On Wednesday and the night that followed, Christmas events were held in Manger Square in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem. For the first time in two years, the celebrations included festive ceremonies and performances. Over the past two years, due to the war and as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, only religious rites were held, without any visible public expressions of joy.
How Did Bethlehem Mark Its Return to Christmas Celebrations?
A neighbor of Jerusalem, the city of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, donned its festive spirit this week and returned to celebrating Christmas with religious ceremonies and joyful public events. Large groups from Palestinian cities across Judea and Samaria were seen filling the streets, marching in traditional processions unseen for years. The parades moved from Star Street toward Manger Square, accompanied by bagpipes and drums and watched by large crowds of locals and visitors.
In Manger Square itself, the giant Christmas tree was once again erected, illuminated with countless sparkling lights. This year, the tree was decorated symbolically, blending traditional Christmas motifs with a call for peace for the children of Gaza. As the convoy of the Latin Patriarch arrived in the square, an extensive fireworks display lit up the sky above the Church of the Nativity. Palestinian reports emphasized that this marked a significant change from December 2024, when fireworks were entirely canceled as a sign of mourning.
Who Attended the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity?
The celebrations reached their peak during the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, attended by a representative of Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya. Also present were Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh, ambassadors, political figures, and Muslim and Christian religious leaders.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, delivered the central sermon, calling for the replacement of hatred and warfare with faith, love, and tolerance. In his address, he also thanked the King of Jordan for his continued support for the residents of Gaza and for the holy sites in Jerusalem.
بعد توقف دام عامين بسبب الحرب على غزة، عادت فرق الكشافة لاستئناف احتفالات أعياد الميلاد في ساحة المهد بمدينة بيت لحم#العربي_الجديد pic.twitter.com/0Y8VmGd1EV
— العربي الجديد (@alaraby_ar) December 24, 2025
