Bars, clubs, or the outdoors: New Year’s Eve ideas for every budget in Lebanon

The festive season is here, and with it comes a wide array of events to ring in the new year. Whether you're the type to dance all night in a nightclub, or just want to step out for the final seconds of the year before heading back to bed, L’Orient-Le Jour has put together a completely arbitrary and by no means exhaustive selection of events planned to celebrate the arrival of 2026. Thrifty spenders and extravagant partygoers alike will find something—though probably more so the latter than the former.

For a free (or almost free) New Year's Eve

Among dozens of events that could cost you an arm or even both, here are some free or low-cost options! Forget the long lines and wild crowds, and try these calmer yet equally enjoyable suggestions. It’s the perfect way to start the new year off right (and still have enough left to fund it!):

• Take a walk along Corniche el-Mazraa (serious walkers can continue to Zaitunay Bay) with views of the coast until the final countdown. You’ll likely encounter other Beirutis with the same idea, so you can feel surrounded without being overcrowded all night long.
• Meet up with friends at Place de l’Étoile, reopened since last February. The roads leading there had been blocked by concrete barriers restricting access to Parliament since the 2019 protests.
• Enjoy a tawouq or batata sandwich from the legendary Barbar, open 24/7 year-round, before wandering through the lively streets of Hamra and heading to Pigeon Rocks for midnight.
• Go "bar hopping"—a night of bar touring. You'll find plenty of places to quench your thirst in Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, or Badaro, wherever the party crowd leads you.
• Stop by your favorite ice cream spot (Hanna Mitri, Bachir, Flocon, Orso Bianco, Booza Society, to name just a few) before making your way to the seafront through the bustling city center streets.

For an evening under $100

A few bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are offering parties to ring in the new year without breaking the bank. Here are five options from the dozens already announced.

• The iconic Métro al-Madina in Hamra is hosting a night with three DJs and live visual creations throughout. Tickets run from $25 to $40, book through Antoine Ticketing.
• The AHM club will feature DJs Satori and Undercatt for a techno-house party on the seafront. Tickets go for $45 to $55, book on Ihjoz.
• The Grand Factory nightclub in Bourj Hammoud hosts a night of electronic music with the Swiss duo Mont Rouge and Lebanese DJs ED’N’RAY. Early bird tickets are $40, book on Ihjoz.
• Recess club has a techno-house party with Russian DJ duo Goom Gum. Early tickets have sold out, but remaining ones are between $40 and $70, book on Tickit.
• If you want to escape to the mountains, the Mzaar festival offers a night with American DJ Stryv at Clos de Faqra in Kfar Dibian. The cheapest tickets are gone, but remaining ones start at $80, book on Ihjoz.

For partying like there’s no tomorrow

Surprise, surprise: you have the most options! Restaurants and clubs are offering complete packages—set menus plus entertainment—so you can celebrate the new year without even looking at the bill.

• The Smallville Hotel in Badaro is hosting a disco night with a set menu, multiple DJs, a belly dancer, and a percussion show. Tickets are between $175 and $230, book on Ihjoz.
• Lost and Found restaurant, newly opened this year in Clemenceau, is holding its first New Year's Eve party. There will be a DJ, set menu, and open bar, all for $120. Reserve by phone.
• The Wooden Cellar, an Italian restaurant in Mar Mikhael known for its live music, offers a night with a guitarist, violinist, singers, and four different menus, ranging from $150 to $170. Reserve by phone.
• Nayla Café in Achrafieh will have a set menu, a DJ, unlimited open bar, prosecco, and party favors at midnight for $170. Reserve by phone.
• If you’re looking to get out of the capital, Le Grand Chalet hotel in Zaarour is offering a gala dinner and a musical evening with a bar. Tickets are between $120 and $125. Reserve by phone.

And because it seems celebrating New Year's on Dec. 31 is no longer "cool," some of these places—and others—are offering "minus one" and "minus two" parties, so you can ring in the new year ahead of everyone else on Dec. 29 and 30. For the trendiest crowd, check the online booking sites.

Bar, boîte ou plein air : des idées pour tous les budgets pour fêter le Nouvel An au Liban