Season’s Greetings from the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando!
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and delicious moments. As we step into the holiday season, we wish you a Joyeux Noël and very happy holidays! December is always a special time at AFGO, brimming with cultural events, festive gatherings, and exciting opportunities to learn and connect.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find everything from our Friday French Chat December edition and new French classes for adults and children, to magical holiday experiences like Le Rouge, the Winter Holiday Picnic, and Sounds of Christmas Joy with Samar Salame Hawat. Plus, celebrate our recent successes—from DELF exam achievements to our FusionFest highlights—and discover ways to enjoy French culture both locally and online.
We’re delighted to share all these joyful experiences with you and look forward to celebrating the season together!
Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food
A warm thank you to everyone who joined us for our November edition of Friday French Chat – Season 1: La Francophonie through Food.
Last month, Kenza guided us through
“Le Maroc : à la croisée des chemins entre l’Afrique, l’Orient et l’Occident,”
an evening inspired by the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Morocco.
Together, we explored:
- L’histoire ancienne du Maroc
- Ses régions et provinces
- Sa musique et ses traditions vivantes
- And of course, a delicious Moroccan feast featuring couscous, authentic Moroccan bread, and traditional specialties lovingly prepared for the group.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this vibrant celebration where flavors, languages, and traditions meet between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe.
Join us for our December edition, for another evening of culture, food, and conversation!
Exciting News – New Adult Beginner French Class This Winter!
Our last beginner French sessions filled up so quickly that we’ve decided to open a new adult beginner class this winter!
If you’ve always wanted to learn French, now is the perfect time to start. Join us and discover the beauty of the French language in a friendly and engaging environment.
Class Details
Start Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Instructor: Mariela
Location: AFGO Office (In-Person)
What You’ll Learn
- Basic grammar and everyday vocabulary
- Useful expressions for daily life
- French pronunciation and listening skills
- Conversation and interactive speaking
- French culture and traditions
Why Join?
- Small-group, welcoming atmosphere
- Perfect for total beginners or those refreshing the basics
- Supportive teacher and relaxed pace
- A motivating way to end the year with a new skill!
To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org
DELF News – Congratulations & Good Luck!
We are thrilled to share that all of our candidates who took the DELF exams in October have successfully passed—congratulations to everyone! Your hard work and dedication truly paid off. This month, we are excited to welcome our DELF Junior candidates, who will be taking their exams from December 1–4, 2025. We wish them the very best of luck and are confident they will do wonderfully.
If you are interested in taking your DELF exam, please contact us! We can provide more details about upcoming exam dates and help you prepare to succeed. Take your DELF exam right here in Orlando at the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando, now an official DELF Testing Center.
For more information and registration, contact: schooldirector@aforlando.org or check the Alliance Française de Miami website for details.
New Beginner French Class for Kids (8–10 Years Old)
Start the new year with a fun and rewarding challenge—learning a new language!
Class Details
- Start Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Days: Every Thursday
- Instructor: Kenza
- Location: AFGO Office (In-Person)
A motivating way to start the new year with a new language and a joyful learning experience!
To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org
New French Immersion Class for Children
We’re excited to announce a new French Immersion class for children, starting Thursday, January 8, 2026.
In this warm and nurturing environment, children are fully immersed in the French language through songs, stories, art, sensory play, and hands-on activities, making learning joyful, creative, and completely natural.
Class Details
- Start Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Days: Every Thursday
- Instructor: Mona
- Location: AFGO Office (In-Person)
Led by Mona, a highly trained and experienced early childhood educator, this program welcomes children of all levels—from complete beginners to those already exposed to French. Mona creates a space where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive at their own pace.
A motivating way to start the new year with a joyful and creative French learning experience!
