On December 5, 2025, the old streets of Byblos, Lebanon, turned into a living postcard. Families, children, and visitors gathered in front of a towering Christmas tree and festive decorations that lit up the historic city with warm colours and music.
The central square and the stone alleys around the old souk were packed with people taking photos under light tunnels, posing by the tree, and walking between decorated arches and shopfronts. Street vendors sold sweets and coffee, while nearby cafés and restaurants filled with people extending the night with food, music, and laughter.
From the harbour, the glow of the Christmas lights reflected on the Mediterranean, framing the tree against the backdrop of ancient walls and ruins. Children ran in circles with balloons and glowing toys, while parents tried to freeze the moment on their phones — a simple evening that felt special in a country used to difficult news.
In a Lebanon still struggling with economic and social crisis, the scene in Byblos felt like a quiet act of resistance. For a few hours, worries were pushed aside as parents lifted their children to see the lights, friends met to celebrate together, and strangers shared the same sense of seasonal joy.
More than just a local event, the gathering in Byblos sent a familiar message from Lebanon to the world: despite everything, people here still choose light, community, and hope.
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