displays. Meet Santa at one of the many Christmas markets, craft tree decorations, ornaments and traditional toys in Menton or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, returning to the sanctuary of your suite at the end of a magical day.

Christmas Markets

A vibrant display of fresh oranges in a market stall, accompanied by handwritten signs advertising

Christmas markets bring a festive sparkle to the towns and villages dotted along the Côte d’Azur, blending the Riviera’s timeless elegance with the season’s joyous traditions. Wander through the cobbled lanes and charming squares of Mougins, Biot and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the scent of roasting chestnuts, mulled wine and sweet candied fruits mingling with the gentle sea-salt breeze. Along the way, pick up gifts destined to become keepsakes.

A highlight of the season, the Menton Christmas market is a winter wonderland filled with wooden chalets, mesmerising illuminations and a forest of fir trees, while in Nice, the iconic Promenade des Anglais sparkles with picturesque light displays​. Both feature spectacular ice rinks for all the family to enjoy, as well as live performances, children’s workshops, unique artisan gifts and gourmet treats. ​

If you're looking to celebrate Christmas in Monaco, Port Hercule transforms into a festive paradise in December, with a dizzying array of stalls amidst the magical carousels and glittering illuminations. Take a ride on the ferris wheel in the Jardin des Boulingrins for panoramic views across the coastline, or stroll to Place du Casino and gaze in wonder at the giant snowglobes.

If you prefer to stay close to the warm ambience of the hotel, venture to our local Christmas market in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The vibrant celebrations include a dance show, wandering storytellers, face painting and creative children's workshops, leading up to Santa Claus's grand arrival.

Unique Experiences

A majestic building adorned with elegant lighting and surrounded by sparkling, snow-covered Christmas trees creates a magical festive atmosphere at night.

The French Riviera offers an array of festive experiences that capture the spirit of Christmas in enchanting and distinctive ways. In the snow-draped Valley of Wonders at Casterino, discover the thrill of cross-country skiing and sleigh rides amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. Attend Christmas carol concerts in Nice and Cannes, performed in historic churches with soaring acoustics; delight in the charm of live nativity scenes in picturesque villages such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence; or discover how Monaco at Christmas honours its patron saint with the Saint Nicholas Festival, an annual tradition filled with music and pageantry. Adding a playful twist to the festive proceedings, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin hosts its annual ugly jumper contest, a light-hearted celebration of kitschy Christmas charm.

New Year's Eve in Monaco

A celebratory moment captured with champagne being poured into flutes, sparklers glowing, and shimmering attire reflecting the festive atmosphere.

Whether you seek a chic dinner or a dazzling party, Monaco promises a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve. The iconic Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo offers a star-studded night with world-class DJs spinning electronic dance music and techno in a lavish setting, while Twiga Monaco effortlessly combines Italian-Japanese cuisine with live performances, transforming into a nightclub to ring in the new year​. For a more relaxed backdrop to your celebrations, head to the Bar du Métropole or Sass Café Monaco for live music and cocktails​, or discover the legendary Salle des Étoiles which, since its inauguration by Joséphine Baker in 1974, has hosted Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Santé!