The most wonderful time of the year is upon us and Monaco is ready for a spectacular holiday season. This December and January, treat yourself to a magical escape at the Christmas village, admire thousands of twinkling lights on the Place du Casino, or register your child for the Prince’s Christmas party at the palace.
The Christmas and New Year’s agenda in Monaco promises to be unforgettable this year. In December, luxury shopping and gourmet foods will be featured on the Christmas Promenade Monte-Carlo Shopping, near the Place du Casino. Then, the U Giru de Natale pedestrian race in the streets of the city takes place on Sunday 11 December. And performances by the Opera and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo are always perfect ways to revisit holiday classics.
Christmas Village
Monaco’s Christmas village on the Quai Albert-1 will be open until 2 January, featuring a giant ferris wheel, roller rink, carousel, toboggan luge, caribou ride, vendors, food stalls, picnic tables, entertainment and more.
This year, the centenary of Prince Albert I makes the Christmas village extra special. A fun and educational walk inspired by the different journeys of the Navigator Prince winds its way through the village. Animated scenes, Arctic animals, the reconstruction of the Prince’s base camp and a colossal decoration (6 metres tall) representing Prince Albert I at the helm of his ship will overlook the Village. 800 fir trees will adorn the village, including a towering, eight-metre tree.
Holiday lights
Strolling through the streets with the magic of Christmas in the air is always a fun way to enjoy the holidays. The Place du Casino, which shines with a thousand lights and is decorated according to a different theme each year, is a good place to start. Opposite it, the Casino de Monte-Carlo features a magical sound and light show at nightfall.
Prince’s Palace Christmas Tree
HSH Prince Albert II is organizing a Christmas gathering on Wednesday 14 December for all Monegasque children aged 5 to 12. All children born between 2010 and 2017 who wish to attend the palace’s children’s party must register before Friday 2 December by phone (99.98.84.90) or on the Prince’s Palace website (www.palais.mc – tab: “Prince’s Palace Christmas Tree”).
