In short
The 49th Monte-Carlo Circus Festival runs from Friday 22 to Sunday 31 January 2027 under the big top of the Espace Fontvieille in Monaco. The gala with the award ceremony is on Tuesday 26 January at 19:30, with seats from 45 € to 210 €. Other shows cost from 30 €, and children aged 5 to 12 pay half price in set sections.
Planning a winter weekend in Monaco around the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival with your children? The 49th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo runs from 22 to 31 January 2027, and the gala with the award ceremony is on Tuesday 26 January at 19:30. Every show takes place under the big top of the Espace Fontvieille.
This guide is for parents travelling with children of 8 to 14: programme, 2027 prices, child rates and transport. Everything comes from the festival's website and other official pages, read in October 2026.
Key facts: dates, gala night, venue, prices and airport for the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival 2027
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday 22 to Sunday 31 January 2027, with the 14th New Generation |
| Gala and award ceremony | Tuesday 26 January 2027, 19:30 |
| Winners' shows | Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 January |
| Venue | Chapiteau de l'Espace Fontvieille, 5 avenue des Ligures, Monaco |
| Tickets | From 30 € (two-hour morning shows) to 210 € (best seats on gala night) |
| Box office | Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00; +377 92 05 23 45 |
| Nearest airport | Nice Côte d'Azur, about 7 minutes to Monaco by helicopter |
Sources: Monte-Carlo Festival, Côte d'Azur France and Monacair, checked October 2026.
When is the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival 2027, and what happens each day?
The festival opens on Friday 22 January 2027 and closes on Sunday 31 January, with the gala on Tuesday 26 January at 19:30. The first weekend brings the competition shows, in two programmes. The prizes are awarded on gala night, and the winners' shows then run until the final Sunday.
The jury is presided over by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. The 14th New Generation, for young artists, runs alongside.
Programme: the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival 2027 day by day, with show times
| Day | Time | Show |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 22 Jan | 20:00 | Competition show, 1st programme |
| Sat 23 Jan | 14:00 and 20:00 | Competition show, 2nd then 1st programme |
| Sun 24 Jan | 10:30 and 15:00 | Two-hour show at a reduced price, then the 2nd programme |
| Mon 25 Jan | 19:00 | Ecumenical celebration in the big top, free entry |
| Tue 26 Jan | 19:30 | Gala evening with the award ceremony |
| Wed 27 Jan | 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00 | Two-hour show at a reduced price, then two winners' shows (public holiday in Monaco) |
| Thu 28 Jan | 19:30 | Winners' show |
| Fri 29 Jan | 20:00 | Winners' show |
| Sat 30 Jan | 10:30, 15:00 and 20:00 | Two-hour show, then two winners' shows |
| Sun 31 Jan | 10:30, 14:30 and 19:30 | Two-hour show, then two winners' shows |
Source: Monte-Carlo Festival, official 2027 ticketing calendar, checked October 2026.
"Join us from January 22nd to 31st, 2027, under the world's most prestigious circus big top!" Monte-Carlo Festival
Gala night or a winners' show: which should a family choose?
Choose the gala on 26 January if the occasion matters most, and a winners' show if you want the same acts for less. The gala is the evening when the prizes, including the Clown d'Or, are handed out.
Our advice for children of 8 to 14
- The gala starts at 19:30, so it suits older children who cope well with a late night.
- The winners' matinees at 15:00 on 27 and 30 January, or 14:30 on 31 January, are easier for younger ones.
- The two-hour morning shows have the cheapest seats.
- The festival's house rules advise against bringing children under two.
For a long weekend, fly in on Saturday 23 January, see a competition show, and stay for the gala on Tuesday.
How much are tickets for the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival 2027?
Seats cost from 30 € to 210 €, and the gala ranges from 45 € in the back stands to 210 € in the front armchairs. Fauteuils A are nearest the ring; Gradins D are the back stands.
- Gala, Tuesday 26 January: 45 € to 210 € (Fauteuils A 210 €, B 195 €, C 185 €)
- Competition shows, 22 to 24 January: 35 € to 115 €
- Winners' shows, 27 to 31 January: 35 € to 110 €
- Two-hour morning shows: 30 € to 80 €
- Boxes (loges): from 100 € per seat, subject to availability
A 6 € booking fee applies, according to the official 2027 price grid.
Children's rates and the gala
Children aged 5 to 12 inclusive pay half price, but on gala night only in the Gradins (the stands). From 27 to 31 January, and at the 10:30 show on 24 January, the half-price rate also covers every armchair section. Under-fives sit free on a parent's lap. A child of 13 or 14 pays the adult price.
