The festive season is always a special time of year, and it shines particularly brightly under the Monaco sun. From the Carré d'Or to the sea shore, the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas is all around, with superb illuminations and exceptional experiences to share with friends and family. Check out our tips and discover the best activities for an unforgettable Christmas in Monaco.
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Explore the must-do activities in Monaco over the festive season and find inspiration for your gift ideas...
What to do in Monaco during Christmas?
When December comes, Monaco is transformed into a fairytale destination, bringing the magic of Christmas to a truly elegant setting. Adorned with its magnificent illuminations and decorations, the Principality offers all of its visitors, whether families, couples or friends, the most beautiful Christmas experience. Stroll through the markets in search of the perfect gift, gaze in wonder at lavish decorations, share the pleasure of listening to Christmas carols or savouring a Michelin-starred New Year's Eve meal... Wonderful moments and fabulous experiences await!
Visit Monaco's Christmas illuminations
For Christmas 2024 in Monaco, the illuminations will be lit on 30 November at Place du Casino. This is a truly magical moment, with iconic buildings such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo decked out in their finest festive garb, and giant snow globes set up on the square for the duration of the end-of-year celebrations. From decorating the Christmas tree to opening presents, each illumination features an animated design based on the magical moments of Christmas, providing an enchanting walk through this legendary Monaco landmark.
At this time of year, the Principality's hotels all take on a magical appearance, such as the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo or the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, with their beautiful Christmas trees, or the lobby of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, adorned with a precious and majestic tree decorated by the jewellery company Chopard.
Festive activities not to be missed!
Come and experience Monaco’s truly magical Christmas traditions! This year, Father Christmas himself will be visiting the Principality on 18, 21, 22, 24 and 25 December from 1pm to 4.30pm, at Place du Casino and in the Carré d'Or Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer establishments. Come and say hello, have a picture taken with him, and reconnect with your childhood self, while hearing the traditional songs of a gospel choir on the steps of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
As part of the festive celebrations, food lovers will enjoy savouring the sweet and savoury delights of the Festive Afternoon Tea offered in the lobby of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo from 14 December to 7 January. As for families, they won’t want to miss the must-have Christmas snacks under the glass dome of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, featuring exquisite pastries and a host of children's activities. Opposite the hotel, epicureans will be able to enjoy a glass of champagne in the beautifully decorated Square Beaumarchais.
Monaco's Christmas market: not to be missed!
The festive season offers ideal opportunities for luxury shopping. Whether you're looking for the perfect present or a stylish outfit, treat yourself at the Monte-Carlo Christmas Shopping Promenade, where you’ll find stores from the big names in fashion, jewellery and design. Then complete your shopping at the Christmas chalets along Avenue de Monte-Carlo, amid the enchanting illuminations.
Every year, the traditional Monaco Christmas Village at Port Hercule delights young and old alike, as they gather in this lively setting with a stunning view of the moored yachts. With the avenues of Christmas trees and wooden chalets, the attractions set up along Quai Albert Ier, the events organised throughout December, and the array of foodie treats to enjoy, the festive spirit reigns supreme!
Christmas menus in the Principality's gourmet restaurants
Christmas in Monaco is also synonymous with fine dining. The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer restaurants will be decked out in all their finery, concocting festive menus composed of the very finest dishes. Exceptional festive suppers and unforgettable Christmas lunches await you in our Michelin-starred restaurants and renowned establishments.
Chef Marcel Ravin's culinary talents will surprise and delight you at a dinner on 24 December at the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin restaurant, which boasts two Michelin stars. And at Le Grill restaurant, which also has a Michelin star, you can enjoy festive dining which reaches new heights, being housed on the eighth floor of theHôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. On 25 December, you can opt for a relaxed Christmas brunch in the Calypso area of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, by the sea, or a Christmas buffet in the prestigious Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Where to stay in Monaco during Christmas
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The splendour of the end-of-year festivities deserves a setting to match. Enjoy an exceptional Christmas break in Monaco in one of the Principality's most beautiful establishments. In the heart of the magical atmosphere of Place du Casino and its illuminations, enjoy a sumptuous Christmas at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Book a room, a suite or even a Diamond Suite and celebrate the holidays in luxury and elegance.
For a romantic or family Christmas, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo offers an intimate and refined setting. Enjoy brunch in the magical Belle Époque Dining Room, then spend the day unwinding at the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa, the idea place for a couple’s getaway. And when it comes to families, parents will love the Christmas snacks, entertainments and events specially designed for children.
The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is the perfect choice for a Mediterranean Christmas by the sea. Enjoy a room with a sea view, Michelin-starred cuisine at the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, cocktails and festive celebrations at the Blue Ginbar, transformed into a mountain chalet.
Getting around Monaco during Christmas?
Check out our tips for getting around Monaco during the end-of-year festivities! The small size of the Principality and the many lifts available in the city make it easy to explore on foot. So leave your car with your hotel valet and set off on a stroll. If you're staying in the Carré d'Or, for example, the main Christmas attractions are within walking distance of each other, including Place du Casino, the chalets along Avenue de Monte-Carlo, or Port Hercule and its Christmas market. Make the most of your walk by soaking up the festive atmosphere at this time of year and admiring the Christmas decorations.
For greater convenience and speed, bear in mind that Monaco’s taxi service remains open and highly efficient during the festive season. For a more exclusive option, you can also hire a luxury chauffeur-driven car. Don't hesitate to ask for more information from the concierge service in our hotels.
With dazzling lights, gourmet cuisine and every detail catered for, Christmas in Monaco at the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer will live up to your highest expectations, whether you're visiting as a family, a couple, or with friends.
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