Christmas Market in Monaco

Are you looking for someplace to celebrate Christmas? Why not go to Monaco! With a bustling nightlife and dazzling array of activities to keep you entertained, Monaco is the place to be. What’s more they have a Christmas Market that would make anyone desperate to go. From December 6, 2017 – January 7, 2018, the already vibrant city of Monaco will go even brighter as its coastline are lit up for the Christmas Market. Now on its 14th year, Monte Carlo’s Christmas Market is always a beehive of activity, featuring different themes each year. So there’s always a reason to come back.

Stretching along the world-renowned port and the Palace and Casino, the Christmas Market is a smorgasbord of fun, food, and pleasure. From the Ferris Wheel on which you can make (or break) your New Year’s resolution to the merry go round that kids can enjoy, the Christmas Market has a lot to offer to everyone.

At the focal point of the Christmas Market are white chalets showcasing various crafts, French jewelry, souvenir items and various bric a brac. And for those who prefer to go on a culinary journey, the Christmas Market is replete with regional specialties that will surely not disappoint. From hot wine for adults to drink to hot chocolate and crepes for kids to enjoy, the Christmas Market is truly a place for the entire family. The ice skating rink is strategically located close to the food and beverage kiosks. As kids skate, the adults can savor their favorite drink while indulging in traditional French Alps cuisine. Try La Tartiflette, it’s a mixture of mashed potato and lardon or pork topped with thick chunks of melted cheese.

If you’re into fast cars or you’re an adrenaline junkie, look out for when the ice skating rink is converted into an ice kart course. Called ‘kart electrique sur glace’, the rink provides an excellent opportunity for people to ‘drive around’ or slide around on the track aboard go kart type cars. Be sure to check out the market’s calendar of events and see if this is happening this year, and for the timings. Kids and adults will surely have the time of their life speeding over the ice rink.

If shopping is your cup of tea, you will not run out of ideas on what to buy as you go around the Christmas Market. Even if you’re shopping last minute for gifts, the Christmas Market has virtually everything you might need so check it out. The Market usually opens from 11am to 10pm depending on the day. Visit this page to double check hours of operation.

Live events also take place at the Christmas Market so keep an eye out. Concerts, ice shows, street performers, puppeteers, and all sorts of fun activities are hosted at the village. And of course, the ubiquitous Santa will be in the village to bring jolly good cheer to children of all ages. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to take selfies or groupies with the bearded Santa. Complimentary workshops are even offered for toddlers on certain days so look out for when they run.

Just in case we’ve already convinced you what to do in Monaco or where to go this Christmas, perhaps the next question on your mind is, where to stay in Monaco? Well, there’s really no better place better positioned to accommodate your every need than the iconic Fairmont Monte Carlo. Located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino, Fairmont Monte Carlo offers unparalleled views of the French Riviera. Guests can experience what it’s like to enjoy an exhilarating cruise through the enchanting Mediterranean aboard the boat-shaped four-star luxury convention resort soaked in opulence. Without ever leaving Monaco as the ‘ship’ is permanently ‘docked’ at the Port!

Fairmont Monte Carlo is within five minutes of the Casino and the Café de Paris, and only a 10-minute walk from Monte-Carlo Sporting. The hotel enjoys an enviable location and offers jaw-dropping views of the sea. And since it’s along the coast, access to the Christmas Village is quite hassle free. If you stay at Fairmont Monte Carlo while visiting the Christmas Village, you’ll surely be in for a lot of surprises…and treats. You will get to enjoy the best of both worlds! Who wouldn’t want that?

And while you’re at it, be sure to make the 20-minute trek to the other side of the Port and the Casino. The spectacular view and the Christmas décor you will see along the way are well worth the effort. Be sure to go on a leisurely pace. Soak in the view. Every minute is worth it!

You can read more about Fairmont Monte Carlo in our previous reviews Fairmont reviewand Fairmont Monte Carlo.