Day 3127 (Tuesday) 30th December 2025

This is the I Love Nice sign

this is Villefranche-sur-Mer’s beach in the summer

and this is also Villefranche-sur-Mer, near where we park the scooter.

It was a beautiful sunny morning so we decided to go to Monaco’s Christmas Market. It was pretty cold getting there on the scooter but it was lovely and warm when we stopped.

We rode up to Casino Square to take this picture but the police asked us to move on pretty quickly.

This photo is not mine.

We parked near the market and walked along the front to find the entrance passing all the seafood stalls on the way.

The market is bigger this year than last year with lots of chalets selling all sorts of stuff.

Look at the colour of that sky.

We saw this chalet selling ‘Welsh’, which is ham, cheese and bread – I wonder where they got the name Welsh from.

We stopped for poutine and vin chaud, poutine is Canadian dish of chips, cheese, sausages and gravy – it was really nice and of course you can’t go to a Christmas Market without having a vin chaud.

Before we went I found this article on the market, the following photos are not mine.

The Christmas season is upon us and Monaco has transformed into a winter wonderland. Be transported to a fairytale land where sparkling Christmas traditions meet Monte-Carlo’s inimitable style. From December to January, wander through the Christmas markets in Monaco, admire the grand decorations that adorn shop fronts and boulevards, and marvel at the glittering illuminations. From iconic squares to sumptuous hotels, discover all places in Monaco where you can enjoy a magical Christmas time in true festive fashion. There’s something for everyone, with magical events and fun to share with the whole family.

Discover all the Christmas activities in Monte-Carlo

Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. marked the unveiling of the lighting at Casino Square.

Enchanting Illuminations | Casino de Monte-Carlo

Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the festive season with a unique light show accompanied by the sweet melodies of Christmas projected onto the façade of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.

The light shows will take place on Sunday 30 November, Friday 5, Saturday 6, Sunday 7, Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December. Every evening from 19 December to 4 January 2026.

Christmas snow globes | Place du Casino 

Let yourself be tempted by the giant snow globes. The different scenes illustrated by these spheres make up a complete story, renewed every year. A visual journey that makes this the perfect place to share unforgettable moments with friends or family.

Christmas Choir | Casino Square and Carré d'Or

Joy to the world, it's Christmas. The magic of Christmas continues with choirs delighting your ears during musical shows and outdoor concerts organised (and improvised) throughout the Principality. Experience the magic of Christmas choirs on 20, 21, 24 and 25 December from 1pm to 5pm.

Meet Santa Claus | Casino Square and Carré d'Or

Before taking off on his annual tour, Santa Claus has planned an itinerary around Place du Casino, in our hotels and in front of the Christmas chalets the 20, 21, 24 and 25 December from 1p.m to 5p.m. Put on your best smile for a sparkling photo.

Christmas Carousel | Jardin des Boulingrins

Be dazzled by the beauty of the enchanting Christmas Carousel and its Chalet in the Jardin des Boulingrins, opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The ideal place for a magical family moment. Take a break for a sweet snack at the Chalet which offers crêpes, churros and hot drinks. These little sweet treats and typical winter food that we like to enjoy between Christmas and New Year's Eve wait for you give it a try. Don't wait any longer to come and celebrate your festive season in the Principality.

Le Rêve de Noël at New Moods

For the festive season, New Moods is transformed into Santa’s grotto for a magical afternoon for children aged 3 to 7.

Immersed in a magical environment for the afternoon, children can play and daydream, with creative gift-making workshops, a Christmas show full of laughter and emotion, a gourmet snack and, the long-awaited moment, a meeting and photo with Father Christmas himself.

Event details:
Date: Sunday 21 December 2025, 3pm to 5pm.
Age: 3 to 7 years. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Price: 55 € per child. 
Limited capacity – Booking strongly advised.

Christmas Dance Party at New Moods

New Moods is getting into the Christmas spirit and setting the tone for the festivities. In a joyful, sparkling atmosphere, older children are invited to join an evening full of energy and fun.

Under the glittering lights, the Christmas Dance Party comes to life with a festive event for children aged 8 to 13.

