DREAMY, opulent Monaco. The second smallest country in the world captures the accents of Christmas joy and the anticipation of a brand new year in scintillating style.
Perched on the French Riviera coastline with France neighbouring on three sides, revellers can join in the Monaco celebrations by flying in, taking a road trip along the scenic Mediterranean coastline from Nice or cruising into port.
The principality’s milder climate in winter, with temperatures averaging from 14 degrees to 10 Centigrade in December, allows for greater enjoyment of its many attractions. So kiss off the discomforts of severe winter weather elsewhere and take in these great scenes outdoors in Monaco:
MONACO LIGHTS: COLOURS OF CHRISTMAS
Right up until January 7 next year, all blocks of the Principality of Monaco will be illuminated with light and decorations. Soak in the Christmas atmosphere, even more glamorous at night. The Fontvielle district in the southwest, will showcase the lights a little longer, until February 4, in honour of Le Festival International du Cirque de Monte Carlo or the 42nd annual Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival (January 18 – 28).
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Set in the port of Monaco, this will last until January 7. Walk through storybook scenes like the Santa Claus Workshop unfolding Christmas nostalgia with reindeer, gift wrapping, carpentry, books, toys, candy, dolls, bicycles and more, in the centre of the Christmas village . Take a ride in a traditional Ferris wheel and merry-go-round, admire the monumental Christmas tree and the huge snowball.
Visitors are invited to sample the delicacies offered by 23 food stores and then shop at the 25 Christmas cabins selling handicrafts, toys, jewellery, and much more. An ideal place to buy gifts.
SKATING RINK
The romance of ice skating. Slide through the ice at the 1,000-square-metre skating rink. Each year for a few months in winter, the Rainier III Outdoor Swimming Stadium is transformed into an ice rink. The Monaco Port Open Air Skating Rink stays opens until March 11 next year.
LUXE STAYS
Gourmet Chocolate Symphony at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
The hotel calls its theme a shrine for chocolate lovers. The Lobby Bar in Hotel Metropole showcases the artistry of Joël
Robuchon, Christophe Cussac, pastry chef Patrick Mesiano and head barman Mickaël Bellec.
They present their gourmet selection through a chocolate bar.
With a cocktail or a hot drink in hand, guests can make opt for beautiful chocolate creations and other delicacies, from the traditional to the outre, in Chocolat Symphonie Gourmande.
Another piece of wonderment is the hotel’s cabinet of curiosities filled with figurines of fairies and animals and a four-metre tall Christmas tree. http://www.metropole.com/en/home
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