The Monaco Government Tourist Convention Authority sets the tone for hope with its Wish You campaign

With the year drawing to a close, while tourism is still strongly impacted by the travel restrictions around the world, Monaco Government Tourist Convention Authority is sending its best wishes to everyone who loves to travel, whether they are already familiar with the principality or are planning to visit once the crisis is over. Throughout this very special year, we have been keen to stay in touch with tourists around the world.

We hope more than ever to welcome tourists again. Monaco is a place for festivities and fun! The principality gets decked out in its most twinkling attire for New Year’s eve. But keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic situation, Monaco is organising mini-islands of festive joy for small gatherings or in the open-air. The principality is determined not to let the health crisis ruin the New Year celebrations. That’s why Monaco is looking to make advent a truly festive period this year. There will be illuminations and traditional nativity scenes to admire from your car or from behind a mask. Nobody will be able to say that New Year has not been celebrated in style!

Interactive applications

True to its reputation as a land of innovation, Monaco is always keen to explore new technologies and the results are often highly impressive. This is never truer than during the festive season. Two interactive applications are available to the public: Playmagic and Playcolor Monaco. The first uses augmented reality to let users take selfies with Santa Claus against a glittering backdrop or play with different personalities. The second lets you become “master of lights” by changing the colours of certain illuminations.

Letter to Santa

In Monaco, you can contact Santa Claus himself by email or letters sent via La Poste Monaco. Every letter will receive a reply!

Ice rink at Port Hercule

Don’t worry, avid skaters will have their fill of fun this year! The ice rink remains open until March 7, 2021. In addition to the main ice rink, there is also a smaller ice rink for children to discover the joys of the ice, accompanied by their parents, with mini-skates to place on their shoes.

Scaled down Christmas village

In view of the ongoing health situation and the resulting organisational restrictions, the principality will be unable to maintain the Christmas village in its traditional format. Instead, a much-reduced version has been set up at the Port of Monaco from December 4 to January 3 with four attractions for children — hook-a-duck, the traditional Carousel, a new merry-go-round named Reindeer Ride, and another in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Monaco is known for its glittering reputation, be it the shine of the supercars to the shimmer of the Mediterranean Sea via the many luminaries residing here. New Year will be smaller but as festive as ever!