Tuesday 5
MonacoUSA 50th Anniversary
Networking event celebrating 50 years of MonacoUSA at Novotel Monte-Carlo with cash bar, complimentary snacks and tombola. On Tuesday, December 5 from 18:00 till 20:00.
Stella Orientalis – La Nativité à la Renaissance – Ensemble Céladon – Baroque Music
The glorious story of Christ’s birth was a fertile source of inspiration for Renaissance musicians. Stella Orientalis depicts a very European interpretation of the Nativity and Epiphany, with a multilingual tour of 16th century Christmas carols. On this journey across Europe, we meet numerous composers (Praetorius, Ortiz, Del Encina) with rather different approaches to the same subject: Christmas Eve and all its mystery and wonder, the adoration of the magi and the shepherds. Paulin Bündgen, countertenor and conductor, Clara Coutouly, soprano, Nolwenn le Guern, viola, Florent Marie, lute. On Tuesday, December 5 at 19:00 at the Chapelle de la Miséricorde.
Wednesday 6
The Pieter and Olga Dreesmann Collection of Works by Pablo Picasso – Exhibition
This touring selling exhibition, presented by Ward Moretti at Moretti Fine Art, displays an exceptional collection of works on paper, unique ceramics and sculptures, carefully assembled over more than 25 years by Pieter and Olga Dreesmann. From Wednesday, December 6 to Friday December 22, from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00 at Moretti Fine Art. Discover more here.
Bisoubye x – Paul Taylor – Show
Je m’appelle Paul, je suis anglais et j’habite en France. J’ai fait deux spectacles bilingues intitulés “#FRANGLAIS” et “So British ou presque”. They both went really well, so I’m doing a third show ! Jamais deux sans trois, right ? À part les enfants. Dans ce cas là, un seul suffit ! One and done. It’s called “Bisoubye x” and as the name suggests, the show is about having to say goodbye to a certain number of things in my life to be able to move on to the next chapter. Il y aura des blagues en français and there’ll be jokes in English. It’s a live show so there are no subtitles, donc ramène ta pinte et ton dictionnaire ! On Wednesday, December 6 at 20:00 at the Théâtre Princesse Grace.
Discover more here.
Thursday 7
Christmas Village – Rainier III, a Passionate Prince
The theme of this year’s Christmas Village, organised by Monaco City Hall, will be Rainier III, a Passionate Prince. There will be specially created decorations for all ages to enjoy, showcasing Prince Rainier III’s greatest passions, namely the sea, the arts, wildlife, and sport. Visitors can look forward to magical parades, mascots, live concerts and stage shows in the evenings. An exciting new addition this year: illuminated fountain displays on the swimming pool of the Stade Nautique Rainier III. New Year’s Eve’s entertainment will include an evening of music and dancing, with a DJ and grand fountain and light show. From Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, January 7 at Quai Albert Ier. Discover more here.
Christmas Snowballs & Festive Carousel
Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol at the iconic Casino Square, with giant snowballs illustrating scenes from Charles Dickens’ famous fairytale. Soak up the spirit of Christmas, generosity, and goodwill to all men! You’ll also find the legendary Christmas Carousel and Chalet in the Jardin des Boulingrins gardens opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The perfect place for an enchanting time with all the family! The Chalet will be serving traditional crêpes, churros, and comforting hot drinks. From Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, January 7 at the Place du Casino. Discover more here.
Le Malade Imaginaire en LA majeur – Theatre
The musical adaptation of Molière’s masterpiece. Argan, a severe hypochondriac, plans to marry his daughter to a doctor, to ensure he always has a physician on hand to tend to his endless illnesses. But the young Angélique is in love with Cléante, and has no intention of going along with her father’s wishes… This is a show packed with catchy tunes sung masterfully with piano accompaniment, arguments, a certain amount of coughing, a healthy dose of laughter, and as in all of Molière’s comedies, a whole lot of love! The light-hearted, surprising adaptation sees four artists share a dozen roles, and though the titular invalid may be imaginary, the stakes could not be more real. On Thursday, December 7, Friday 8 and Saturday 9 at 20:00 and Sunday, December 10 at 16:30 at the Théâtre des Muses. Discover more here.
Friday 8
Christmas Nativity Trail – Exhibition
Following the wishes of HSH the Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Principality’s Nativity Trail was founded in 2014 in Monaco’s Old Town, to bring festive Christmas cheer and convey the culture and values embodied by nativity scenes from every continent. Each year, nativity scenes are displayed all along the trail, set up in specially-installed chalets and in the various State buildings in the Old Town district. From Friday, December 8 to Monday, January 8 at Monaco-Ville. Discover more here.
Christmas Ball
A Charity auction in aid of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, organised by Five Stars Events. On Friday, December 8, at 20:30 at The Salle Empire.
