On Thursday, November 27, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, joined by their children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, officially inaugurated the principality’s holiday illuminations, launching the city’s glittering Christmas tree on the Place du Marché in La Condamine.
The late-afternoon ceremony, attended by Mayor Georges Marsan, members of the Municipal Council, and senior officials of the Principality, marked the formal start of Monaco’s year-end festivities. The switch-on revealed thousands of sparkling decorations now adorning neighborhoods across the city-state, transforming its streets and squares into a winter tableau.
The tradition of royal participation in the lighting ceremony underscores Monaco’s blend of ceremonial pageantry and civic celebration. This year’s display, centered on the grand sapin on the market square, extends throughout the districts, signaling the official opening of the holiday season.
Photo: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier