Family event

National Day, that is also known as Sovereign Prince's Day, is observed in Monaco on November 19th. People of Monaco celebrate the anniversary of ascension of Prince Albert II to the throne. On this day, the tradition is that Prince Albert II carries out a presentation of medals in the Courtyard of the Palace. Then, in ceremonial costume, he attends a Mass in memory of his mother, Princess Grace, at the cathedral. For a listing of events and times, visit the Mairie’s website.  

The Monte-Carlo Gastronomy show is back to celebrate its 25th anniversary, giving visitors a chance to taste and buy a variety of delicious products just in time for the holidays. Over 100 vendors and producers of French, Italian and European gourmet products will be on hand on a 2,500 m2 space filled with delicacies to tempt any gourmand.  

Advent concert with the soloists of Arsis featuring pianist Catherine Gamberoni. Music to be performed includes pieces by Saint-Saëns, Haendel, Vivaldi, Bach, Franck, Massenet, and others. 

The popular gala event put on by Les Enfants de Frankie is back this year with entertainment, fun activities, dancing and a special show with all proceeds going to help sick and disadvantaged children in the region. Not just for kids, parents also can join in for dinner and drinks with champagne for adults.  

Head down to Port Hercule for the Monaco Roller Party at the recently inaugurated Roller Station in the Christmas Village! Reserved for residents between 12 and 17 (but a plus one from outside the Principality is permitted for each guest), party goers can expect a DJ booth, drinks, snacks and a photobooth alongside the skating. Tickets are 15€ for residents and 20€ for accompanying guests. For more information: www.mairie.mc

Handel’s Messiah will be performed in Monaco on Saturday 10th December at 7pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church (22 Avenue de Grande Bretagne). The concert will be conducted by Errol Girdlestone, with soloists Elenor Bowers-Jolley (soprano), Fleur Barron (mezzo-soprano), Gavan Ring (tenor) et Simon Bailey (bass), and the Ristretto Chamber Choir and Orchestra. Tickets 30€ are available via the FNAC or by reservation. Please contact: 06 83 53 23 50 or ristrettovoices06@gmail.com. First performed in 1742, the Messiah (HWV 56) is an oratorio for choir, soloists and orchestra that remains...

The Drama Group of Monaco, the only English-speaking amateur theatre company in the Principality, is putting on a Christmas pantomime of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Since 1965, the Drama Club of Monaco has been putting on plays, musicals, readings and other performances exclusively in English. This year, in time for the Christmas season, the troupe is coming to the Théâtre des Variétés to put on a special panto performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Panto is a tradition in the British Isles and Ireland, and is not to...

A special performance of The Nutcracker featuring Julie Depardieu as narrator has been organised for a young audience at the Auditorium Rainier III. To a backdrop of music by musicians from the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, sand artist Katerina Barsukova will assist in the weaving of this timeless tale.

The world’s biggest circus festival – the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo – will soon celebrate its 45th anniversary with a breath-taking display at the iconic Big Top in Fontvieille. After a forced pause of two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the circus festival is returning from 20th to 29th January 2023 for a joyous and excitement-filled celebration.   Some of the unmissable artists set to participate in the anniversary celebrations include Peter Marvey, a world-famous magician who will amaze the audience with mind-blowing illusions, and an American artist...

Sainte Devote, the fourth century martyr who later became patron saint of both Monaco and Corsica, is celebrated in the Principality on 26th and 27th January.   Her story is rather a gruesome one, with the legend saying she was tortured and killed for her Christian faith on her native island of Corsica. It was reported that her mouth was crushed and she was dragged through brambles and over rocks. Eventually, she was either put to the rack or stoned to death.   After her passing, it was ordered that she be...

Breast cancer charity Pink Ribbon Monaco is back with two big events next month, featuring appearances by former E.R. star actor Noah Wyle. This February, two special occasions are taking place. The first is the ‘Dare to Bear’ Gala, taking place at the Hôtel Hermitage on Friday 10th February. Star and human rights advocate Noah Wyle, whose life was touched by the recent illness of a relative, will be in attendance to speak about his experiences. Two days later, on 12th February, will be the annual Pink Ribbon Walk, which...