Only 3 days are left before Christmas, and everything is getting ready now! Just in case you’re looking for some Christmas inspiration, Zoe Stafienko, Russian journalist & photography lover who has moved to Cote d’Azur recently, has prepared some tips and ideas on how to get into the joy of the holiday in Nice.
1. Say hello to the giant illuminated Santa Claus starting your walk on Promenade des Anglais. Take a photo next to him to collect Christmas memories until the next year.
Location: Promenade des Anglais, close to Lenval Children’s Hospital and Magnan
2. Still believe in real Santa? Then drop him a line! A special letter box for Santa Claus is installed during Christmas time.
Location: Promenade des Anglais, next to Galion beach
3. Choose the best Christmas tree. In France the Christmas tree first appeared in 1521 in Alsace and is called “le sapin de Noël”. Talk to the seller at the market to finally get to know the differences between Épicéa, Sapin de Nordmann and Nobilis.
Location: Jardin Albert 1er, Monument du Centenaire
4. If you came to Nice for a few days, you can get a traditional red Christmas plant from a flower market instead of buying Christmas tree. Fancy something different than a red plant? Get yourself a yellow or a pink one! Christmas plant usually lasts quite long so at the end of your trip you can, for instance, leave it to your host or give as a present to a cleaning lady of your hotel. I am sure he or she would love this little Christmas gift.
Location: Cours Saleya, old town of Nice
5. Visit a Christmas Fair – it is probably the obvious but the best thing to do to get into the Spirit of Christmas… and of course you will find very Merry Christmas gifts there!
Location: Jardin Albert 1er
6. Try the taste of Christmas! It is sweet, by the way. Go for Churros with Nutella, pink candy floss, bright ginger bread and caramel apple.
Location: Le village de Noël, or Place Massena
7. Take a ride in Nice sky on a Christmas wheel. You will love it no matter how old you are enjoying the view over the city (7-50 euro).
Location: Place Massena
8. Drink a hot mulled wine (vin chaud) or a glass of special Christmas beer (bière de Noël).
It would especially help to warm you up when the sun is away and the night comes down!
Location: Place Massena, in front of the Promenade du Paillon.
9. Go for Christmas shopping on Jean Médecin. Almost all stores now have special Christmas offers and discounts.
If you still are looking for some presents, the best places are Maisons du Monde and Alice Delice on the 4th floor at Nice Etoile.
Location: Jean Médecin, shopping street
10. Go ice-skating. There’s an outdoor ice-skating rink waiting for those who miss that feeling of a true winter with snow and ice!
Location: just by Place Massena
VIDEO: @storm_and_wonder
11. Eat oysters!
In France, no Christmas celebration would be complete without oysters. This time of the year you can buy a big box of oysters in any supermarket in Nice. Pair it with a glass of Muscadet – they go together just like Mickey & Mouse!
P.S. Christmas time is much more than just a holiday. It is a special time for sharing the goodness of your heart with the others. It’s a time for expressing your warmest feelings with words and gifts. Time when all the wishes come true.
We wish you a Merry Christmas! And may the New Year bring you smiles, joy and laughter.
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHER: ZOE STAFIENKO