Detailed Guide to Lebanon’s Public Holidays 2026
- Almosafer
- Dec 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Lebanon, the jewel of the Levant, is a country that thrives on celebrations and cultural diversity.
In 2026, the calendar offers a fascinating mix of religious and national holidays.
Here is a detailed look at each occasion:
Whether you're a seasoned traveller in Lebanon or a curious first-timer, planning your trip around Public Holidays in Lebanon 2026 offers an enriching journey into the heart of its cultural heritage.
Lebanon Public Holidays Calendar 2026
Date (2026) | Day | Occasion |
1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
6 January | Tuesday | Armenian Orthodox Christmas |
9 February | Monday | St. Maron's Day |
14 February | Saturday | Commemoration of PM Rafik Hariri |
20 March | Friday | Eid Al Fitr (Estimated) |
25 March | Wednesday | Feast of the Annunciation |
3 April | Friday | Good Friday (Western) |
5 April | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Western) |
10 April | Friday | Good Friday (Eastern) |
12 April | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Eastern) |
1 May | Friday | Labour Day |
6 May | Wednesday | Martyrs' Day |
25 May | Monday | Resistance and Liberation Day |
27 May | Wednesday | Eid Al Adha (Estimated) |
16 June | Tuesday | Islamic New Year |
25 June | Thursday | Ashura (Estimated) |
15 August | Saturday | Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
25 August | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday |
22 November | Sunday | Independence Day |
25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
Also Read :
Highlights of the 2026 Festive Calendar
1. New Year’s Day (1st January)
In Lebanon, the year begins with grand celebrations. In 2026, New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, providing a perfect long weekend for skiing enthusiasts to visit the snowy slopes of Faraya and Mzaar.
2. Armenian Christmas (6th January)
Lebanon is the only country in the region to officially recognise this day, in honour of its vibrant Armenian community. Traditional masses are held, and families gather for festive dinners.
3. St. Maron’s Day (9th February)
Commemorating the patron saint of the Maronite community, this holiday falls on a Monday in 2026. Official celebrations and masses take place, particularly in Beirut’s Gemmayzeh district and Bkerke.
Suggested Read:
4. Commemoration of PM Rafik Hariri (14th February)
A national day to honour the memory of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. It is a day for reflection on national unity, with gatherings typically held in Martyr’s Square.
5. Feast of the Annunciation (25th March)
A unique national holiday shared by Christians and Muslims alike. It serves as a symbol of sectarian harmony, with shrines of the Virgin Mary welcoming worshippers from all faiths.
6. Easter Season (April)
In 2026, both Western and Eastern Easter will be celebrated in April. The season is famous for traditional egg-tapping competitions and midnight masses that illuminate villages across the Lebanese mountains.
Also Read :
7. Resistance and Liberation Day (25th May)
A national pride day marking the withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon in 2000. It is celebrated with festivals and patriotic speeches, particularly in the southern regions.
8. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2026
Eid Al Fitr (March): Celebrated in spring, the streets are filled with traditional sweets like Maamoul and family festivities.
Eid Al Adha (May): A time for social solidarity and charity, marked by traditional feasts and community gatherings in major cities like Beirut, Sidon, and Tripoli.
9. Ashura (Expected 25th June)
A day of solemn commemoration observed primarily by the Shia community. It is a day of public mourning and reflection, often accompanied by the distribution of Harissa (a traditional communal dish).
10. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15th August)
One of Lebanon’s most popular summer holidays. Many Lebanese return to their mountain villages for local festivals (haflis), processions, and traditional village lunches.
11. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (25th August)
The streets of Beirut and Tripoli are decorated with lights and banners. Sweets are distributed to passers-by in a joyous celebration of the Prophet’s birth.
12. Independence Day (22nd November)
Marking Lebanon’s independence in 1943, this day is celebrated with a central military parade in Beirut and various national activities. In 2026, it falls on a Sunday.
13. Christmas Day (25th December)
The year concludes with a magical Christmas atmosphere. Falling on a Friday in 2026, it guarantees a festive long weekend filled with grand displays and nativity scenes in cities like Byblos and Beirut.
Also Read: 8 Best Places to Visit in March 2025
Also Read :
FAQs about Public Holidays in Lebanon 2026
1. Are public offices and schools closed during these holidays?
Yes, in Lebanon, most of these dates are official public holidays. Government offices, schools, and many private sector businesses close to allow citizens to celebrate.
2. What is the longest holiday break expected in 2026?
The Eid Al Adha period in late May and the Easter weekends are expected to be the longest breaks, especially when combined with the surrounding weekends.
3. Do holiday dates change in Lebanon?
While national holidays have fixed dates (e.g., Independence Day), Islamic holidays (like Eid) are subject to moon sightings and may vary by a day or two.
4. Is it a good time for tourists to visit during the holidays?
Absolutely. While it may be busier, visiting during holidays like Christmas, the Feast of the Assumption, or Eid Al Fitr offers a unique opportunity to experience Lebanon’s rich hospitality and vibrant traditions.
So, why not plan your long weekend with Almosafer and book the best flights to Lebanon and the best hotels in Lebanon?
.png)