The Jerusalem Post - Israel News

Christmas in israel

Christmas in Jerusalem: Take a last-minute trip to the Holy City for some much-needed festive cheer

Here’s how to celebrate the merriest of seasons in the most magical city in the world.

|ByLAUREN GUMPORT
THE WINTER Dreams exhibit at the Botanical Gardens
The service of the Royal Hours of Christmas at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on Friday, January 5, 2024.

Orthodox Christians in Israel mark holiday as war in Gaza rages on

Armenian Christians celebrate the holiday on January 6. However, Armenians in Jerusalem will celebrate Christmas from January 18-19.

|ByMAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with members of Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, November 4, 2023

Pope: Israelis, Palestinians face Christmas 'of pain and mourning'

Pope Francis has called several times for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas.

|ByREUTERS
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.

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."

|ByREUTERS

President Herzog lights Christmas tree in Jaffa with Christian community

Along with being given the honor of lighting the Christmas tree, Herzog also met with prominent members of the Christian community of Jaffa.

DECEMBER 22, 2022
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, retired Supreme Court Justice George Kara and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai lit the Christmas tree with members of the Jaffa Christian community (December 21, 2022).

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.

DECEMBER 22, 2021
ByHILA TAMIR
‘I SPENT many a Christmas Eve in Bethlehem’s Manger Square’: Taking a selfie there on a previous holiday; illustrative.

Why are there various dates for Christmas?

In Jerusalem and nearby Bethlehem, unlike anywhere else, the birthday of the Christian messiah is celebrated three times.

DECEMBER 16, 2021
A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL at the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City last week.

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.

DECEMBER 16, 2021
YMCA's lit-up Christmas tree in Jerusalem.

Tourism Ministry spreads a little Christmas cheer with Santa Claus

Santa Claus was spotted riding a paddle board on Sunday to a spot in the Dead Sea a short way from the shore where the salt had accumulated.

DECEMBER 24, 2020
Santa Claus striking a pose for the cameras after sticking a Christmas tree on a salt formation in the Dead Sea yesterday

Coronavirus Christmas: Limited gatherings to be allowed even in lockdown

Gatherings for worship will be permitted under special regulations on December 25, January 7 and January 19.

DECEMBER 24, 2020
YULETIDE VIBES: Christmas season at the YMCA attracts crowds from all over the country.

Four Santa Clauses visit Tel Aviv beach for pre-Christmas volleyball game

Tel Aviv is not the only town to have been visited by jolly old St. Nick this year, even amid the coronavirus pandemic.

DECEMBER 23, 2020
Four people dressed up as Santa Claus took to the Tel Aviv beach for a game of volleyball ahead of Christmas, on December 23, 2020.

Rivlin, Pope Francis exchange Christmas, Hanukkah greetings amid COVID-19

Though they do not coincide this year, Hanukkah and Christmas are often associated with one another due to seasonal concurrence.

DECEMBER 14, 2020
FILE PHOTO: President Reuven Rivlin is seen meeting with Pope Francis.

How will Christmas be celebrated in Judea and Samaria?

The Administration will work to prevent crowding through police enforcement.

NOVEMBER 27, 2020
Palestinians light Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, November 30, 2019

Knesset clashes over Edelstein’s gesture to Christian MKs for Christmas

Abu Rahmoun said she found it disturbing that Ariel does not care about the freedom of religion of Arab MKs.

DECEMBER 22, 2018
A man dressed as Santa Claus gestures in front of a Christmas tree

Jewish Home Youth celebrate at ‘Novi God’ party

Bayit Yehudi activists break taboo and stage Russian New Year event eyeing new demographic for the religious-Zionist party.

DECEMBER 31, 2017
Idit Druyan and Yonatan Dobov of Bayit Yehudi’s youth wing celebrate at the ‘Russian New Year’ party they organized