What to do in Monaco this December

FANTASTIC CULTURE

"New Moods": 5-28 December
Moods, the night spot that was the highlight of many a Monte-Carlo evening from 2008 to 2011, is reopening with a fresh look and an updated name "New Moods"! The venue will continue to host great music and comedy acts, with tributes to the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones, as well as Hassan de Monaco’s stand-up show all in December.

"Monaco Dance Forum": 11-18 December
First held back in 2000, the Monaco Dance Forum is now a regular fixture on the local cultural calendar showcasing the best of international dance in all its forms. In addition to performances by some of the leading lights in the discipline, the Forum features workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, symposiums, and lectures about dance. Get your dancing shoes on and prepare for a unique week!
For more information: https://www.balletsdemontecarlo.com/fr/saison-2024-2025

"Opéra de Monte-Carlo": 2-31 December
The month will get under way with a tribute to the ol’ blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, from Italian tenor Vittor Grigolo on 2 December. As usual, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo will be pulling out all the stops for the festive period with performances of Donizetti’s L'elisir d'amore (20, 22, 27, 29, 31 December) and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (21 December). Magnificent music, made all the glorious by the unique setting of the Opéra Garnier!

"Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra": 1-15 December
For music-lovers, the OPMC has a mouthwatering programme in store this December. Kicking off with a tribute to Ravel with Gautier Capuçon on the 1st, followed by a symphonic concert for a young audience on the 4th, a “grand season” concert on the 8th, a Christmas concert on the 14th, and a piano recital on the 15th. The music just keeps coming in Monaco!

"Monacophil": 4-8 December
Calling all stamp collectors! Monaco is set to host one of the most important events on the philately calendar from 4 to 8 December, as the Museum of Stamps and Coins presents an exhibition of rare and iconic pieces from world-renowned collections. This year sees Monacophil move to a new home in the Principality’s most iconic district, at the One Monte-Carlo.

"Francisco Tropa, Paesine" : 6 December 2024 – 21 April 2025
The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) presents an exhibition of works by the Portuguese artist Francisco Tropa, specially created for the Villa Paloma. L’évènement réunit un ensemble inédit de sculptures, dessins, films et projections lumineuses.

"Missions lunaires Apollo 15, 16 & 17" - Venturi Space
Venturi Space invites you to explore the far reaches of space in the foyer of the Gildo Pastor Center in Fontvieille until 16 December! The Monegasque company is presenting an exhibition of large-scale, panoramic photos of the Apollo 15, 16 & 17 missions. Visitors can also see pictures of the lunar landing sites for the Apollo 15 and Apollo 16 missions.

Details of all of these events and more can be found at www.culture.mc, the Principality’s brand new online portal created to give you a complete view of everything that’s going on culturally in Monaco.

FAMILY FUN

"Christmas Village" – 6 December 2024 – 5 January 2025
As every year, the Christmas spirit is coming to the heart of the Principality! The theme of the 2024 Christmas Village is sweet festive treats, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Visitors can explore a magical world of sweet delights and childhood memories, positively overflowing with Christmas spirit. There will be 23 food stalls and 24 charming chalets, plus of course a selection of ever-popular rides and attractions, including the big wheel, Christmas tree ride, carousel, and luge. Also new for this year in a fun Christmas trail!
The celebrations will be in full swing at Port Hercule as the Christmas Village offers a variety of street entertainment, from stiltwalkers to dancers and costumed performers. There will be stage shows in the afternoon, fun creative workshops for unforgettable family memories, and enchanting evenings of music.

"40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Rose Garden" – 4 December 
The Princess Grace Rose Garden celebrates its 40th anniversary this year! To mark the occasion, the Principality and the Department of Urban Amenities are organising a series of fun events. There was the chance to make eau de Cologne or plaster roses in October, followed by a create-your-own fragrance activity in November, and on 4 December you can learn how to plant roses.

Belgian stand-up at the "Smakelijk Comedy Club" – 15 and 16 December 
The famed sense of humour of the low countries is coming to the Principality and its authentic Belgian-style restaurant Smakelijk, at the Méridien Beach Plaza. Following the success of its first two evenings in November, the venue is back with episode two on 15 and 16 December. Taking to the stage will be some of Belgium’s finest comedians, including Lorenzo Mancini, Nikoz, and Florent Losson.

GOURMET PLEASURES 

With pop-up restaurants, delicious brunches, and fine-dining experiences galore, locals and visitors alike have an veritable embarrassment of culinary riches to choose from this winter.

The Melt at the Novotel Monte-Carlo : 2 December 2024 – 28 February 2025
A fresh take on classic French winter cuisine! The Novotel Monte-Carlo is proud to unveil its latest pop-up concept eatery: The Melt by Azzurra Kitchen. So what’s on the menu? Fondues, created by chef Frédéric Ramos, with traditional flavours like Savoyard, Bourguignonne and Camembert, plus some more exotic offerings including Nachos Niçoise, Pad Thai, and Caribbean Chocolate!

"The Perfect Chalet Illusion", the winter pop-up at the Blue Gin: 26 November 2024 – 16 March 2025
This winter, the Blue Gin is transforming into warm and inviting authentic Alpine chalet for the festive period, where the mountain spirit meets the glamour of the Riviera.

Café Repossi, the Christmas pop-up on Square Beaumarchais: 23 November 2024 – 6 January 2025
Opposite the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, the terrace on Square Beaumarchais is getting spruced up for the festive season! For a unique experience in an elegant, refined setting, try Café Repossi and its masterful blend of art de vivre and jewellery craftsmanship.

Christmas Chalets on Avenue de Monte-Carlo: 15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Just a few yards from the Place du Casino, soak up the magical seasonal atmosphere  and treat yourself to sweet and savoury delights from the Christmas chalets. A warm and comforting experience for the whole family!

Brunch at Zeffirino Monaco
The Italian restaurant famed for its unrivalled mastery of the art of pesto is serving up an unmissable "Pranzo della domenica". Every Sunday, Zeffirino invites guests to celebrate the best of Italian traditional fare with a hearty lunch accompanied by live music.

Brunch at Le Pavyllon, a restaurant by Yannick Alléno
Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno serves up a luxurious Parisian-style brunch at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, with a menu of inventive dishes bursting with the flavours of the Riviera.

Champagne Brunch Party at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Every Sunday from October to June, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort invites you to relax and indulge yourself with amazing food in a unique location!

Brunch at La Môme Monte-Carlo
Anyone for a laid-back brunch overlooking Port Hercule and the superyachts in the harbour? You’ll find exactly that at La Môme Monte-Carlo! There’s simply nowhere else quite like it.

Brunch at Smakelijk at the Méridien Beach Plaza
Every Sunday is special at the Méridien Beach Plaza with brunch at Smakelijk. The brasserie elegantly blends Belgian and French cuisine for a mouthwatering experience by the Mediterranean.