Saturday 9
Christmas Garden at the Patio
Experience the spirit of Christmas at the Patio of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. This year, the iconic prestige hotel invites you to soak up the magic of the festive season with traditional English-style celebrations and decorations in its winter garden, Le Patio, for a Christmas full of luxury and sparkle. From Saturday December 9 to Sunday, January 7 at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Handel’s Messiah at Saint Paul’s Church
Event not to be missed! The Ristretto ensemble, under the baton of Errol Girdlestone will once again perform its magic on Saturday, December 9 at 19:00 at St Paul’s Church Monte-Carlo. Tickets 30€ are available via FNAC or by reservation @ 06 83 53 23 50, ristrettovoices06@gmail.com. Read our story from the last year’s unforgettable performance here. Read our interview with The Man Behind the Messiah here.
Sunday 10
Demain la revanche – Sébastien Thiery – Theatre
Matthieu turns up at his parents’ house at 5 am, soaked through, carrying a rucksack full of stones. The mother and father try to understand what has happened to their son. They question him, but he claims not to remember anything. The parents try to awaken his memories and the conversation quickly degenerates into a family score-settling exercise. What is Matthieu? Amnesiac? Manipulative? Or a child looking to take revenge on his family?
On Sunday, December 10 at 17:00 at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. Discover more here.
Symphonic Concert – OPMC
Conducted by Kazuki Yamada, with Piotr Anderszewski, piano. Music by BEETHOVEN and SCHUBERT. On Sunday, December 10 at 18:00 at the Auditorium Rainier III. Discover more and reserve your tickets here.
Monday 11
Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise, the final months – Lecture
Lecture by Emmanuel Coquery, Senior Curator and Doctor of Art History. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, with the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, are holding an exhibition entitled Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise, the final months, presented at the Van Gogh Museum to mark its 50th anniversary, and at the Musée d’Orsay from 26 September 2023 to 28 January 2024. It will be the first major exhibition devoted to the works produced by Van Gogh in the final months of his life, in Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris. On Monday, December 11 at 18:30 at the Théâtre des Variétés. Discover more here.
Ongoing
Le Prince au cœur du cirque – Exhibition
See a vast treasure trove of circus exhibits, including still photographs, moving picture footage, artists’ costumes, previously unseen documents, posters, and more, as part of celebrations marking the centenary of Prince Rainier III. Curated by HSH Princess Stéphanie and Dr Alain Frère, the scenography and curatorship were guided by the words of Prince Rainier III, who said that “the circus is experienced with the senses and that it is above all a living art”. His writings and testimonies accompany the visitor on a journey combining video extracts from emblematic acts, unpublished documents from the Palais de Monaco Archives, numerous costumes from the collection of Dr Alain Frère and works brought together for the first time , in order to experience and discover the history of the most prestigious Festival in the circus world. Until January 28, 11:00 till 19:00 at the Terrasses de Fontvieille in the former Automobile Museum. Discover more here.
December Light – Exhibition
La Società delle Api (The Bee Society) hosts the first solo exhibition in Monaco by Yu Nishimura. With the title December Light, Yu Nishimura’s paintings depict an everyday environment with his specific ability to bring out the light that emanates from the surfaces. At Le QUAI 8, quai Antoine 1er, 4th floor, until January 19, 2024, by appointment only. To book a visit, please write to contact@lasocietadelleapi.mc.
Discover more in our article ‘DECEMBER LIGHT’ CALLS FOR BLISSFUL CONTEMPLATION‘.
Polar Mission – Exhibition
Discover an immersive and interactive experience! Take on the role of a roving reporter and set off on a mission to explore the Polar regions! This new exhibition includes five thematic areas spread over two levels. Learn about the Poles and their wildlife, and the men and women who populate and explore them. Fascinating objects and documents, digital content and immersive devices come together to create a 360° experience. The great voyage can begin! Until Tuesday, December 31, at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
Looking Forward
Festive Christmas Networking Lunch
Join Club Vivanova for our finale event of a fabulous year – at Maya Bay Monaco! A three course gourmet festive lunch will be showcased with premium wines paired with our gourmet menu! Celebrate and network in true Vivanova style with our club friends, members and partners! On Wednesday, December 13 at 12.30 at Maya Bay Monaco. Discover more here.
BAM Christmas Lunch
British Association of Monaco is organising a festive get together lunch at Norma, Place d’Armes. There will also be a superb raffle with a holiday offered as 1st prize and also a chance also to purchase Christmas goodies remaining from the BAM Christmas stand at the Kermesse. On Thursday, December 14 at 12:30, Closing date 10th December. BOOKING FORM – BOOK Now (PDF) – Members €90, non-members €100. Pay by cheque or bank transfer. No cash or cards can be taken on the day.
Featured image courtesy of SBM