To register or request more information, contact Delphine, our School Director: schooldirector@aforlando.org
DECEMBER 04 – FABCO Presents: LE ROUGE
We’re thrilled to invite you to the most glamorous event of the holiday season, presented by our partner FABCO. AFGO members will enjoy the same exclusive benefits as FABCO members for this magical evening—don’t miss this chance to experience a night of elegance, culture, and celebration!
Experience the Magic of Le Rouge
Step into a stunning private mansion and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Le Rouge. This one-of-a-kind holiday event offers a sophisticated blend of music, culture, and fun—perfect for celebrating the season with friends and family.
Enjoy:
- Classy opera performance – a touch of elegance to start the evening
- High-energy DJ set – dance the night away in style
Event Details
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 1236 E Lake Colony Dr, Maitland, FL 32751
Your Ticket Includes
- 2 complimentary drinks
- Gourmet buffet
- $25 voucher
- Cash bar available throughout the evening
This event promises a truly magical holiday experience, combining luxury, entertainment, and festive spirit.
DECEMBER 06 – Saturday French Chat: December Edition
We’re excited to welcome you back for the fourth edition of our new conversation-class series, Season 1 – La Francophonie through Food.
Special Schedule for December
This month, our Friday French Chat will exceptionally take place on Saturday.
Saturday French Chat – “L’Alsace et ses traditions de Noël”
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM (1h30)
Location: Alliance Française of Greater Orlando
Price: $40 per session | AFGO Members: $35
(includes 1h30 of French conversation and food discovery)
This December, join Marie for “L’Alsace et ses traditions de Noël” — a magical journey into one of France’s most iconic Christmas regions.
Step into the enchanting world of Christmas in Alsace, where festive markets, winter aromas, age-old legends, and beloved traditions come together to illuminate the season with warmth and wonder.
Reserve Your Spot
Register now by filling out the form here: Register Now
We look forward to welcoming you to this festive December session filled with culture, conversation, and the magic of Christmas in Alsace!
DECEMBER 07 – Winter Holiday Picnic
Join us for our special Pique-nique Pétanque, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with friends, family, and the AFGO community. Enjoy a joyful Winter Holiday Picnic filled with good food, festive cheer, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Location: Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park
Bring a dish to share for our holiday potluck and enjoy a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Kids can come in festive outfits and enjoy winter-themed games, treats, and crafts. Friendly Pétanque games will also be available for adults and older kids.
Sign up here to let us know what you’ll bring!
We look forward to celebrating with you at Mead Garden on December 7!
Looking for more ways to connect with French culture beyond Orlando? Enjoy these free online events open to Alliance Française members nationwide.
From Aimée Leduc to Huguette: Cara Black’s Postwar Paris
December 03, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
Join us for a special conversation with bestselling author Cara Black, as she unveils her much-anticipated new novel, Huguette. Known worldwide for her beloved Aimée Leduc mystery series and acclaimed WWII thrillers, Cara now turns to historical fiction in this powerful standalone novel set in Paris and Lyon in postwar France.
Notre-Dame de Paris – Before the Fire:
The Construction and History of Notre-Dame de Paris with Russell Kelley, author of The Making of Paris
3 PART SERIES:
NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS – BEFORE AND AFTER THE FIRE
PART 1 OF A 3 PART SERIES
December 04, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
This illustrated lecture will explore the long and eventful history of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, from its foundation in 1163 to the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, which destroyed its attic, roof, and iconic spire.In partnership with the Alliance Française Miami Metro, the Alliance Française de Chicago, and the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris.
Life Between Two Ovens: Baking Anytime, from Paris to New York
December 09, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
Join us for a special online event featuring five-time James Beard Award–winning author Dorie Greenspan, in conversation with Jane Bertch. Beloved for her warm storytelling and approachable recipes, Dorie will share the inspiration behind her newest book, Dorie’s Anytime Cakes—a joyful collection celebrating simple, irresistible cakes meant for every moment, from afternoon coffee to festive gatherings.
