Now, I’ve been to several places around the world over the holidays, but I’d never experienced a christmas market here in Lebanon before… Until this year.

When you first walk into the Train Station area, you’ll have to walk for about a couple of minutes to get to the isolated building. Mix that in with the occasional drops of rain and the cold December wind, and it feels like you really are walking into the North Pole.

You pay a 5.000LL entrance from either one of the entrance/exits from the smiley Ihjoz staff, and prepare yourself for an event like never seen before in Lebanon.

(Note: While reading this article, I would recommend listening to On Melancholy Hill by the Gorrillaz which, in my opinion, is the perfect music to describe the whole place)

There are traditional christmas lights everywhere (and I mean EVERYWHERE) floating right above you.

Standing from either end of the place, it looks like a cloud of stars hovering over the guests. It is really, really, beautiful. There are candy canes, christmas tree ornaments, and (I’m guessing  fake) red balloons floating overhead, as if stuck in the cloud of stars, all across the venue. But to my disappointment… No mistletoe.

 When it comes to decorations, I have to give two thumbs up.

It feels like, in case you forgot what the event is about, and in case you can’t hear the music, not to fear! There are decorations everywhere… And I mean EVERYWHERE.

There’s a stage in the center of the venue, where live entertainment occasionally climb on stage when the DJ wants to take a break.

The music starts off calm and peaceful for the first half of the event, as if from a “Chill music” playlist.. (I don’t know about you but I have one of those, and after going to the event I added a lot of more songs to the list).

Every now and again, a christmas song pops on the speakers to remind you that you are in fact just a few short weeks away from christmas eve!

When it starts to become nighttime, the DJ spices it up a little bit and puts some upbeat songs, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.

There are loads of tables scattered everywhere for you to sit around and take a break from walking… Maybe even post a snapchat, a tweet, an instagram post, or even a facebook post.

Animators in the kids area are so full of life, even when the kids are long gone. Someone needs to keep the energy going!

There are even horses to rent for all ages!  What better way to have fun other than to race your friends on a small horse, racing around the track.. Sorry I mean stands.

The place is divided by the center into two “Sections” that are subtly highlighted by the colours Red and Green:

When you enter the “Red Area”, walk around to find a wide range of presents for both you and your loved ones…

You name it! Hats, Scarves, Pillows, Mugs, Art Pieces, Christmas ornaments, Statuettes, Jewellery and so much more…

There are stands to go and pay for the items you want to buy, it’s very neat and organised leaving no room for mistake.

And I simply love that.

Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see a camera crew here and there… They just want to make sure nobody misses this event!

Once you start nearing the “Green Area”, you’ll know for sure that you’re entering in Santa’s Secret Kitchen.

You should definitely come have both lunch and/or dinner here.

The food stand employees’ enthusiasm reminded me of the previous Halloween themed Souk el Akel. If you missed that, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!

I asked a shopper about her thoughts on the venue, but even with a Semi-Life Sized Santa Claus Statue as part of the decorations, she thought there should be a real Santa and some Elves skipping around, spreading joy to the passers by.

The place is animal friendly, some other guests might get scared, but for a trained pet, it shouldn’t be a problem. They should enjoy this event just as much as the rest of us!

Don’t miss the last day of the event, at The Train Station in Mar Mkhayel today from 12PM to 11Pm! 

Have a very merry christmas !