Two parents with a 10-year-old and a 13-year-old in Fauteuils A at the gala pay 840 €, before fees.
How to book
Book online at montecarlofestival.mc, by email to reservation@montecarlofestival.mc, or at the box office. Tickets are neither exchanged nor refunded. Collect them at least 30 minutes before the show: latecomers are seated only during a pause.
Is there a dress code for the gala?
The festival does not publish a dress code for the gala. Its house rules only ask for clothing that does not offend other guests. Our view: it is the Princely family's evening, so a dark suit or a smart dress feels right. Bring warm coats for the walk in.
Météo-France normals for Nice give a January average high of 13.3°C and a low of 5.8°C. Our guide to the French Riviera in winter covers what else is open that month.
"Considered to be the most famous circus festival in the world." Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
How do you get to the big top at Fontvieille?
From Nice airport, the Monacair helicopter takes about 7 minutes and lands at the Monaco heliport, on the same avenue des Ligures as the big top.
Getting there: Nice airport to Fontvieille by helicopter, coach or car, with times and prices
| Option | Time | Price and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monacair helicopter, shared line | About 7 min | From 195 € per person one way, every 30 minutes from 8:15; electric shuttle in Monaco |
| Zou! line 80 Express coach | About 50 min | 21.80 € one way on board, 11.10 € for ages 4 to 11; stops at Place d'Armes (June 2026 timetable) |
| Private car | About 46 min without traffic | About 36 km by our route calculation; the simplest choice with luggage |
| Monaco buses, lines 4 and 6 | Daily, about 7:00 to 21:00 | 2 € on board, 1.50 € by card or app; both serve Fontvieille, line 4 also the railway station |
Sources: Monacair, Zou! Région Sud, Visit Monaco and OpenStreetMap routing, checked October 2026. Check the winter timetables before you travel.
Parking and the drive home
The festival lists five car parks nearby: the Parking des Écoles, Stade Louis II, Saint-Nicolas, Salines and Wurtemberg. The buses run until about 21:00, which is too early for most evening shows. Book a driver for the return after the gala.
Where should you stay and eat?
Stay in Monte-Carlo for the setting, or in Fontvieille to be close to the big top. The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a five-star hotel on the Place du Casino open since 1864, is about 2.5 km by road from the big top. It houses Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse, with three Michelin stars. In Fontvieille, the Hôtel Columbus Monte-Carlo stands at 23 avenue des Papalins.
On site, the festival lists the Café du Cirque and food trucks.
"In 1974, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who was passionate about circus, decided to create a Festival." Monte-Carlo Festival
Is it worth booking a family photographer on gala night?
Yes: the hour before the gala, with everyone dressed up, is the portrait you will frame. Photography is forbidden inside the big top, so the pictures happen outside, before you go in. Riva is a private luxury photography agency on the Riviera, and our photographers work discreetly in public places or in your hotel.
Photo session: the best times and places for a family portrait on gala night, 26 January
| When | Where | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 26 Jan, 16:15 | Hôtel de Paris, with the hotel's agreement | Warm interiors and calm, if you are staying there |
| Tue 26 Jan, 16:45 | Place du Casino | Last daylight before sunset at about 17:34 |
| Tue 26 Jan, 17:45 | Port de Fontvieille | Blue hour by the water, a few minutes from the big top |
Sunset time for Monaco from sunrise-sunset.org, checked October 2026.
What Riva takes care of
- The photographer comes to your hotel or meeting point, with no travel fee anywhere from Saint-Tropez to Menton, Monaco included.
- We scout the spots and time the session so you reach the big top well before 19:30.
- Every photo is edited by hand.
- A preview of 5 to 8 images within 48 hours, the private gallery within 7 days, 24-hour delivery on request.
- We watch the forecast 72 hours ahead and move the session free of charge if needed.
How much does it cost?
Prices are all taxes included:
- Express 30 minutes in one place: from 390 €, on request
- 1 hour, 30 edited photos: 790 €
- 2 hours, 60 edited photos: 1,290 €
Shooting inside a hotel or the casino needs the venue's consent, so we arrange it with you in advance. See our Monaco page, the full pricing, or our family photoshoot guide, then message us on WhatsApp with your dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival 2027?
The 49th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, held with the 14th New Generation, runs from Friday 22 to Sunday 31 January 2027. The competition shows run from 22 to 24 January, the gala with the award ceremony is on Tuesday 26 January at 19:30, and the winners' shows follow from 27 to 31 January.
