It’s that time of year again and we’ve scoped the Principality to find a few activities to help you bring in that holiday cheer this December.
1. Enjoy the decked out halls of the Christmas Village
’Tis the season to be merry and bright. Indulge in some holiday delight with Monaco’s annual Christmas Village till Sunday, 5 January 2020.
Celebrating its 20th edition with the theme ‘White Christmas’, this year’s market has traded some of its traditional wooden chalets for eye-catching igloos.
This year’s village is split into three spaces: the Igloo Village, which showcases the wondrous world of sea ice; the Inuit Village, which celebrates homes of the Arctic’s indigenous people; and the Ice Village, which highlights mother nature’s beautiful ice formations.
As always, the annual market is a smorgasbord of fun, food and pleasure for all ages—from taking in the magical views of the riviera atop the giant Ferris Wheel and sipping on the most decadent dark European hot chocolate to becoming the master of holiday lights by playing Monaco Magic Colours.
2. Slide into this holiday season with the Open-Air Skating Rink
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than ice skating. Now through Sunday, 1 March 2020, the Rainer III Nautical Stadium transforms itself into a 1,000 square meter sheet of ice for your holiday delight.
Whether you are ready to take on that double axel or just a novice looking for some winter fun with family and friends, this outdoor activity is not to be missed.
What’s more, on Saturday, 21 December 2019 the Moscow Circus comes to town. The Russian troupe of jugglers, clowns and gymnasts combine figure skating and ballet for a sure-to-dazzle display of circus arts at its best.
Monaco’s Open-Air Skating Rink. Image credit: Marie de Monaco
3. Visit the patio of Hotel de Paris
The patio of the Hotel de Paris is reinventing itself with a warm decor in chic, wintry tones. Somewhere between luxury and sorcery, the festivities will illuminate the heart of the patio and those of its visitors. A unique place where you can enjoy shows, treats, crafts and shopping. What’s more, after dark, an ephemeral restaurant takes possession of the place to present a dinner fit for a fairytale.
A Christmas village dazzles on the patio of the Hotel de Paris
4. Admire the spectacular sight that is Monte Carlo’s Casino Square
Be sure to take in the breathtaking holiday decorations that make up Casino Square. The iconic location turns glitter and gold this December with a forest of fir trees. Sprinkled in snow, the Casino has pulled out all the stops for its end-of-year festivities. From a captivating light show to a 3D projection on the Garnier-designed building’s façade around the theme, games, be set to be awe-stuck by this exceptional view.
Experience luxury in the purest monaco style with our special offers for Christmas and New Year Eve. Have a look : https://t.co/KiaZPiaYkT pic.twitter.com/Mp6j6XiQlN
— Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (@MonteCarloSBM) December 7, 2019
5. Listen to the melodic melodies of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
On Saturday, 21 December 2019, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic will join forces with Helsinki’s Grex Musicus Choir to preform ‘Christmas in Swedish Lapland.’ Held at the Saint-Charles Church, the spiritual concert kicks off at 8:30pm and is conducted by the celebrated Finnish-born, Juhani Lamminmäki.
Helsinki’s Grex Musicus Choir. Image credit: Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo