Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lit Up Amid Gaza Conflict

Bethlehem has lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the Gaza War, marking a return of public celebrations at the Nativity Church and Manger Square.

sarah

Dec 6, 2025 - 21:29

Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lit Up Amid Gaza Conflict

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

But after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided to return this year, symbolizing the lighting of the traditional, large Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.

"These two years of silence have been very bad; no Christmas, no jobs, no work," says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canavati. "We all live on tourism here, and tourism had dropped to zero."

The mayor admits that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including among its small Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.

"Some people may say it's not right, and others may say it's right," Mr. Canavati told me. "But deep down in my heart, I felt it was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or canceled. It's a beacon of hope for us."

Locals – both Christians and Muslims – pose for selfies in front of a tree hung with red and gold ornaments in Manger Square. They're joined by a few foreign tourists.

The streets are now adorned with brightly colored lights and signs advertising Christmas markets and children's parties.

Local jewelry designer Nadya Hazboun says, "We're so happy to have the tree first, to see foreigners in Bethlehem, and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit."

"This is where it all started, so from here we can send a message to the world about what Christmas should really be. And this year, if Christmas is celebrated peacefully, I hope it will bring a good message to the whole world."

The neighboring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels – which have been largely empty for the past two years – are flooded with bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel, as well as some foreign visitors.

Angelica, a tourist from Russia, is on her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone should come here at least once in their lifetime," she tells me.

"I hope many people will return soon because it's sad without so many tourists. The only good thing is that you don't have to wait in long lines – you can come and see more. When I came before, you had to wait in line for at least a few hours."

For now, there's little business in the souvenir shops scattered around Bethlehem, and outside the cream-colored walls of the Nativity Church, which dates back to the fourth century, tour guides stand mostly empty. Before the Gaza War, it was often bustling with people.

Hamza, a guide, worries that the constant news coverage is making people think the situation is still dangerous. He insists it's safe.

"This is a tourist town; there's no life here without tourism," Hamza laments. "We hope people will come back as before: from Europe, the Middle East, the US, Latin America, and everywhere. We'll start with the Christmas tree lighting, and wait."

Over the past two years, unemployment has risen sharply in Bethlehem. Since Hamas's deadly attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, which triggered the war, thousands of Palestinian laborers from the West Bank have been barred from entering Israel and its settlements for work.

Meanwhile, government employees have received only a small amount of salary from the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs parts of the West Bank. According to the UN's Trade and Development Agency, the PA relies on tax revenue collected from Israel, which it is withholding – amounting to $1.76 billion.

Israel says it is withholding funds because the PA makes payments to Palestinian prisoners, encouraging them to attack Israelis. The authority – which has been under international pressure to reform – says it recently overhauled its welfare system.

The poor economic situation means that for many Palestinian Christians, even though religious services and public events are now taking place, this will be a low-key Christmas.

Along Manger Square, a few customers wait to buy sizzling balls of falafel from a line of shops.

"We are preparing for Christmas after our most difficult period as Palestinians and Christians, with our incomes drastically reduced," says Alaa Salameh, owner of the decades-old family restaurant Aftim. He says that recently many families couldn't even afford falafel – a cheap, traditional snack.

Mr. Salameh hopes, "Christians will try to celebrate, but according to their circumstances." "Anyone who wants to take their children to a festival or the theater or somewhere else doesn't have the money for this celebration." In the cave-like cavern beneath the Nativity Church, a local woman follows a small Indian tour group, leaning near a silver star that marks the spot where Jesus is said to have been born and lighting a candle nearby.