The Magic of Christmas in Monaco

The Princely Couple opened the Christmas Village at Port Hercule before switching on the lights of the Christmas tree on the famous Casino square, the official signal for the festive illuminations to go on all across Monaco.

Since 7 December, the port has been festooned with enchanting fairytale decorations, while the theme of this year’s ever charming Christmas Village reflects the passions of Prince Rainier III, as part of celebrations marking the centenary of his birth, featuring arts, motor sports, animals, and the ocean.

Besides the magical decorations, including 800 real Christmas trees and seven carousels, there will be plenty of amazing things to see and do throughout the festive season and until 7 January. You can look forward to enchanted parades and night-time concerts and spectacular fountain light shows on the swimming pool at the Rainier III aquatic complex. And of course the traditional Christmas Village with its treats and gifts! The 24 Alpine-style chalets and 19 food stalls are open daily from 11 am.

There’s more magic to be found in Monte-Carlo. Outside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, explore the the yuletide chalets created by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and their captivating world of Christmas aromas, festive treats, and incredible views of the marina. A world of wonder, open until 6 January 2024.

Around the Place du Casino, a host of seasonal pop-up concepts have sprung up, inviting you to ring in the New Year with stars in your eyes! Visitors and residents can stroll among a collection of giant snow globes illustrating iconic scenes from Charles Dickens’ classic tale, “A Christmas Carol”, marvelling at the magical sight and soaking up the spirit of Christmas, peace and goodwill to all men, for unforgettable moments with friends and family. A little further on, past the legendary Christmas Carousel and winter chalet in the Jardin des Boulingrins, you’ll find yet more yuletide cheer at the patio of the Hôtel de Paris with its Christmas garden, Square Beaumarchais dressed up to the nines with fantastic illuminations, and the atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, decked out in all its Phantom of the Opera-themed finery!

From the cosy fireside, Swiss chalet-style atmosphere at the Fairmont, to the “Scarlet X’mas” vibe with its giant red ribbons at the Métropole, the world of the Nutcracker at the Columbus, the winter warmth of the Novotel and the fairytale magic of Société des Bains de Mer, the Principality’s hotels are all elegantly decorated for Christmas.

And to make this festive season truly memorable, why not treat yourself to a Christmas Day like nowhere else? With Héli Air Monaco, take to the skies for a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Côté d’Azur. A unique Christmas experience for the whole family, and the kids can even meet Santa himself before taking off for a flight they’ll never forget!