For however long, Nice has been the site of an annual Christmas jump in the Mediterranean Sea. Today was the first time I attended, as an observer.

It was noisier than I had expected, with a DJ and announcer on the beach to get everyone pumped. At first I wondered if I was at the right place. Then suddenly, a dynamic crowd appeared with minutes to go before the festivities began at 11:15am. As a Type A American, of course I had arrived an hour earlier to get my place. Well, forget that. One just can’t hold back an enthusiastic crowd of swimmers, families and the general spectators.

First came the Christmas kayakers making a smooth line along the ocean waves.

Then somewhere out of my eyesight the Christmas pom pom girls danced. Then, the Christmas pointus, the small wooden painted fishing boats of yore, slid into the watery procession. Finally, Santa blew his horn and the first of two rounds of official swimmers dove in and made a quick loop before emerging, shivering. After the second, the public baignade began with the masses (so to speak) taking their turn, all with Christmas hats on to stay a bit warm.

The water temperature was no more than 6C/61F, while outside it was 13C/55F, but very sunny and relatively wind-free. All along the coast there are similar events in the days leading up to December 25, and there might be a New Year’s swim too, which I should inquire about.

There are many holiday events in Nice, for all age groups, from the Christmas market and ferris wheel, to the church concerts and dinners sponsored by various social groups. It’s a festive place to be this time of year. And there is no snow to shovel.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.