Christmas in bethlehem

‘We may face extinction’: Bethlehem’s clergy sound alarm on exodus and extremism amid ongoing war

Bethlehem’s economic crisis deepens as tourism collapses during the Gaza conflict.

 Church of the Nativity.jpeg - Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity was almost empty on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024.
THE EXTERIOR OF the Church of the Nativity and a Christmas tree at Manger Square on Christmas eve, in Bethlehem.

After the Hamas attack, is Christmas canceled in Bethlehem and Syria? - analysis

 SOUVENIR SHOPS around Manger Square in Bethlehem are shuttered, earlier this month.

Christians everywhere should protest persecution in Middle East, Asia, Africa - opinion

A view of shuttered souvenir shops around the Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, December 9, 2023

'Worst Christmas ever' in birthplace of Jesus as impact of war empties Bethlehem


No Christmas tree in Bethlehem as holiday pared down over Gaza war

"We have never seen Bethlehem like this, not even during the time of COVID. The town is empty, sad."

 A monk stands inside the Church of the Nativity on the day of the launch of the beginning of the Christmas season, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Bethlehem in the West Bank, December 2, 2023.

Jesus' birthplace removes all Christmas decorations in honor of Hamas 'martyrs’

A spokesperson for the city also told the Telegraph, “The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration."

 Fireworks are set off as Palestinians light a Christmas tree at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, December 3, 2022.

Gaza Christians say Israel travel bans separate families at Christmas

This year, Israeli authorities have approved travel for nearly 600 Palestinian Christians in Gaza, according to COGAT.

 A Palestinian dressed as Santa gestures during a celebration in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, December 2, 2021. Picture taken December 2, 2021.

Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem fight PA over Christmas festivities

Christian residents of Bethlehem have accused the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah of attempting to “hijack” their holidays and marginalize the city’s role.

 A Palestinian dressed as Santa gestures during a celebration in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, December 2, 2021. Picture taken December 2, 2021.

Christians, Christmas, pre-COVID-19: Things I miss as a tour guide

I miss the Christians, and I miss Christmas - in Israel, before COVID-19 closures, before the Oslo Accords.

 ‘I SPENT many a Christmas Eve in Bethlehem’s Manger Square’: Taking a selfie there on a previous holiday; illustrative.

COVID-19 and the Grinch that stole Israel's Christmas

Operators like www.TouristIsrael.com are offering a Christmas Eve in Jerusalem and Bethlehem tour on December 24.

 YMCA's lit-up Christmas tree in Jerusalem.

'Sad Christmas' as Bethlehem copes with COVID-19

Christmas celebrations have been limited to religious rituals due to the coronavirus.

Christmas in Bethlehem has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, December 24, 2020

On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem’s Church of Nativity rebuilt in Minecraft

“With Israel being of major importance to multiple religions, it’s essential that people come to see the sites.”

Bethlehem’s Church of Nativity rebuilt in Minecraft

Tonight is Christmas – and the Israel Museum has a special display

The museum reveals a rare Eugolia token, believed to have been a souvenir for early Christians during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III attends a Christmas service according to the Eastern Orthodox calendar, in the church of Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

How will Christmas be celebrated in Judea and Samaria?

The Administration will work to prevent crowding through police enforcement.

Palestinians light Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, November 30, 2019

Christmas in Bethlehem: Celebrations may be limited due to coronavirus

Christmas celebrations in the biblical town known as Jesus' birthplace are generally attended by thousands of people from across the globe.

Palestinians light Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, November 30, 2019