In the venue illuminated with a thousand lights, the DJ  will set the dance floor alight for three hours of dancing in a magical, fairytale atmosphere.

Event details:
Date: Sunday 21 December 2025, 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
Age: 8 to 13 years. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Price: 55 € per child. 
Limited capacity – Booking strongly advised.

Christmas teatime at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

In the prestigious Salle Belle Époque at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, four days of Santa’s enchanted Christmas teatimes will take you on a journey into a world of treats and traditions to enjoy with the family.

The Salle Belle Époque is transformed into a magical setting for all ages to celebrate the most enchanting time of the year, with glittering decorations, delicious delicacies and the long-awaited visit of Father Christmas.

Event details:
Dates: 20, 21, 22 and 23 December 2025, 3pm to 6pm.
Prices : 100 € per adult and 50 € per child. 
“Petit Chef" and creative workshops.

Christmas Tea Time at Marlow

Marlow invites you to prolong the magic of the festive season with a Christmas Tea Time in a warm and festive atmosphere.

On the menu: hot chocolate or apple juice, gingerbread, Christmas shortbread, sweets...

Something to delight young and old alike during a moment to share with family or friends to savour the most wonderful of days.

Practical information:

Date: Thursday 25 December 2025, from 3p.m to 6p.m

Price: €30 per child

Explore the Christmas Market in Monte-Carlo

Chic or Traditional: The Shops and Monaco Christmas Market

An upmarket shopping experience awaits you on the Christmas Promenade Monte-Carlo Shopping. This is your chance to find a stylish festive outfit in one of the designer boutiques, sumptuous gifts or superb festive decorations.

On the Avenue de Monte-Carlo, you'll be spoilt for choice in our Christmas chalets. From Christmas comfort food to unique gift ideas, there's no shortage of festive cheer. 

Monaco's Christmas village is also located on the Port Hercule. Traditionally held from early December to early January, it delights young and old alike. An atmosphere worthy of Santa's workshops, mixed with the Monegasque dolce vita, awaits you around the famous quays. Strolling past the chalets, taking a ride on the Ferris wheel or taking part in the activities organised for children are all part of the Monaco Christmas experience.

Did you know that in Monaco there is a sport never seen elsewhere: ice skating at the foot of palm trees? Give it a try at Christmas Market’s rink, a unique place in the world where you can ice skate with a sea view. Put on your skates and repeat your triple axels, the gala will only last until the Christmas Market closes.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Decorations Are in Monte-Carlo

At Christmas, Monaco’s illuminations bring a special glow to the Riviera. Marvel at the Place du Casino and let yourself be charmed by the unique light that, from Nice to Cannes, via Monaco, illuminates the Riviera in the heart of winter, on day, evening and night.

Even if Monaco looks like a winter wonderland each year, with beautiful decorations all over the streets, the palaces and the monuments, the Principality turns Christmas Holiday into a sustainable demonstration, by allowing the City Hall’s Events Services to tackle the issue of carbon footprint of illuminations. With recycacle LED, biodegradable materials, innovating designs, and ligthning management made possible by the smart grid in use for the Principality’s electrical network, the Christmas Decorations and Illuminations follow the open and responsable approach advocated by Prince Albert II, who encourages his state to move towards carbon neutrality.

Blending sophistication with eco-conscious design, all around properties, monuments and landscapes, the illuminations of Monaco represent the high value of the local tourism industry. The Stade Nautique, the Jardin des Boulings, the Hôtel de Paris and the Quai des États-Unis shine with a renewed winter spirit. And if you want to discover the real highlight of the event, walk to Casino Square and look up. The 18-metre tree watches over the visitors.

 It's the perfect time to enjoy unforgettable moments with friends or family. The Principality's top hotels and restaurants also put on their Sunday best during the holidays. Majestic Christmas trees adorn the lobbies of Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort  as well as the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo decorated with an impressive Repossi fir tree to mark the 10th anniversary of the Maison's Serti sur Vide collection. As for the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, don’t miss its exceptional decorations, which include a tree designed by Chopard. A marvellous sight for adults and children alike.