Christmas is an important season in Lebanon and people of all regions and ages take it very thoughtfully. That’s why every year around this time you’ll find a variety of activities and events that meets all tastes. Even this year, with all that is happening, there are plenty of things to do and enjoy during this season. Whether you’re the festive or the chill type, and whether with your family or your friends, you’ll find things in this list that will make your Christmas merry:
#1 Christmas market at Zeituna Bay:
Zeituna Bay will host a Christmas market every day from 13 December to 5 January from 1:00 pm till 11:00 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to encourage Lebanese manufacturing and crafts, and there will be a variety of products for every taste.
#2 Christmas concert at Mkhalssiye St., Saifi Village:
This one is for Opera lovers! The ‘Spread the Joy’ concert will take place at Our Lady of Dormition Church, Mkhalsiye St., Saifi village on December 19 at 7:00 pm. And hey, free entrance!
#3 Christmas exhibition in Sahel-Alma, Jounieh
This Christmas art craft exhibition will take place in Sahel Alma, Jounieh. The exhibition is held for a charitable purpose, as all the proceeds go to ‘La Chaine des Amis’, which is a women’s association that helps with social causes and other activities chosen by the association.
The exhibition’s opening will be at 5, 6 and 7 December and will run until 28 December from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding all Sundays.
#4 Christmas village at Beirut new waterfront:
The frozen City at Seaside Arena, Beirut new waterfront, is sure to get you and your family a magical Christmas experience. This is the biggest indoor Christmas village to ever take place in the middle east, and it includes so many different and fun activities.
You can get your tickets at Virgin Ticketing Box Office and a 1,000 LL from each ticket will be donated to Children’s Cancer Center. This village will run from December 6 till January 5.
#5 Christmas musical in Sin el Fil
The Nutcracker will be performed by The Gayaneh Ballet School’s talented students at Nabil Kahhaleh Hall, Sin el Fil on December 13 at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm, and December 14 at 5:00 pm. Tickets are sold at Hamazkayin Levon Shant, Aghpalian Centers, and all Librairie Antoine branches.
#6 Christmas bazaar in Hamra, Commodore St.
This annual Christmas bazaar is open December Friday 13 and Saturday 14, from 10 am till 9 pm at Assaf building, 2nd floor, Commodore st., Hamra. All proceeds go to StepTogether School for kids with special needs.
#7 Christmas bazaar in Hamra, Adonis St.
The Christmas Bazaar in Hamra starts December 3 and continues until January 7, from 10 AM to 6 PM, except Sundays.
#8 Christmas streets
The streets of Lebanon are the prettiest during Christmas time. Lights, decorations, Christmas trains, and happy people. A simple walk or drive around would be a special time. From downtown Beirut, Zahle, Jbeil, Jounieh, Hamra, to any other street you’re in, everything will be red, green, and cheerful with lights.
#9 Christmas shopping centers
Another great opportunity to walk around and enjoy a classic Christmas experience in shopping centers like ABC Mall in Verdun and Dbayeh, City Center Beirut, The Spot in Chouaifet El Qoubbeh, Nabatiyeh, and Sidon, City Mall in Beirut, Cascada Mall in Taanayel, etc.
You’ll have a wonderful time doing your Christmas shopping or just walk around in this great ambiance. They also do Santa meet-and-greets and Christmas shows; so keep an eye on your nearest mall’s updates.
#10 Enjoying the Christmas trees in their variety
The iconic Christmas trees are distributed every year in almost every region in Lebanon. They are big and beautifully decorated and lit, and they’re everywhere: Byblos, Dhour Choueir, Jounieh, Down Town, Anfeh, Tripoli, Douris, etc. Also make sure to check the ambitious, environmental tree in Chekka this year.
And soon the uniquely creative Christmas Tree of the Revolution in Beirut with the participation of people from across Lebanon.
#11 Give back
Food Blessed in Verdun and Bourj Hammoud, Arc En Ciel, The Lebanese Red Cross, are among the many charities in Lebanon that are always in need of donations. Doing charity work around this time will make some Lebanese families’ Christmas better and a much happier time.
#12 Skiing
Mzaar Ski Resort, Zaarour Club, Cedars Ski Resort, Faqra Club, Laklouk Ski Resort, Qanat Bakish, are all great sites for you to enjoy your holiday with your friends and family.
#13 Partying
To be honest, the holidays are just another excuse for Lebanese people to party more. If you’re a fan of Lebanon’s nightlife, there’s a number of clubs that throw the sickest parties that you can enjoy on your holiday.
#14 Parks in Christmas season
Going to public parks around Christmas time is truly magical. Birak park in Barouk, Beirut Luna park, and other decorated and joyful places are guaranteed to make you spend an enjoyable time with your family and friends.
#15 Kids entertainment in Mar Mkhayel
Ensure your kids a fun, great time at TrainStation, Mar Mkhayel with Christmas entertainment, shopping, food, and drink, from 13 to 22 December. For additional information call the above number.
#16 Kids entertainment in Dbayeh
What greater way for kids to have an amazing Christmas experience than enjoying a fun storytelling time with Santa and Mama Claus. The activities also include writing letters, soft play access, lego construction, and face painting. This is hosted by Talent Square, The Village Dbayeh, on the 6th and the 13th of december, from 4:30 pm till 7:00 pm.
In hopes that people in Lebanon will do their best to enjoy the holidays this year amid all that is happening in the country. This is their opportunity to take a breath of fresh air and get a glorious distraction by doing fun activities and attend events that’ll ensure them a great time!
