Come to Nice in winter and start exploring right away. Hop-on Hop-off will show you the city from above — from the hills of Cimiez to the water at the port. And if you want to get even closer, take a short cruise. We also recommend downloading our audio guide to Nice, which will help you discover the city in an informative and entertaining way.
» READ MORE – 10 activities to do in Nice
From the sea, you can see how the promenade breathes in the warm air, and the boatmen joke that they have no concept of an «off-season.» And they are probably right.
Why you should visit Nice in winter
- Christmas and New Year in Nice – why not?
- Because prices drop – for hotels, air tickets, and even meals in restaurants
- There are no crowds: you can quietly admire the stained glass windows of the cathedral or sit on a bench by the sea
- Because the climate is mild, and in just an hour you can be in the real Alps
- And because Nice’s tourist map stays active all year – museums, fairs, and gastronomic tours operate without interruption
» READ MORE – Winter vacation destinations in France
Nice in December
From mid-November, Nice gradually lights up. A Ferris wheel and an ice rink appear on Place Masséna, and wooden chalets selling hot chocolate and spices open along the alleys of the Old Town.
The festive bustle here is not intrusive: palm trees stand next to fir trees, and music from street stages doesn’t drown out the sound of the sea.
- Theatrical performances take place on Garibaldi Square
- In Jacques-Medsan Park, you can go ice skating under the open sky
- On the Promenade des Anglais, you can see the Christmas Star regatta
For those looking for a special atmosphere, it’s worth visiting the Old Town in the evening with the TouringBee audio guide: garlands on the facades, the aroma of mulled wine from cafés, and stories about Nice blend together as if it were all one big performance.
Nice in January
New Year’s celebrations on the French Riviera are as lively as in Paris. The festivities continue throughout the night, and clubs, bars, and restaurants prepare special programs.
After New Year’s Eve, the streets become quieter, and shop windows display signs saying Soldes – winter sales. These sales take place throughout France from mid-January to mid-February, and they’re a great reason to visit.
- Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena – discounts of up to 60%
- Cap 3000 – a shopping center by the sea, perfect for a day indoors if the weather changes
- Boutiques in the Old Town – find designer pieces and French cosmetics without resort markups
And in the evening – a glass of wine at a seaside bar. January in Nice is ideal for those who enjoy the quieter side of life while the sun still shines.
» READ MORE – Nice in summer: weather, festivals, prices
Nice in February
The Nice Carnival is the highlight of the winter season. For two weeks, the streets turn into a grand stage: parades, floats, costumes, dancing, and flower battles. Each year, the carnival has a theme, ranging from Greek myths to ecology, and the King and Queen of the Festival preside over it all.
- From 11 February to 1 March 2026
Another festival on the French Riviera is the Lemon Festival in Menton. It takes place from 14 February to 1 March. This large-scale citrus celebration features parades, installations, and performances. The moving floats and the entire city are decorated with fruit – and the scent is unforgettable!
- From 14 February to 1 March 2026
Things to do in Nice in winter
Walks
The Promenade des Anglais remains Nice’s calling card.
People come here to watch the sunrise, to see the changing colors of the sea, or simply to walk from the Hotel Negresco to Castle Hill, where a panoramic view opens over the entire bay.
Museums
Museums are especially pleasant in winter — it’s warm and quiet inside, and you can take your time with the paintings.
- The Matisse Museum is a house with red shutters, full of light and tranquility
- The Chagall Museum has stained glass windows that glow even on cloudy days
- The MAMAC Museum of Modern Art is the place to see what’s happening in contemporary art right now
» READ MORE – Great artists and their museums in France
Food and wine
The Cours Saleya winter market is open all year round. Here you can try hot chickpea pancakes called socca, fresh oysters, and citrus fruits of every color. Restaurants serve seasonal dishes with truffles, chestnuts, and thick saffron soups – everything is worth tasting.
You can also join a gastronomic tour of Nice – they run throughout the year.
Ski trips
Just an hour and a half from the sea are the real Alps. The resorts of Isola 2000 and Auron are easily reachable by bus or rental car.
Snow and mountains in the morning, dinner by the sea in the evening –only in the south of France can you enjoy such a combination.
In winter, Nice feels a little unusual: mandarins grow instead of snowballs, and people take photos of the sea in down jackets. Perhaps that’s why you don’t feel like a tourist here, but rather like an extra in a good film – one where the director has finally stopped chasing the perfect shot.
» READ MORE – Cannes or Nice? Where is the best place to relax?
Jonathan Ybema / Unsplash 
Pixabay 
Marcel Dominic / Pixabay 
yaoqi / unsplash 
Louis Droege / Unsplash
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