Notre-Dame de Paris – After the Fire: La Restauration de Notre-Dame de Paris (In French with French/English subtitles)
PART 2 OF A 3 PART SERIES
December 11, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
This lecture will provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most significant architectural restoration projects of our time, describing the painstaking process behind the meticulous rebuilding and restoration of the cathedral, from the careful documentation of architectural elements to the revival of centuries-old craftsmanship techniques. In partnership with the Alliance Française Miami Metro, the Alliance Française de Chicago, and the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris.
French Cinémathèque: Nouvelle vague
December 15, 2025
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
The Federation of AF USA’s One Film One Federation program presents French Cinémathèque in collaboration with Telescope Film. Watch Nouvelle Vague at home via streaming, then join us for a free discussion in English with Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic of Variety.
Notre-Dame de Paris – After the Fire: The Redesign of the Surroundings of Notre-Dame de Paris
PART 3 OF A 3 PART SERIES
December 18, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (ET)
Online Event
Free for Alliance Française members | $10 for non-members
In 2022, the City of Paris announced that the team led by Belgian landscape designer Bas Smets won the competition to reimagine the area surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral. Bas Smets will describe how the team plans to redesign the square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the underground parking spaces beneath it, the Jean XXIII square located behind the cathedral, the Seine riverbanks, and the adjacent streets, in order to create a microclimate to mitigate the effects of climate change. In partnership with the Alliance Française Miami Metro, the Alliance Française de Chicago, and the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris.
What an Amazing Weekend at FusionFest!
This past weekend, we celebrated color, joy, culture, and community in the heart of Downtown Orlando at FusionFest. Our table proudly represented France, nestled among our wonderful neighbors: Colombia, Taiwan, Morocco, and just behind Japan—bringing the diversity of the world vividly to life.
The festivities kicked off Saturday morning with the Flag Parade, where the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando proudly carried the French flag. We were also delighted that Marie Oury presented her book Raymond at the Author Showcase, sharing her story with local readers.
Throughout the weekend, we enjoyed music, dance, performances, delicious food, and rich cultural exchanges. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, spoke a little français, or discovered something new about French culture. FusionFest is all about celebrating what makes our community beautifully diverse—and we loved being part of it.
À l’année prochaine!
Holiday Giveaway Winner Announcement!
Thanks to our wonderful partner Dronisos, the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando offered an exclusive giveaway for AFGO members and students: a chance to experience the magical Lakeridge Lights, an interactive drone show at Lakeridge Winery!
The event features a spectacular night where hundreds of synchronized drones illuminate the vineyard sky, accompanied by live music and a complimentary glass of wine. Two stunning drone shows are included in each ticket.
We are thrilled to announce that the winner of our giveaway is Laura W., one of our students—congratulations, Laura!
For those who want to join the fun, Lakeridge Lights will take place December 5 & 6, 5–9 PM. Adult tickets are $35, and kids 12 & under are free.
Learn more and get your tickets
Sounds of Christmas Joy with Samar Salame Hawat
Don’t miss one of our beloved partners, Soprano Samar Salame Hawat, as she returns for her enchanting Christmas Opera Nights! Last year at Winter Garden Theater, her stunning performance filled the evening with magic and festive cheer, and this year promises to be just as unforgettable. Samar will be accompanied on piano by Liana Gheorghita, creating an evening of beautiful music and holiday spirit.
Concert Dates:
- Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 20 at 7:00 PM
Get your tickets here and join us for a night of love, music, and Christmas joy!
Meet Our November New Members!
We are thrilled to welcome the newest members to the AFGO family! Your passion for French language and culture makes our community even more vibrant, and we are delighted to have you join us.
- Sonia W. and family – Orlando, FL
- Marlena H. – Melbourne, FL
- Jillian P. – Sylva, NC
- Melissa P. and family – Clermont, FL
Thank you for joining us and bringing your energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the Alliance Française of Greater Orlando. We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events, classes, and cultural activities, and to share many memorable French experiences together!
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