The festive season officially began in Monaco on Thursday evening as the Princely Family lit up the city’s municipal decorations, illuminating the streets and squares with a warm, seasonal glow.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, accompanied by Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, were welcomed to the Place du Marché de la Condamine by Mayor Georges Marsan and members of the Communal Council for the traditional lighting ceremony.
At 5pm, with a symbolic gesture, the Princely Family set the city alight — not metaphorically, but in the thousands of LED bulbs strung across Monaco’s neighbourhoods. From the Place d’Armes to the winding streets of La Condamine, the Principality’s public spaces now shimmer with festive installations.
The municipal display, organised by Monaco’s City Hall and its Animation Service, features 75 cross-street motifs, 407 lamppost decorations, 25 thematic scenes, and three overhead light canopies. All elements are powered by energy-efficient LED lights, reflecting the city’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.
A brass ensemble from the Municipal Orchestra provided a festive soundtrack as residents gathered to witness the illumination of the capital’s holiday decor — a highlight in Monaco’s Christmas calendar.
These are the official city lights, installed and maintained by the Mairie de Monaco. On Saturday, the festive celebrations will continue when the Princely Family returns to light up the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) holiday decorations at the iconic Casino Square.
For now, Monaco’s city centre has taken on its winter glow, with decorations remaining in place until 4th January 2026. Exceptions include the roundabout at Canton, where lights will be removed mid-December due to road works, and the Fontvieille district, where the lights will shine on until 25th January for the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.
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Main photo source: Mairie de Monaco