Beirut, Lebanon, 15 December 2020: City Centre Beirut welcomed the festive spirit at its Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday December 4th, marking the start of the mall’s holiday season. Live streamed on City Centre Beirut’s social media platforms due to the challenges set by the pandemic, the online event allowed those near and far to enjoy the much-anticipated celebration, now a yearly tradition, while ensuring their safety and minimizing the gathering of big crowds inside the mall.
The show was hosted by Jerry Ghazal, who opened with a word highlighting the resilience of Lebanese people during a particularly difficult year: “City Centre Beirut was keen to hold this event and broadcast it online, to bring joy to every Lebanese home despite the difficulties we are all facing. This year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a message of hope and faith in a better future for Lebanon. We hope that this New Year will bring goodness, love and prosperity to everyone”. The heartfelt introduction was followed by a moving performance of Christmas carols by the Demeure D Muses Academy choir.
The City Centre Beirut team then gathered on stage to turn on the Christmas tree lights and welcome the holiday spirit. “In the face of all the challenges that we as a country have been through this year, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the economic crisis, and the tragic explosion, our hope for a better tomorrow remains strong. At City Centre we continue to strive to create great moments for our community and bring positivity and togetherness at this special time of year” said Mr. Raymond Zaarour, Senior Mall Manager at Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, while closing the show.
City Centre Beirut visitors are able to experience a variety of Christmas activities at the mall from including the Giant Earth Globe — a touchless installation where shoppers scan QR codes with their phones to watch and learn fun facts and insights about Christmas traditions in other countries. There are also interactive touchless games for all ages where shoppers will be able to score points and pick a prize from a pool of gifts made by local artisans.
City Centre Beirut is a popular attraction during the Christmas season — a meeting point for all members of the family, and a leading destination for shopping that satisfies all tastes and categories. And despite all the challenges that the country faced this year, City Centre Beirut will continue to thrive to put a smile on the faces of the Lebanese people by creating great moments for everyone, everywhere.