The winter holiday season is the time for people to leave their everyday issues behind and try to relax. Monaco is a perfect place to cheer up with Christmas and New Year's celebrations. This tiny country is famous for its Christmas markets, indoor parties, outdoor celebrations, parades, concerts, and activities for kids. The area's numerous casinos and a beautiful seashore are an excellent setting for the holiday season.
Christmas spirit in Monaco
When winter officially starts in December, the streets of Monaco are all dressed up for the Christmas season. From December to January, Place du Casino sparkles with a thousand lights from the 60-foot (18-m) Christmas tree and other holiday lights throughout the square.
On Christmas Eve, Monaco becomes the center of special performances and gala dinners. Most hotels and restaurants offer special packages and organize colorful parties. Christmas in Monaco also means traditional treats and fine dining. On the afternoons leading up to Christmas, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo will host Christmas Afternoon Tea with mouthwatering cakes and pastries for all visitors and chef workshops for kids. Foodies will enjoy gourmet Christmas dinners in the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer restaurants.
The cultural scene of Monaco adds another angle to the holiday season. If you are into ballet, treat yourself to a performance by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, which takes place at Place du Casino. Classical music connoisseurs can head to Cathédrale de Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra concert.
Every year from early December to early January, Port Hercule hosts the traditional Christmas Village with Christmas market, featuring several attractions for kids: a vintage carrousel, duck dishing, and a "caribou ride" merry-go-round. The Monaco Port area will feature holiday lights and festive trees.
New Year celebrations in Monaco
New Year's Eve is equally impressive, with its parties all over Monte-Carlo. It might be hard to choose where to celebrate. One of the best places to meet the new year at the stroke of midnight is shining Casino Square (Place du Casino). Moreover, on the last days of December, the front of the Casino de Monte-Carlo will host a magnificent sound and light show.
On New Year's Eve, the square gathers crowds to enjoy music and dancing and then spectacular fireworks at midnight. If you are hunting for great views over the fireworks display and yachts, walk around the harbor area. For an absolutely luxurious New Year's countdown with excellent fireworks views, you might want to pick the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo at Place du Casino. Pick your spot, get all dressed up, and celebrate the New Year in style!
