Enjoying Christmas in Monaco and Monte Carlo

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Dec 24th Newsletter

Someday soon we all will be together. (1)

What's new

Christmas Eve is upon us, a day more important for family gatherings in France and Monaco than in the UK, when Christmas Day is the traditional time to get together. We've ordered our goose, decided which films to watch, and lined up some rather special wines.

Most of you will already have heard that McCarthy's Pub closed last weekend. It's facebook page announced "big changes", that the Monaco institution would "become history", but not to worry. In 2021 they promise to "bring the Irish Pub culture in Monaco to a new level". Follow the transformation online at: facebook - McCarthy's Pub Monaco.

Jean Castellini, Minister of Economy and Finance has issued a call to arms in support of traders in Monaco Ville, who have suffered more than most with the economic effects of Covid. If you find your usual restaurant full, try lunch on the Rock. While you're up there, buy your Christmas choccies from the Chocolaterie de Monaco, which celebrates its centenary this year. You can read a brief history of its 100 years in the Gazette de Monaco.

After the curfew's initial success in curbing Covid, numbers in Monaco have been rising again. As a result current regulations are extended to 15 January with special measures for the Fetes. Briefly, this evening's curfew is delayed until 23:30, and tomorrow and New Year's Day lunchtime in restaurants is extended by an hour. On New Year's Eve border controls come into effect from 19:00 and public gatherings are banned. Revellers who ignore the rules risk an on-the-spot fine. Check the government's Covid site for more details.

In brief

Ballets de Monte Carlo is launching an on-demand video platform in the New Year.

Dates for the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix have been announced: 20-23 May.

St Paul’s library is closed 26 December and 2 January, and reopens 9 January.

Theatre des Muses is running children's improvisation workshops over the Christmas break, for ages 6-13.

An Antoine le Pilote (see 3 Dec 2020 newsletter) exhibition opened at the weekend in the Prince's Car Collection, with pictures, figures and comic books on show until 31 January.

And finally...

We're having a break next week, so this is our last newsletter before New Year. Our good wishes for health and happiness go out to you all. Thanks for your support this past year, and let's hope that when 2021 comes to an end, we'll be partying in the streets again. Until then, have yourself a merry little Christmas. Enjoy!

What's in the diary...