What is there to do in Monaco in December?
MARVELLING
"New Moods": 5–28 December Moods, the Monte-Carlo venue that made for some memorable nights in the Principality between 2008 and 2011, is reopening under the name " New Moods "! The venue will continue to give pride of place to music and will also host comedy shows. The December programme includes evenings paying tribute to The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones, as well as a one-man show by Hassan de Monaco.
"Monaco Dance Forum": 11–18 December Held since 2000, the Monaco Dance Forum is a multifaceted international dance festival. As well as presenting performances by some of the biggest names in dance, the Monaco Dance Forum offers workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, symposia and conferences on the subject. A chance to be thrilled by truly unique performances! For more information: https://www.balletsdemontecarlo.com/fr/saison-2024-2025
"The Opéra de Monte-Carlo": 2–31 December December will begin with a tribute to Frank Sinatra. This will be celebrated on 2 December with the voice of Italian tenor Vittor Grigolo. The Opéra de Monte-Carlo invites the public to experience a unique festive season with Donizetti’s L’Elixir d’amour (20, 22, 27, 29, 31 December) and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (21 December). All to be enjoyed in the unique setting of the Opéra Garnier!
"Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra": 1–15 December An OPMC programme sure to delight music lovers. A tribute to Ravel with Gautier Capuçon on 1 December, a symphonic concert for young audiences on the 4th and a grand concert on the 8th, a Christmas concert on the 14th and a piano recital on the 15th: December is all about music in the Principality!
"Monacophil": 4–8 December Calling all philatelists! One of the must-attend events in the world of philately will take place in Monaco from 4 to 8 December. The Museum of Stamps and Coins will present an exhibition of iconic rarities from world-renowned collections. The event will take place in iconic venues, with One Monte-Carlo serving as the new setting for Monacophil.
"Francisco Tropa, Paesine": 6 December 2024 – 21 April 2025 The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) presents an exhibition by Portuguese artist Francisco Tropa , specially designed for Villa Paloma. The event brings together a unique collection of sculptures, drawings, films and light projections.
"Apollo 15, 16 / 17 Moon Missions" – Venturi Space Venturi Space invites the curious and space exploration enthusiasts to the reception area of the Gildo Pastor Center in Fontvieille until 16 December! The Monegasque company is presenting an exhibition featuring large-format and panoramic photographs from the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions. Also worth seeing: the Apollo 15 and Apollo 16 moon landing sites.
www.culture.mc , the Principality’s new cultural portal designed to offer a comprehensive and accessible overview of Monaco’s cultural heritage.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
"Christmas Village" – 6 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 As at the end of every year, the magic of Christmas will take hold right in the heart of the Principality! The 2024 Christmas Village , with its culinary theme, will tantalise the taste buds of young and old alike and delight the whole family. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a festive, sweet-filled world where the Christmas spirit blends with the delights of childhood, whilst enjoying the 23 food stalls and 24 retail chalets, not to mention the attractions: Ferris wheel, Christmas tree ride, carousel, slide… New this year: a fun Christmas trail! The festivities will be in full swing at Port Hercule, as the Christmas village will offer a variety of travelling shows, from mascots and stilt walkers to dance troupes and costumed performers! Afternoon stage shows, enchanting musical evenings and fun, creative workshops will provide families with unforgettable memories.
"40 Years of the Princess Grace Rose Garden" – 4 December The Princess Grace Rose Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary! To mark this occasion, the Principality and the Urban Planning Department have organised several fun events. Following a cologne distillation workshop and a plaster rose-making workshop in October, and a perfume-making workshop in November, 4 December will be dedicated to a rose-planting activity.
"Smakelijk Comedy Club " – 15 and 16 December Famous Belgian comedy comes to the Principality, in the heart of an authentic… Belgian restaurant! That’s what Le Méridien Beach Plaza offers with its Smakelijk venue. Building on the success of its first two evenings in November, the venue is continuing the adventure on 15 and 16 December. Taking to the stage: the worthy heirs to the comedy scene of the Low Countries, including Lorenzo Mancini, Nikoz and Florent Losson.
GOURMET DELIGHTS
With pop-up venues, delicious brunches and gourmet experiences, locals and visitors alike will be spoilt for choice when it comes to indulging their palates.
The Melt at the Novotel Monte-Carlo: 2 December 2024 – 28 February 2025 Lovers of winter atmospheres have found their haven! The Novotel Monte-Carlo has launched its very first pop-up restaurant concept: The Melt by Azzurra Kitchen. On the menu? Fondues, created by chef Frédéric Ramos, featuring familiar flavours such as Savoyard, Bourguignonne or Camembert, and more exotic options like Niçoise nachos, pad thai or tropical chocolate!
"The perfect chalet experience", Blue Gin’s winter pop-up: 26 November 2024 – 16 March 2025 This winter, Blue Gin is transformed into a cosy, welcoming mountain chalet for the festive season. Where the spirit of the mountains meets the glamour of the Riviera.
Café Repossi, the Christmas pop-up at Square Beaumarchais: 23 November 2024 – 6 January 2025 Opposite the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, the terrace at Square Beaumarchais is decked out in its festive finery! Café Repossi offers a unique experience in an elegant and refined setting, where the art of living blends with jewellery craftsmanship.
Christmas chalets on Avenue de Monte-Carlo: 15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025 Just a stone’s throw from the Place du Casino, locals and visitors alike will be charmed by the unique atmosphere of the Christmas chalets , offering a wide selection of sweet and savoury treats. A delicious and comforting break with family or friends!
Brunch at Zeffirino Monaco The Italian restaurant that celebrates the art of pesto presents its "Pranzo della domenica". Every Sunday, Zeffirino invites guests to celebrate the Italian way of life in the Principality with a warm and friendly lunch accompanied by live music.
Brunch at Le Pavillon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant by Yannick Alléno Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno offers a Parisian-style brunch in the heart of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. On the menu: original recipes, dishes with a touch of the Mediterranean, and unique treats.
Champagne Brunch Party at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort Every Sunday from October to June, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers an experience all about relaxation and delights in a unique setting!
Brunch at La Môme Monte-Carlo A brunch overlooking Port Hercule? That’s exactly what La Môme Monte-Carlo offers! A treat to savour in an unrivalled atmosphere.
Brunch at Smakelijk at Le Méridien Beach Plaza Le Méridien Beach Plaza makes Sundays even more delicious with its brunch at Smakelijk. This Belgian restaurant elegantly combines Belgian and French specialities for a gourmet experience overlooking the Mediterranean.