27th CitéStars Christmas Tree: When the Magic of the Circus Lights Up Children’s Smiles

Some days remain forever etched in our hearts.
Sunday, January 4th, 2026, was one of those days.

Every year in December, the CitéStars association organizes its charity Gala. Then, as a natural continuation of this spirit of generosity, the first Sunday of January is dedicated to a very special and much-anticipated event: the Christmas Tree for underprivileged children.

This year, for the 27th Christmas Tree, 120 underprivileged or ill children from Paris and the Île-de-France region were given the opportunity to experience a magical and unforgettable moment by attending the exceptional Cirque Phénix show, “Millésime 25 Years”, celebrating the 25th anniversary of this iconic circus.

From the moment they arrived, the children’s eyes sparkled with wonder. For many of them, it was their very first time discovering the world of the circus—the grandeur of the big top, the music, the performers, the magic. For a few precious hours, the hardships of daily life faded away, replaced by laughter, amazement, and pure emotion.

This spectacular show, generously offered by the director of Cirque Phénix, Mr. Alain Pacherie, was a true gift from the heart. A timeless moment where each child was able to dream, escape, and simply… be a child.

But the magic did not stop there. The children also received many gifts: footballs, books, sweets, and a festive snack—above all, heartfelt attention, kindness, and genuine warmth. They had the chance to meet and collect autographs from personalities who support CitéStars, all of whom came to share this special moment with them.

Founded in August 1998, CitéStars was created by figures from the worlds of entertainment and sports, including Jean-Pierre Castaldi and David Donadei, the association’s current president and founder. For more than 26 years, the association has worked tirelessly to support underprivileged or ill children in Paris and the Île-de-France region.

For David Donadei, the mission has always remained the same:
to bring happiness to children.
Through activities, encounters, solidarity events, and these now iconic Christmas Trees, he strives every year to create moments of joy, sharing, and humanity.

Many well-known personalities stood alongside him for this meaningful event:
Fabienne Amiach (TV weather presenter), Katia Tchenko (singer and actress), Evelyne Dress (actress and writer), Thierry Samitier (actor), Cartouche (comedian and humorist), Pierre Lechantre (former professional footballer), Jean-Michel Moutier (former professional footballer), Amara Simba (professional footballer), Laurent Olmeldo (actor), Bernard MENEZ (actor), Alexandra BOUSSOT (actress), Grace de Capitani (actress), Fiona GELIN (actress), Jean Philippe LUSTYK (sports journalist), Bruno WARTELLE (former professional boxer), Farid KHIDER (former professional boxer), Ali HALLAB (former professional boxer), Marc Scalia, Madi Seydi (political journalist and consultant), Stanick Jeannette (French figure skating champion), Bruno Del Vento (former singer of the group Chocolat’s), Galiam Bruno Henry (actor, director, producer), Sophie Darel (singer and actress), Dédé (Passe-Partout), Marie Boissard (actress), Michel Berreur (actor and stuntman), along with many others.

All of them gave their time, their energy, and their hearts. All were delighted to share smiles, take photos, and exchange a few kind words with the children in a relaxed, warm, and deeply human atmosphere. Mayors and elected officials, including Laurent Jeanne, Mayor of Champigny-sur-Marne, as well as television channels and the press, were also present to support this wonderful initiative.

Beyond the show and the gifts, it is above all precious memories that the children took home with them—memories filled with laughter, shining eyes, and moments of genuine happiness.

See you at the end of the year for the CitéStars charity gala in December, and next year for another Christmas Tree event, traditionally held on the first Sunday of January, to continue spreading hope, solidarity, and love.

©2026 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

Views: 0