For the first time since the outbreak of the Gaza war, Bethlehem has resumed public Christmas celebrations with the lighting of its traditional Christmas tree in Manger Square, outside the historic Church of the Nativity.
For two consecutive years, all public Christmas festivities were cancelled in the occupied West Bank city, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus. Following a recent ceasefire, city authorities decided to bring back the celebrations as a symbol of hope.
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said the past two years had been marked by silence and economic hardship. Tourism, the city’s main source of income, collapsed entirely during the conflict.
The decision to resume festivities was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza, including among its small Christian population, many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem. However, the mayor said he believed Christmas should never be cancelled and described the celebrations as a message of hope.
Residents, both Christians and Muslims, gathered in Manger Square to take photographs in front of the towering Christmas tree decorated with red and gold ornaments. Bright lights now line the streets, and Christmas bazaars and children’s events have returned, though on a modest scale.
Local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun welcomed the return of the festivities, saying Bethlehem had an important message to share with the world about the true meaning of Christmas. She expressed hope that a peaceful Christmas season would inspire peace globally.
Neighbouring towns, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, are also preparing to light their Christmas trees. Hotels that stood nearly empty for two years have begun receiving bookings, mainly from Palestinian citizens of Israel and a small number of foreign visitors.
Despite this, tourism remains far below pre-war levels. Souvenir shops and tour guides around the Church of the Nativity continue to see little business. Local guides say ongoing conflict-related news has discouraged many visitors, even though they insist the city is safe.
Bethlehem has been hit hard by unemployment since the war began in October 2023, after Palestinian workers from the West Bank were barred from entering Israel for work. Public servants have also received reduced salaries as the Palestinian Authority struggles financially due to withheld tax revenues collected by Israel.
The economic strain means that for many Palestinian Christians, Christmas celebrations will be modest. Restaurant owner Alaa Salameh said many families can barely afford basic meals, let alone festive outings for their children.
Inside the Church of the Nativity, visitors continue to light candles at the grotto believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus. As celebrations cautiously return, residents say they are praying for lasting peace and for tourists to once again visit the city where Christmas is believed to have begun.
