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 sumptuous 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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Not to be missed...
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. Embark on a journey filled with special moments and unforgettable experiences. 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 2026 in Monaco, the illuminations will be lit on 29 November at 6pm 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 where the Monte-Carlo Express will be unveiled on the square for the duration of the end-of-year celebrations, with each carriage revealing a new chapter of the magic of Christmas. You will also discover the decoration of the majestic Christmas tree, a first magical stage in this journey into the heart of Christmas in Monaco.
At this time of year, the magic comes to each of the Principality's establishments. At the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort as well as at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, you will be enchanted by majestic Christmas trees that enhance the venues and infuse them with all the magic of the festive season.
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 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. Dates will be communicated very soon!
As part of the festive celebrations, families won’t want to miss the must-have Christmas snacks in the Belle Epoque Dining Room of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, featuring exquisite pastries and a host of children's activities. At Marlow, Christmas is savoured! On 24 and 25 December 2026, Marlow invites you to experience the magic of the festive season through gourmet and festive moments. Festive dinners, Christmas tea, bubbles and sweet treats… let yourself be carried away by the warm and enchanting atmosphere of the end of the year. 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! A new stop to discover along your Christmas journey.
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 the Hôtel 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 you can be tempted by a Christmas buffet in the prestigious Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Salle Belle Epoque of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.
Where to stay in Monaco during Christmas
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, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an iconic palace of the Principality, invites you to experience an enchanted Christmas, between luxury and elegance.
The Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and its Belle Epoque charm offer a refined setting, ideal for a romantic Christmas or a family getaway.
The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers a Christmas interlude with Mediterranean accents, by the sea. Room, suite or Diamond Suite: the choice is yours for the ideal setting in which to celebrate the festive season.
Whatever the establishment you choose, families will rediscover the spirit of Christmas through a selection of thoughtful touches and activities designed for younger guests, so that young and old alike can fully enjoy the magic of the festive season.
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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