When is Christmas Day?
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, 2026. It is classified here as a Lebanese public holiday.
History of Christmas Day
Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of Lebanon’s widely observed Christian public holidays. The public calendar separately recognises Armenian Orthodox Christmas in January, while December 25 provides the shared statutory holiday for churches that celebrate Christmas on the Western date.
Church services, nativity scenes, carols, family lunches and visits create the season’s texture. In cities, decorated streets, restaurants and markets add a public winter atmosphere; in homes, the lasting centre is often the table and the people gathered around it. Participation and religious meaning vary by family and community.
December 25 falling on Friday in 2026 requires no special substitute calculation. The standing decree makes the date a nationwide public holiday, while Lebanon’s separate January 6 holiday recognises Armenian Christmas. This two-date structure reflects the country’s confessional accommodation without implying that all Eastern Christians celebrate on January 6 or that every Christian church uses the same calendar. Seasonal commercial activity can remain substantial even when public administration and many private workplaces close.
How Christmas Day is observed
A nationwide public holiday on December 25. Church services, hospitality venues and transport may follow special Christmas schedules.
Traditions of Christmas Day
Family and friends
Lebanese households often use Christmas Day in Lebanon for a shared meal, telephone greetings, family visits and an unhurried break from work routines.
Public programmes
Lebanese schools, municipalities, cultural institutions and community organisations may arrange ceremonies, concerts, exhibitions or educational programmes appropriate to the occasion.
Check local hours
Public offices close on statutory holidays, while Lebanese shops, transport operators, restaurants and visitor sites publish their own opening schedules.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Lebanese official and legal guidance. Lunar dates, decree updates and public-service schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Lebanese Ministry of Industry: Working Hours and Holidays (Decree No. 15215, as amended), Council of Ministers: official holidays and public closures.
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