Updated on September 11, 2026
For the past ten years, Chopard has been designing the majestic Christmas tree installed in the lobby of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. A spectacular creation conceived in harmony with the decorations on Place du Casino and unveiled each year by the jewellery house’s decorators. Xavier Fuller, Director of Chopard Monaco, discusses the behind-the-scenes work involved in this project and a season in which jewellery is more closely associated than ever with the art of hospitality.
What do the end-of-year celebrations represent for Chopard in Monaco ?
Xavier Fuller : For us, the whole year should be a celebration. When a client enters the boutique, we want them to forget their outside concerns and enjoy a happy moment. We do not simply sell a piece of jewellery or a watch: we take an interest in the story behind the purchase, whether it is a birthday, an engagement or an event that the item is intended to celebrate. The end-of-year celebrations are the culmination of this, with an even stronger emotional dimension.
Is this period the highlight of your season ?
Xavier Fuller : Our main season begins in September and continues until the Festival de Cannes, of which Chopard is an official partner. Christmas nevertheless remains a very important occasion. Families come together, special occasions multiply and gifts take on particular significance. We welcome both clients looking for an exceptional piece and families choosing several presents for their children or loved ones.
The Chopard Christmas tree at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has become a tradition. Why this collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer ?
Xavier Fuller : This is a project that is very close to my heart. In my view, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of the most beautiful palace hotels in the world. Chopard and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer share the same clientele, but also the same culture of service, refinement and excellence. Discovering this large Christmas tree at the centre of the lobby creates an extraordinary effect.
How is this monumental creation conceived ?
Xavier Fuller : The tree is designed entirely by Chopard’s in-house decorators, without calling on an outside service provider. It is more than eight metres tall and rises almost to the ceiling. Its diameter is also considerable: the central chandelier is lowered using a winch before being positioned at the very heart of the structure.
Its installation involves between fifteen and twenty people over three days. Some members of the team come especially from Italy, where our in-house decoration department is based. The assembly takes place at night so as not to disrupt hotel operations or the movement of guests.
Has the 2026 Christmas theme already been decided ?
Xavier Fuller : It has, but it must remain confidential until it is unveiled. You will have to come to the hotel to discover it! Every year, we imagine a different world. Last year, the gold and white tones and spherical shapes echoed the luminous bubbles on Place du Casino, almost giving the impression that the tree itself was encased in a bubble.
Is this dialogue with Place du Casino essential ?
Xavier Fuller : Absolutely. We work from the theme provided by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer so that the tree engages in a dialogue with the entire Carré d’Or. Visitors should perceive a sense of continuity, from the outdoor illuminations through to the hotel lobby. In luxury and hospitality alike, it is essential to constantly reinvent oneself. Clients have seen and travelled a great deal, so it is our duty to continue surprising them, with an impeccable standard of execution.
Does the world of the Christmas tree extend elsewhere in the hotel ?
Xavier Fuller : We also decorate the tables at Le Bar Américain and Grill with refined centrepieces and small, inspired Christmas trees that echo the main creation. Visitors can therefore find, even in the restaurants, a subtle reminder of the world they discovered in the lobby.
Which Chopard creations will be particularly sought after during the festive season ?
Xavier Fuller : High jewellery naturally occupies an important place, as December is the season of grand evenings. Clients look for necklaces, parures and drop earrings. These pieces are often unique and are created around gemstones selected by Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard.
But Christmas is not limited to high jewellery. The Happy Hearts, Ice Cube and Precious Lace collections offer jewellery designed to be worn every day. There is therefore no single signature gift: the right gift is the one that reflects the person receiving it and the story one wishes to celebrate.
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