Christmas & New Year's Eve

Celebrate magical moments in the Principality. Monaco will be decked out in its most twinkling attire for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The luxury and glamour of the Principality will warm even the coolest winter hearts thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate. Late December and early January are the perfect time to experience all the magic the Principality’s winterfest has to offer. Whether you are visiting for a day, a weekend or the best part of a week, Monaco is a place for festivities and fun. Its sumptuous hotels are the last word in comfort, but they also host several New Year’s events. You’ll be dazzled by the procession of New Year celebrations, enchanting illuminations, and delicious meals to choose from.

What’s on during the festive celebrations in Monaco?

 

Visiting Monaco in winter during the holiday season offers a wealth of experiences. The Christmas and New Year agenda in the Principality is rich and varied. In December, indulge in luxury shopping and gourmet treats along the Promenade Monte-Carlo Shopping, near the Casino Square. Boutiques offer a wide range of local products to savor. For entertainment, check the program of the city's performance venues – it’s the perfect opportunity to attend the prestigious shows of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Add festive evenings for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and your calendar is complete. A perfect blend of art, sports, and celebrations, where traditional heritage comes alive in joyful festivities.

 

 

Monaco illuminations for the festive season

 

Strolling through the streets while Monaco sparkles with holiday magic is an unforgettable experience. Casino Square is a must-see, illuminated according to a new theme each year. Facing it, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is transformed at night by a spectacular sound-and-light show. The city’s most iconic hotels offer a grand festive atmosphere, with giant trees and exquisite decorations in the lobbies of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.

 

Port Hercule Christmas Village

 

From December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Quai Albert Ier becomes the Côte d’Azur’s most popular Christmas market! Wooden chalets, rides, and dining areas turn this iconic location into a festive wonderland. Explore artisanal products, enjoy sweet treats, and take part in family-friendly activities and attractions. 

 

 

Sports Village: Thrills for the Whole Family

 

Organized by Monaco’s City Hall, the Christmas Village at Port Hercule also features a Sports Village. Here, children and adults can enjoy climbing structures, obstacle courses, zip lines, and other fun activities. Perfect for an active break between shopping and tasting treats at the Christmas Village.

 

Luxury Shopping and Christmas Markets

Shopping is a key part of Monaco’s festive season. Christmas chalets are installed in various areas, especially along Avenue de Monte-Carlo, offering unique gift ideas and seasonal delicacies. The Christmas Village blends shopping with entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere.

Luxury boutiques also participate in the festivities. Their window displays turn winter into an elegant celebration, making a stroll along Monaco’s main shopping streets a true seasonal experience.

Gourmet Holiday Dining

During the holidays, Monaco’s top restaurants showcase festive menus. Share exquisite lunches and dinners with oysters, foie gras, champagne, and other gourmet delights. Options range from a Christmas brunch at Espace Calypso at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, a three-Michelin-star Christmas Eve dinner at Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris, to a New Year’s Day lunch at Le Grill, overlooking the Mediterranean. Families can also enjoy the luxurious Christmas afternoon teas at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, featuring fine pastries and activities for both children and adults.

Where to Spend Christmas and New Year in Monaco

Visit Monaco in December and celebrate the holidays along the Côte d’Azur. Families will delight in the Christmas Village at Port Hercule, with concerts and activities organized by the City Hall. For a glamorous holiday experience, explore Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, including the Princess Grace Diamond Suite and the Prince Rainier III Diamond Suite. Indulge in Michelin-starred dining, gourmet walks in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Patio, or a visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo offers an ideal setting for a romantic getaway or family Christmas. In a magical atmosphere, enjoy Christmas lunch in the Salle Belle Époque or unwind at the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo.

If you dream of a New Year’s Eve in a Mediterranean garden, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is the perfect choice, with festive dinners at Blue Bay Marcel Ravin and Espace Calypso, and celebrations at the Blue Gin.

Family Activities in Monaco

On New Year’s Eve, the Principality turns into a playground for all ages. The traditional Christmas Village celebration is complemented by a spectacular fireworks display at Port Hercule, along with musical entertainment and DJ sets. This magical moment concludes a day full of sports activities and festive workshops at the two Christmas Villages, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.