After the big and popular success of the Christmas Village 2007 event, Christmas Village 2008 was held in Zgharta from 19 to 23 December 2008.

The inauguration took place on Friday 19th in the presence of Mrs Nayla Moawad, Mrs Marielle Moawad, Mrs Randa Boulos, Mrs Paula Douweihy, Mrs Sabine Rahal and Mr. Joud Soutou, President of the Association of the Zgharta-Zawyie Businessmen.

This festive event was intended to bring the spirit of happiness and joy to the hearts of the children and reduce festive expenses on parents by making the entry to the village free of charge.

Mrs N Moawad, M Moawad, R Boulos, P Doueihy
and S Rahal inaugurating the 5-day festival

This program included a major event each afternoon:
On Friday 19th:
A theatre play: Ghinwa et la surprise du Père Noël
On Saturday 20th:
Le Cirque du Liban and magicians tricks
On Sunday 21st:           
A theatre play: La lettre au Père Noël, presented by Le Club des 2 Clowns
On Monday 22nd:         
A theatre play: Noël autour du Monde
On Tuesday 23rd:          
Mini Studio

Other main activities held during the 5-day festival included:

A Christmas Crèche of 160 m2 conceived and built by young volunteers. (4700 decoration paper were used to build the Crèche, in addition to around 500 houses, 12 animal farms, natural trees borrowed from RMF's plant nursery, a 1-meter wide circular water way, 7 running water fountains...)

Musical concerts featuring Christmas songs and charols.

The “Christmas Market” in which various expositions by artists et Lebanese handicrafts were displayed, including Atelier Nanou, Artisanat Zgharta, D-Box, Rouba Mokadem, Sesobel, Terracotta and many others coming from Beirut, Tripoli and villages from North Lebanon. The exhibitors displayed traditional Lebanese crafts and Christmas ornaments like candles, embroideries, mouneh, chocolate, soap and balloons.

Free photos for children with Santa Claus (Photos were later delivered for free to the childrens' houses).

Face painting.

Riding on a Christmas charriot.

A mail box, where children could write their letters and send them to Santa Claus.