You've visited the Christmas markets, done your Christmas shopping, had your fill of mulled wine, and you've even wobbled around a Christmas ice-rink with the kids. Now relax and mull (geddit?) over some of the other great events on the French Riviera this Christmas. The FR2DAY guide to Christmas continues with more ideas to ensure a fabulous yuletide holiday.

Let's start with some great music events closer to Christmas. Lara Fabian, the Belgian / Italian songstress will be playing the Palais Nikaïa, on December 19th and on the same date, there'll be a performance in memory of all-time Jazz great, Sidney Bechet, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Remember, there's also live music on most nights at Waynes, Ma Nolan's, and Akathor in Nice, Moods in Monaco, and La Gaffe in Antibes, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

On December 20th, there's a matinée concert (starting at 11:00) at the Opéra de Nice, with music by Weber, Ravel, and Chabrier. Tickets cost just €5, so it's a fantastic opportunity to hear the Philharmonic Orchestra of Nice.

Also on the 20th, at 11:30, the annual Christmas Swim departs from Ruhl Beach on the Promenade des Anglais. If you're not brave enough, or if you'd just prefer to keep warm, why not catch a movie? There are some great films coming our way in December, including The Vampire's Assistant, Arthur, Brooklyn's Finest, Case 39, The Stepfather, and Avatar - check out our movie guide.

Christmas Day - if you don't want to cook, then reserve early for Christmas lunch out. Some of the best Christmas Day lunches can be found at hotel restaurants. The Columbus, the Hotel de Paris or Hotel Hermitage in Monaco, the Negresco or Grand Hotel Aston in Nice, and the Hotel Martinez in Cannes. All have fabulous Christmas fare.  Alternatively Le Tire Bouchon restaurant in Nice will be open in the evening. Also in Nice, Ma Nolan's will be open all day Christmas Day, and the Kookaburra will be open in the evening.  You can find restaurant and bar contact details, prices in the FR2DAY What's On guide.

On Christmas Night you can see Pascal Mono perform his "Christmas on the Rocks" concert at Moods in Monaco. Pascal, originally from Nice, found fame in Star Academy, the French reality TV show.

Yachting enthusiasts will love the 53rd annual Star Christmas regatta which takes place in the Baie des Anges between 28th and 30th December, with the first race starting at 9am on the 28th. Up to 40 teams are taking part, so it should be a stunning event.

For details of all these events, take a look at the FR2DAY What's On guide here.

Christmas on the French Riviera With its sweeping coast, 300 days of sunshine and palm tree lined promenades, the Côte d'Azur may not be the first destination you think of for Christmas. READ MORE