The Bal de Noël returned to the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on Friday evening for its 20th anniversary, drawing Monaco society and international guests for an evening that has become a definitive highlight of the Principality’s Christmas calendar. Since its founding in 2005, the gala has evolved into one of Monaco’s most prestigious charity events, this year raising a record sum for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
Guests arrived to champagne on the iconic Salle Empire terrace, overlooking the Place du Casino illuminated in its festive splendour. Inside, the historic hall’s gold-gilded interior provided an opulent backdrop for the evening. Narmino’s signature floral arrangements complemented the Belle Époque architecture, whilst each table was set with silver, crystal, and bottles of Xerjoff fragrance.
Held under the High Patronage of Princess Charlene of Monaco, the evening was graced by both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, underscoring the importance of the evening.
“Having both Their Serene Highnesses there meant so much, it was a recognition I deeply appreciated,” said event founder Sandrine Knoell. “All the guests were delighted to see them both. You could see that Prince Albert was genuinely happy to be beside Princess Charlene and was proud to be supporting her.”
The gala raised a record €451,000 through a Sotheby’s auction and generous donations. Knoell orchestrated the celebration alongside members of the International Action Committee, whilst Princess Charlene’s brother Gareth Wittstock, who serves as secretary of her Foundation, joined the evening’s distinguished guests.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to Sandrine for the tremendous success of last night’s gala,” Wittstock said publicly. “Your dedication and hard work toward this event have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly appreciative. A heartfelt thank you to all the supporters who attended and supported the Princess Charlene Foundation and its important cause. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you.”
Entertainment came courtesy of performers dressed in elaborate Baroque costumes, complete with towering powdered wigs, who serenaded guests with contemporary hits. The juxtaposition of historical grandeur and modern music captured the essence of the evening itself — a celebration rooted in tradition yet vibrant with contemporary purpose.
An evening of exceptional lots
Sotheby’s experts Olivier Valmier and Louise Grethel presided over an auction that offered rare experiences and treasures befitting the occasion. A guided tour of the Maison Valentino archive in Rome promised an intimate glimpse into haute couture history, whilst an exceptional 2.07-carat royal blue natural unheated sapphire from Sri Lanka was a breathtaking inclusion.
Wine connoisseurs bid on Saint-Émilion Grand Cru bottles engraved in fine gold, and travel enthusiasts vied for a seven-night cruise aboard the luxurious Explora Journeys.
The evening’s crown jewel, however, was a guitar unlike any other. Carved from ancient chestnut wood and finished with delicate white mother-of-pearl inlay, the Nancy-shaped instrument was personally designed and crafted by Fabrizio Paoletti. Bearing the coat of arms of the Principality of Monaco alongside the Foundation’s logo, the bespoke creation had been personally signed by both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, transforming it from a musical instrument into a piece of Monaco history.
Two decades of tradition
For Knoell, the evening held particular resonance. The Bal de Noël began over 20 years ago, inspired by the birth of her son Alan. “It was fantastic for my son to be there with us, to see what can happen over two decades, and how certain things can affect your life in such positive ways,” she reflected.
The evening reached its crescendo with a sparkling five-tier birthday cake in white and gold — incidentally matching Princess Charlene’s flowing gown — with Gareth Wittstock and Alan joining Prince Albert II and Sandrine Knoell on stage.
In a surprise moment, the International Action Committee presented Princess Charlene with the inaugural ‘Monaco Star’ award, a new trophy honouring individuals dedicated to children’s welfare. The committee chose the Princess as the first recipient in recognition of her work through the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which the Bal de Noël has supported since 2016.
Monaco society in attendance
The guest list read like a who’s who of Monaco and international society. Princess Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles arrived with her daughters Princess Maria Carolina and Princess Maria Chiara, joining an International Action Committee that included Donatella Campioni, Lady Monika del Campo Bacardi of Bayfield Hall, Arne and Anette Fredly, Inna Maier, Elena Lukovnikova, Francesca Marinelli Halpryn, Gregory and Katerina Stassinopoulos, and Angelique Vizirgianakis.
Television personality Victoria Silvstedt mingled with elite guests, whilst SBM Monaco president Stéphane Valeri represented the venue that has hosted the gala throughout its two-decade history and this year became an important partner. The room buzzed with Monaco’s business elite and international visitors, all gathered for an evening that has become a highlight of the Principality’s Christmas season.
Luxury partners elevate the experience
The Italian perfume house Xerjoff, coincidentally celebrating its own 20th anniversary, brought an olfactory dimension to the evening. Founder Sergio Momo attended as his house’s signature fragrances graced each table, with guests receiving special Bal de Noël edition perfume boxes and scented candles from the perfumery. The scents mingled with the visual splendour provided by Anna Hu High Jewelry, whose La Rose Gracieuse brooch — centred with a vivid fancy yellow diamond — served as a glittering reminder of the evening’s elegance.
Wine flowed from carefully selected sources including SGC Wine Estates and La Scolca, whilst Narmino had transformed the Salle Empire with floral arrangements that captured the magic of a Monte-Carlo Christmas.
A legacy of giving
In her foreword in the evening’s booklet, Princess Charlene reflected on the significance of both Christmas and the Bal de Noël’s milestone. “Christmas symbolises the Beginning and the Hope—a time when families come together and we reflect on the year whilst enjoying time with those we love,” she wrote. “One of the principles of Christianity is sharing with and taking care of those in need, especially children, who are at the centre of my Foundation’s work.”
She thanked all those who have supported the event throughout its two decades. “Le Bal de Noël is celebrating this year its 20th anniversary and has contributed since 2016 to help my Foundation achieve its goals. It has become more than a social gathering — it is a valued partner in our mission.”
Following the dinner and auction, guests took to the dancefloor as DJ Andrea Mendoza and a saxophonist transformed the Salle Empire into a celebration that stretched into the night. The music drew guests from their tables, turning the evening’s formal elegance into an energetic finale befitting the milestone anniversary.
As guests departed into Monaco’s December night, the record‑breaking funds raised stood as a testament to the Principality’s enduring blend of glamour and generosity, a legacy that the Bal de Noël has proudly upheld for 20 years.
See more photos in the gallery below. Photos credit: Alain Duprat, Bal de Noël
See also:
Interview: Sandrine Knoell marks 20 dazzling years of Monaco’s Bal de Noël