The Insider’s Guide to Christmas in Beirut
Beirut lights up for the holidays, with streets, cafés, and markets brimming with festive cheer. There’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season, so here’s our insider guide to experiencing Christmas magic in Beirut.
1. Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups
If you’re looking for more than just crowded street festivals, here are a few holiday markets and pop-ups you might want to check out this season.
The Corner Hub’s Christmas Pop-up at Turath in Gemmayze: From December 12 until December 15, 2025, Turath is celebrating the holiday season with a pop-up featuring many local brands you can support. The schedule also features numerous festive workshops and events, including ceramic workshops, gingerbread house building and decorating, Christmas cookie workshops, and more. Details here.
The Archif Edit at Arthaus Beirut in Gemmayze: On December 13 and 14, 2025, The Archif Edit returns for its second edition at a new location, celebrating pieces that carry memory, meaning, and stories worth preserving. This festive pop-up invites you to shop intentionally, with curated selections honoring the past—from cherished items in our tetas’ closets to runway treasures.
A Sweet Christmas Pop-up at Levant in Gemmayze: From December 19 to 21, 2025, the Sweet Christmas Pop-Up returns to Levant for its second edition. Celebrate the season while supporting local creativity and talent, with a cozy, festive atmosphere you won’t want to miss. Some of your favorite brands from last year are back, along with a curated selection of new ones.
Souk El Eid at Souk El Tayeb in Mar Mikhael: From Sunday 14 to Friday 19 December, 2025, Souk el Tayeb will be filled with mouneh, gifts, accessories, wine, a lively food court, and a throwback arcade section, with daily kids’ activities, entertainment, and shows.
2. Festive Eats & Drinks
Limited edition Christmas cocktails at Daraj in Mar Mikhael: Christmas flavors have arrived at Daraj, bringing holiday spices and sparkling cocktails to Mar Mikhael. Try all three limited-edition creations, capture festive moments, and celebrate with friends in the city’s ultimate holiday cocktail spot.
The Christmas Menu at Moon’s Coffee Shop & Bakery in Gemmayze: Tiramisu Bûche de Noël, coconut snowmen, Christmas tree-shaped cookies, and more delightful treats await. Available for dine-in throughout the month of December.
A Christmas Breakfast with Sultan Bakery at GOŪ in Gemmayze: For the early birds who hate idle Sundays, GOŪ is collaborating with Sultan Bakery to bring you lots of coffee and baked bites on December 12, 2025 at 10 AM.
Michael Saab’s Christmas Sandwich at GOŪ in Gemmayze: Don’t miss Michael Saab and his co-chef, Benz on December 19, 2025. He’ll be dropping a festive sandwich that you’ll only be able to enjoy at GOŪ.
3. Festive Photo Stops
For over-the-top Christmas decorations, we suggest:
The Wooden Cellar in Mar Mikhael: known for killing it with their Christmas decorations every year. This is the go-to spot to snap amazing holiday pictures, enjoy a candlelit dinner, and bask in the festive spirit.
Théo in Mar Mikhael: This bar and restaurant might be (relatively) the new kid on the block, but it surely impressed with its Christmas decorations this year. Stylish, on brand, but still festive AF.
Photo via @mishonthemove.
For more laidback but festive spots, we suggest:
Daraj in Mar Mikhael: A vibrant pet-friendly spot where you can also enjoy festive drinks if you’re not in the mood for coffee. The space is now decorated to match Beirut’s holiday spirit.
Backburner in Saifi: Upbeat, trendy, but still festive if you don’t want something overwhelmingly holiday-themed. The decorations are still very Backburner-esque.
Curl in Badaro: The coziest reading spot just become impossibly cozier for the holidays. You can grab your next holiday read while you’re at it!
4. Holiday Activities
Wine, dinner, and Christmas wreath-making at Café Amor in Achrafieh: Do something dreamy this Christmas and craft a festive wreath. Bring your favorite person and enjoy an evening of wine, dinner, and pure holiday magic at Amor.
You can also go on a blind date with a book! It would be a great Christmas gift to yourself or a loved one.
Holiday workshops at Karakeeb Creative Corner in Furn El Shebbak: Punch needle, candle-making, wreath-making, and more creative holiday workshops await this month. Make sure to keep an eye on their Instagram for any upcoming workshops you might want to join!
Chocolate-making Workshops with Patchi in Sodeco: Get hands-on this holiday at Patchi L’Atelier in Sodeco and make your own Christmas chocolates. Separate workshops are available for kids and adults, making it fun for everyone.
You can sign up here. Depending on the package you choose, you’ll also get to enjoy delicious bites after you’re done moulding your chocolates.
How would you rate our insider’s guide to Christmas in Beirut? Let us know if we missed any cool events! Make sure to check out the #Holidays2025 section on our website for more.
