Nice Carnival: A family-friendly weekend experience

Every year, February marks the start of carnival season. So why not spend a weekend at the Nice Carnival with your family? It’s a wonderful opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your children. The Nice Carnival is one of the largest in Europe!

>> Back to our guide : The French Riviera with kids

-> Contents +

With the affiliate links I carefully select, planning your trip becomes easier and faster. By clicking on these links (highlighted in yellow), you allow me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. A great way to support my blog’s free content and help me maintain my editorial independence. Thank you in advance and happy reading!

The Nice Carnival: a must-see event for families

Each year, the Nice Carnival takes place in February or March, depending on the calendar. The theme changes annually, making every edition unique. This festival is perfect for families with children.

I attended the carnival when I was 20, with my mother and brother, just after my father passed away. Despite our sadness, this event became a cherished memory, showing us that life goes on. Miss Voyageuse also experienced it as a child with her grandparents, and we’ll be attending together again while she studies in Nice!

Expect spectacular, colorful parades both day and night. The 20 elaborate floats, ranging from 8 to 20 meters high, are often mechanized and parade through the streets to the sounds of thousands of musicians and performers from around the world.

The parade follows the Promenade du Paillon, and all floats gather at Place Massena, where giant screens display the event. Be aware that the main parades are not free—tall barriers (around 2 meters high) enclose the area for security.

Carnivalina: A Free Event

On the first Saturday, the Carnivalina kicks off the celebrations on Avenue Jean Médecin. Local associations and theatrical groups join this unique parade. Introduced in 2025, this event is free to attend.

Day and Night Parades

The illuminated evening parades take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the carnival. There is only one daytime parade, scheduled on the last Sunday of the event. Entry to these parades requires a paid ticket.

The Legendary Flower Battle

One of the most iconic events is the “Battle of Flowers,” held on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons (except for the first Saturday, replaced by the Carnivalina). This event is also ticketed.

The Carnival Village

On weekends and Wednesdays, the Carnival Village offers free activities and workshops for young children. We didn’t visit, as our kids are older and less interested in this part of the event.

---

Planning Your Trip

• Flights
• Trains
• Hotels
• Car Rentals
• Attractions

---

Tips for Enjoying the Nice Carnival with Kids

Where to Watch the Parade: Stands vs. Crowd?

Sitting in the stands offers a better view, but be aware that young children (who don’t require a ticket) won’t have their own seats and must sit on your lap. The seats are quite narrow, making it hard for little ones to move around. Strollers are not allowed.

If your kids are impatient, standing in the crowd might be a better option. You can lift them onto your shoulders or let them move around at the back of the crowd.

Both options require a ticket (prices vary). The only way to see the floats for free is during the setup, but without music, it loses its charm. Expect to pay around €23 for stands and €7 for standing spots.

Book your tickets early! Stand seats sell out about three weeks in advance. Keep an eye out for ticket sales in early January.

Even for standing tickets, you need to arrive two hours early to secure a good spot. The first hour is uneventful, so bring snacks or a meal to keep young kids entertained. One hour before the parade, festival groups start performing to set the mood.

>> You might also like : Venice with kids

You might also like: Venice with Kids

Useful Tips for Families with Young Children

The evening parade starts at 8:30 PM, but you’ll need to be there by 6:30 PM. The event lasts until around 10 PM, and since it’s February, temperatures can be quite cold. In 2025, it was around 4°C at 9 PM. We were in Zone B, standing along the Promenade des Anglais.

For the daytime parade, avoid facing the sun (above the sea) to prevent glare.

Depending on your ticket, you’ll have a specific entry gate. If you have young children, check these details carefully to avoid unnecessary walking around the carnival zone.

Where to Park?

Several paid parking lots are available, but arrive early to find a spot! My in-laws even managed to park their camper van nearby. In 2025, we stayed at Miss Voyageuse’s home, so parking wasn’t an issue.

Check out our guide: The French Riviera in February

Our Review of the Nice Carnival with Kids

If you follow us regularly, you know we usually avoid large crowds. But with Miss Voyageuse studying in Nice, we couldn’t miss this unique opportunity!

The most challenging part was waiting for the gates to open (two hours before the event). We stood in a crowded area, eager for the show to begin. Arriving early allowed us to pass security checks smoothly. After that, we had a two-hour picnic while waiting.

Once inside, the crowd wasn’t an issue—we had a front-row spot near the floats, which were truly impressive! They change every year based on the carnival’s theme.

Where to Stay?

Hotels fill up quickly during this period. Here are our top recommendations for booking in advance.

To fully enjoy the Nice Carnival with your family, check the official website for schedules, ticket prices, and more details.

Have you ever been to the Nice Carnival with your family? Share your experience in the comments!