As the holiday season approaches, Al-Safa News offers a selection of cultural and festive events taking place throughout December. Exhibitions, concerts, performances, and other festivities invite you to experience warm and unforgettable moments, highlighting creativity and cultural diversity at the heart of Lebanon.


Beirut Chants

From December 4 to 23, 2024, the Beirut Chants Festival creates a space for connection and harmony through free concerts celebrating culture and spirituality. Highlights so far include Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Nativity Hymns, and performances by local and international talents supported by embassies and foreign institutions.

Notably, A Christmas with John Rutter was performed by the Philokalia Choir at Saint Joseph Church in Monnot, while the Christ the King Church in Zouk Mosbeh shone brightly with Light of Hope, a performance by Carla Chamoun.

Upcoming Events:

  • December 16: Violinist Francisco Fullana will perform a recital at Saint Maron Church in Gemmayze, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy.
  • December 20: Maestro Barkev Taslakian will lead the Fayha National Choir.
  • December 22: Pianist Théo Fouchenneret will present a recital at Saint Elias Church in Kantari, supported by the European Union.
  • December 23: The festival will close with a concert celebrating Puccini’s 100th anniversary, featuring tenor Bechara Moufarrej, the choir, and the orchestra of Notre Dame University, conducted by Father Khalil Rahmé, at Saint Maron Church in Gemmayze.

These events, hosted in Beirut’s iconic churches, embody Lebanon’s enduring artistic spirit and hope.


“A Christmas Song for Hope” by Bassma

On December 26, Bassma will host a special concert titled “A Christmas Song for Hope” at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church (Azarieh), Sassine. A medley of Christmas carols will be performed by the Beirut Soloists, accompanied by a group of children, to celebrate peace and support Bassma’s social initiatives.

This event encourages moments of serenity and generosity, bringing a glimmer of hope to Lebanon’s most vulnerable families. Bassma hopes this concert will spread the joy of Christmas and inspire the preservation of peace in the country.


Christmas at the Gallery: A Collective Exhibition

Chaos Art Gallery presents Christmas at the Gallery, a collective exhibition featuring works by Lebanese and international artists, including Patil Balian, May Ammoun, Nicole Sarkis, Chantal Awad, Hoda Baalbaki, Zeina Bacardi, Barbara Daeffler, Dipinto, Janet Hagopian, Yasser Khattar, Bassam Kyrillos, Charbel Lahoud, Hussein Madi, Yolande Naufal, Jacqueline Ohanian, and Edouard Souhaid.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM until January 11, 2025, the exhibition invites you to discover captivating and diverse creations. The gallery, located on Sursock Street 14 in Tabaris, promises to bring the magic of Christmas to the heart of Beirut.


Charles Aznavour Centennial: Monsieur Aznavour Documentary Premiere

To celebrate the centenary of Charles Aznavour, the Ugab-Lebanon (Armenian General Benevolent Union) is hosting a special premiere of the documentary Monsieur Aznavour, directed by Mehdi Idir. The event will take place on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM, at Grand Cinemas, ABC Dbayeh. Don’t miss this tribute to one of the most remarkable artists of our time!


USJ Choir: A Jazz and Choral Concert to Celebrate Christmas

Under the direction of Yasmina Sabbah, the USJ Choir presents a special concert on December 18 and 19, 2024, at 8:30 PM, at Saint Joseph Church, Monnot. This performance combines jazz and choral music, featuring Will Todd’s Mass in Blue, along with jazz standards and reinterpreted Christmas carols.

The artists, accompanied by the Beirut Jazz Quartet and soloist Marie-Josée Matar, promise an evening of captivating grooves, bluesy harmonies, and enthralling improvisations. A musical celebration of resilience and the festive spirit of Christmas.


“Feliz Navidad”: A Christmas Concert at Alba

The Christmas concert “Feliz Navidad”, organized by the Spanish Embassy and Alba Alumni Association, will feature La Chanterie de Beyrouth, directed by Noha Hatem, with Isabelle on keyboard. The event will take place on Friday, December 20, at 6:30 PM, at the Samir Abillama Amphitheater, Alba, Dekwaneh.