📰 Bethlehem Restores Full Christmas Celebrations, Offering ‘Light in the Darkness’ Amid Hope for Peace

December 2, 20250375

After two years of muted celebrations due to the Hamas–Israel conflict, Bethlehem is preparing to celebrate Christmas in its full splendor — a sign of renewed hope for the Holy Land.

Bethlehem Deputy Mayor Lucy Talgieh confirmed that the city is working round-the-clock to transform Manger Square and the surrounding streets with lights, decorations, and the iconic Christmas tree. Traditional events — including the tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas gift fair, and the Christmas Eve choir — are returning this year. The once-somber Jerusalem-to-Bethlehem Christmas Eve procession, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, is also expected to regain its joyful spirit.

The revival comes after years of hardship. Bethlehem’s local economy, especially its Christian artisan community, depends heavily on pilgrimages and tourism. COVID-19 restrictions and the outbreak of war in 2023 forced shops and workshops around Manger Square to close, leaving many families struggling.

Last year, Christian leaders urged parishes to cancel public Christmas celebrations and instead focus on aiding victims of the war. However, Church leaders later acknowledged that the decision was widely interpreted as a “cancellation of Christmas,” unintentionally dimming the Holy Land’s witness to hope.

This year marks a turning point. With the blessing of the Palestinian Authority, Bethlehem’s hotels, restaurants, and shops will remain open throughout December.

“Pilgrims can expect safety and security here,” said Deputy Mayor Talgieh, a Catholic herself.

Franciscan Father Rami Askarieh of Jerusalem emphasized that Cardinal Pizzaballa instructed local parishes to celebrate Christmas fully. “People here are exhausted,” he said. “They need a symbol of hope — a light in the darkness. Celebrating Christmas gives that hope to Christians and non-Christians alike.”

Although tensions remain in the region, Bethlehem and Jerusalem have seen a noticeable rise in visiting pilgrims. Elisa Leopold Moed, CEO of Travelujah, confirmed growing interest in travel to the Holy Land, even if group bookings for this Christmas season came too late due to earlier flight suspensions.

Despite this, Bethlehem expects at least 11,000 visitors during Christmas week — a modest but meaningful sign of renewed life.

“Bethlehem is the right place to celebrate Christmas,” Talgieh said. “With Jesus’ help, we will be reborn. We are looking forward to a better future.”

Credit: NCR