How much are tickets for the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival gala?
On gala night, Tuesday 26 January 2027, seats cost from 45 euros in Gradins D to 210 euros in Fauteuils A, nearest the ring. Boxes start at 100 euros per seat, subject to availability. A 6 euro booking fee applies, and tickets are neither exchanged nor refunded.
Do children pay less at the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival?
Yes. Children aged 5 to 12 inclusive pay half price, but the sections vary by date. On gala night the half-price rate applies only in the Gradins, the stands. From 27 to 31 January it covers every armchair section too. Under-fives sit free on a parent's lap, and children of 13 or over pay the adult price.
Where is the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival held?
Under the big top of the Espace Fontvieille, 5 avenue des Ligures, in the Fontvieille district of Monaco. The Monaco heliport is on the same avenue. Monaco bus lines 4 and 6 serve Fontvieille, and the festival lists five nearby car parks, including the Stade Louis II and the Parking des Salines.
Can you take photos inside the circus big top?
No. The festival's house rules forbid photographing, recording or filming the shows inside the venue. A portrait of the evening can be taken before the show, outside on the Place du Casino or by the Port de Fontvieille, or at their hotel with the venue's agreement.
Coming to Monaco for the circus gala?
Tell us your dates and your hotel. We plan an hour of family portraits on the Place du Casino or the Port de Fontvieille before the gala. From 790 € all taxes included, or 390 € for a 30-minute express session, with first images within 48 hours.
Plan my sessionMore reading: the best photo spots in Monaco, the French Riviera in winter, and the Monte-Carlo Rally 2027.
Sources
Times, rules and figures in this guide come from these official sources. Checked in October 2026.
- Monte-Carlo Festival, official website, 49th festival and 14th New Generation from 22 to 31 January 2027; full show calendar with times; gala with award ceremony on 26 January 2027 at 19:30; ecumenical celebration on 25 January at 19:00; 27 January a public holiday in Monaco; box office Monday to Friday 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00; car parks; Café du Cirque and food trucks; jury presided over by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie.
- Monte-Carlo Festival, 2027 price grid, prices per show and section, gala 45 € to 210 €, two-hour shows 30 € to 80 €, boxes from 100 € per seat, 6 € booking fee; children aged 5 to 12 inclusive at half price in set sections by date; free for 0 to 4 on a parent's lap; tickets neither exchanged nor refunded.
- Monte-Carlo Festival, English page, invitation to the 2027 edition under the big top; the festival created in 1974 by Prince Rainier III.
- Monte-Carlo Festival, house rules, photographing, recording and filming the shows forbidden; shows not advised for children under two; pushchairs left at the entrance; clothing must not offend other guests.
- Monte-Carlo Festival, terms of sale, tickets collected at the box office at least 30 minutes before the show; latecomers seated only during a pause; no exchange or refund.
- Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, 22 to 31 January 2027 at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille, prices from 30 €, organising committee presided over by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie.
- Côte d'Azur France tourism, Chapiteau de l'Espace Fontvieille, 5 avenue des Ligures; +377 92 05 23 45; shows 35 € to 110 €, gala evenings 45 € to 210 €.
- Monacair, Nice to Monaco helicopter line, about 7 minutes, every 30 minutes from 8:15, from 195 € per person one way; Monaco heliport on avenue des Ligures; electric shuttles in Monaco.
- Zou! Région Sud, line 80 Express timetable, Nice airport to Monaco Place d'Armes, timetable valid from 2 June 2026, 21.80 € one way on board, 11.10 € on board for ages 4 to 11.
- Visit Monaco, getting around by bus, lines 4 and 6 serve Fontvieille, line 4 also the railway station; daily from about 7:00 to 21:00; 2 € on board, 1.50 € by card or app.
- OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), about 36 km and 46 minutes without traffic from Nice airport to Fontvieille, and about 2.5 km from the Place du Casino to the big top, our own route calculations.
- Sunrise-Sunset.org, sunset in Monaco on 26 January 2027 at 17:33, civil twilight ending at 18:03.
- Météo-France, Nice climate sheet, 1991 to 2020 normals: January average maximum 13.3°C, average minimum 5.8°C.
- Visit Monaco, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, five-star hotel on the Place du Casino, opened in 1864, home of Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse, three Michelin stars.
- Côte d'Azur France, Hôtel Columbus Monte-Carlo, 23 avenue des Papalins, Fontvieille, Monaco, open all year.