Bethlehem Revives Christmas Spirit with Tree Lighting Amid Ongoing Tensions

Sat Dec 20 2025 13:47:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

For the first time since the Gaza war, Bethlehem lights its Christmas tree, symbolizing hope and resilience. The local community reflects on the past two years of silence and embraces the joy of the holiday season, despite ongoing challenges.

Bethlehem has resumed its Christmas celebrations with the lighting of the traditional giant tree after two years of cancellations due to the Gaza war. Amidst ongoing tensions and economic difficulties, Mayor Maher Canawati and locals express their desire for hope and peace this holiday season. Shops and streets brighten up with festive decorations, and the return of foreign tourists hints at a revival for the local economy.

For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank – where Christians believe Jesus was born.

But after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work, says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero.

The mayor acknowledges that resuming celebrations carries controversy, particularly with suffering continuing in Gaza – where many have relatives in Bethlehem.

Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate, Mr. Canawati reflects. But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us.

Locals, both Christians and Muslims, pose for selfies in front of the tree decorated with red and gold baubles in Manger Square, joined by a handful of foreign tourists. Streets brighten with colorful lights and signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

Jewelry designer Nadya Hazboun expressed joy at the resumption of celebrations, citing Bethlehem as the origins of Christmas: This is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world.

Nearby towns also prepare to light Christmas trees in coming days, while local hotels see an influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens and foreign visitors.

Tourist interest remains strong despite the region's ongoing struggles. A Russian visitor named Angelica shared her support for the locale, hoping for a return of tourism to the area.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the local population faces grim economic conditions, struggling to celebrate in the spirit of the season due to financial constraints, with reports of families unable to afford traditional holiday treats.

As locals mark Christmas, they reflect on their hopes for peace and the revitalization of tourism to the birthplace of Christ.