What to do in Monaco this January

Major events

47th Festival international du cirque de Monte-Carlo and 12th NewGeneration – from 17 to 26 January

It’s January in Monaco, and that can only mean one thing: the Festival international du cirque de Monte-Carlo is coming to town! For almost half a century, the event has taken place annually under the famous “Chapiteau” or big top in Fontvieille, ensuring a thrilling start to the year for all ages. The prestigious international event selects the very best acts and celebrates the circus arts in all their splendour. As usual, this 47th edition will be lit up by a series of incredible performances, each more breathtaking than the last. The iconic event will continue to showcase up and coming talents with the 12th New Generation giving a platform to younger performers.

93rd Rallye Monte-Carlo – from 20 to 26 January

As every motor sport fan knows, the world rally championship always gets under in Monte-Carlo. As is now traditional, this 93rd edition, a symbol of the Principality’s long-standing love affair with rallying, will start on the iconic Place du Casino, at 2.30 pm on Thursday 23 January. The route then throws up some tricky challenges, winding through the legendary mountain passes in the back country, with some night-time special stages and the unmissable time trials, before the drivers head back to Monaco for the trophy ceremony on Sunday 26 January.

12th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique – from 29 January to 5 February

In Monaco, time goes backwards every January, as the past follows the present at the end of January… No sooner have the modern-day racing cars departed, than the Principality welcomes their classic counterparts of yesteryear. The Rallye Historique Monte-Carlo is reserved for cars that took part in the iconic Monte-Carl’ between 1911 and 1983. The lovingly cared-for classic vehicles take on some of the special stages that forged the legend of the Rally, making this a truly unique event! The cars will be on public display at Port Hercule on Thursday 30 January.

European basketball and football competition

There’s plenty to please sports fans in Monaco in January, as the local teams continue to produce top performances on the biggest stages. After facing FC Barcelona, the Principality’s basketball side Roca Team will play host to the great Real Madrid in the Euroleague, at 7 pm on Friday 31 January. Another European showdown will see AS Monaco Football Club host Aston Villa in their final match of the Champions League opening round of fixtures, at 6.45 pm on Tuesday 21 January. It’s a busy month, for sure!

A unique tradition

On 26 and 27 January, there will be the traditional celebrations of Monaco’s patron saint, Saint Devota. An important figure to the Monegasque people, her relics will be carried through the streets of the Principality in a procession, before the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the church consecrated in her name, the Eglise Sainte-Dévote. Afterwards, a boat will be symbolically burned in Saint Devota’s memory by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince and the Princely Family on Quai Albert Ier, before a drone show lights up the skies above Monaco.

Top-class shows and exhibitions

“The Butterfly Effect, the Prehistory of Animals”, exhibition at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

New exhibition at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology: "The Butterfly Effect, the Prehistory of Animals". Until 1 December 2025, the exhibition will be exploring the links between animal species and bringing together some hugely important archaeological collections. Visitors can discover the iconic species once found in our region, along with other specimens from more distant shores. Designed to pique everyone’s curiosity, the exhibition includes activities for children, lectures, guided tours, and screenings.

"Francisco Tropa, Paesine" Villa Paloma – from 6 December 2024 to 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, "Francisco Tropa,Paésine". The event features a previously unseen collection of sculptures, drawings, films, and projections.

"Agora, the Place of the Museum” Villa Sauber – from 24 January to 4 May 2025

Pay a visit to 17, avenue Princess Grace for an exhibition that looks at the place of the museum at one of Monaco’s last remaining Belle Epoque villas.  The Villa Sauber at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM)’s public programme is showcasing the ways in which art is passed on, with "Agora, the Place of the Museum". Visitors can admire inspiring works of art, and there is also a dedicated space for discussion and collective experiences.

Non-stop events at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco in January

Following the success of his film “Un ptit truc en plus” (“Just One More Thing”) in France, popular comedian Artus will be coming to the Principality this month and is sure to have the audience at the Grimaldi Forum in tears of laughter. You can see him live on Saturday 11 January at 8 pm. And in his own words, he won’t be pushing the boundaries... because he doesn’t have any! The comedy will continue in Monaco with the Grimaldi Forum also set to host “Stand Up Monaco”, an explosive mini festival of humour. There’s a fantastic programme in store, with performances by Gad Elmaleh, and special guests Roman Frayssinet, Lise de Hurt, Marine Leonardi, Pablo Caillot, and Sébastien Mei. Pure class. To mark its 25th anniversary and its newly opened spaces in style, the Principality’s top cultural venue also plans to get us up on our feet with the Electro Winter Party, on Thursday 16 January. Bon Entendeur, Parallele, and DJ Baloo will have the crowd dancing in the brand new 3,000 m² Hall Pinède room.

Original leisure activities

5th Fight Aids Cup – Wednesday 22 January

It’s become a tradition: every year, during the Festival international du cirque de Monte-Carlo, the Principality hosts the Fight Aids Cup. The charity football match, organised under the high patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, raise awareness and support the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Stade Louis-II, more usually the venue for national and European fixtures, welcomes legends from a variety of sporting disciplines, from motor sports to soccer, as they line up for Les Barbagiuans and Cirque F.C.

Discover the Mareterra district

It’s not every day a country physically grows by around 3%... Last December, the Principality officially opened a new district: Mareterra. You can now explore the six hectares of spaces that have been added to Monegasque territory. Some of the most interesting novelties include the seaside Prince Jacques Promenade, a blue cave where you can learn more about how the new district was built, a quiet relaxation area for peaceful meditation, and green spaces around the Quai du Petit Portier with its marina.

Family days out

A visit to the Oceanographic Museum is an inspiring experience, with its thousands of tropical and Mediterranean fish, and valuable insights into the importance of preserving marine wildlife. And the place they call the “Temple of the Sea” always has great fun learning ideas! The Museum now has its own escape room, where intrepid adventurers can solve puzzles aboard the Princesse Alice II, the famous research vessel of Prince Albert I, in a wonderful marine-inspired setting!

Up in the Exotic Garden district on the heights above the Principality, you’ll find Princess Antoinette Park. The children’s play area, surrounded by olive trees, has amusements for little ones up to the age of 9. The park also a mini-golf course and a miniature farm that are always a big hit with younger kids. The ewes, ducks, rabbits, and chickens are happy and well cared for by the park’s team of gardeners!

Finally, the Théâtre des Muses always has something fun for youngsters all year round. On the programme this January: “Odyssée, a musical conference” (8 to 12 January), “Jango le Clown” (22, 25 & 26 January), “Le zoo des tout-petits” and “Une journée au zoo” (29 January).

Gourmet delights

Marlow in Mareterra: opening 16 January

A brand new restaurant will be opening on 16 January on the main square of the new Mareterra. The stylish and relaxed Marlow will serve cuisine inspired by British traditions, made with local ingredients. The high-class establishment, with interior design by Hugo Toro, will be open from 8 am to midnight with seasonal menus.

Prince of Venice Monaco

Prince of Venice: such is the princely name of the Italian restaurant serving fresh paste from Prince Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy. Having already proved a hit in California since 2016, the concept has now come to 39, boulevard du Jardin Exotique, where you can find paste and pinsa to take away or order for delivery. Perfect for eating on the go as you explore Monaco. And there are plans for even more in 2027... 

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 was transformed into warm and inviting authentic Alpine chalet for the festive period, where the mountain spirit meets the glamour of the Riviera. Surrounded by warm light, resident DJ will heat up the dancefloor at the Perfect Chalet Illusion every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.