A brothel manager in Europe has shared insights into the unique dynamics of the adult industry during the festive season. Catherine De Noire, who oversees one of the continent’s largest brothels, provided a detailed account of how business fluctuates from the bustling pre-Christmas period to the quieter days of the holiday itself.
During December, brothels experience a surge in clientele, particularly due to office Christmas parties. According to De Noire, “December is really big because of the Christmas parties. A lot of office Christmas parties tend to come to our place because most of the time the girls are drunk, the guys are drunk, and they’re like, ‘Let’s go to the brothel, it’ll be fun.’” These gatherings often lead to an enjoyable atmosphere, where clients remain composed, contributing to a steady flow of business.
As Christmas Day approaches, however, the scene shifts dramatically. De Noire noted that the brothel becomes “incredibly quiet” on that day, with many clients opting to spend the holiday with their families. Regular customers even bring cookies for their favorite sex workers, reflecting a sense of camaraderie. Many of the women choose to work only one shift on Christmas, preferring to celebrate the holiday with loved ones.
The quiet period extends until the New Year, with De Noire explaining that clients who do visit during this time often do so out of personal circumstances. “When somebody comes to the brothel [during this time] it usually means they are divorced or don’t want to spend time with their families,” she said. The brothel’s atmosphere shifts once again as New Year’s Eve approaches, with a notable uptick in business.
“People love to party, they love to go to the brothel. I always have a night shift on New Year’s Eve,” De Noire remarked. Her experience indicates that many patrons arrive after midnight, often inebriated and ready to celebrate. “Sometimes clients come because they want to have midnight sex, but most come around 02:00 or 03:00 — already drunk,” she added. This high-energy environment can be challenging for staff, who must remain focused throughout the night.
The following day, New Year’s Day, sees a continuation of festivities, with lines forming outside the brothel as patrons seek to continue their celebrations. This lively period comes to a halt on January 2, when many customers recuperate from their hangovers and rethink their New Year’s resolutions.
Despite the typical patterns observed during past festive seasons, De Noire expressed concerns about the current economic climate affecting business. “This year will be different,” she stated. “It never got busy after March this year. It’s really strange. People tend to spend less, and we’re seeing a decline in the number of customers.” Reports suggest that some sex workers are earning half of their usual income, as clients attempt to save money amid a growing cost-of-living crisis.
De Noire attributed these changes to broader economic issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising tariffs. “I think people are expecting a recession. Going to the brothel is not the thing you need for your life, and so it’s usually the first thing you cut off,” she explained.
As the festive season approaches, the impact of these economic trends on the adult industry remains uncertain. De Noire’s insights shed light on the complex interplay between seasonal festivities and the realities faced by sex workers and their clients in a challenging economic landscape.
