In an ugly Christmas sweater or a nice dress, newly single or married for 20 years, French or American (or Latino, British, Canadian…) there’s one party for everyone this holiday season.
New York’s authentic French party Le Bal Français is organizing “Noël Party” to celebrate the holidays, on December 7 at Lot45 in Bushwick, across from the House of Yes. Now in its third edition, Le Bal Français assembled over 500 people for its first party in June and around 800 for its edition in September.
Convivial and open to all, the ethos of Le Bal Français originates in an event of the same name held in France: a bal français, organized in small towns in the countryside, assembles people of all ages to dance to hit songs that everyone knows (think the French equivalents of “September” by Earth Wind and Fire, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen). It’s familial, a small town coming together — grandparents and university students and everyone in between — to raise a glass and hit the dance floor.
The welcoming and friendly atmosphere is what the founders, French expats Maxime Aubin and Valentin Delouis, believe sets their party apart from the rest of the New York nightlife scene. Whether you’re French, a Francophile, or you don’t know where France is, everyone is invited to celebrate the (French) spirit of the holidays at Le Bal Français.
Starting at 9 p.m., DJ Luigi will be spinning French hits until the early morning. The party will feature French classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s and a few hits from the 2000s and 2010s. Think recent chart toppers by Aya Nakamura and Vegedream, but also French classics by Yannick (“Ces Soirées là”), Justice (“D.A.N.C.E.”) and MAGIC SYSTEMS (“Magic in the Air”) — the last two of which are known well Stateside, just not as songs by French artists.
To ring in the holiday season, this edition of Le Bal Français will be a special one: Santa Claus (Père Noël) will be there handing out gifts from his rucksack throughout the night. And in preparation for cuffing season, Robert & Simone, who specialize in dating parties in New York, has a unique surprise for singles. Tickets are $10 (reserve them on Eventbrite here).
