Bethlehem resumed its public Christmas celebrations this weekend for the first time since 2022, after the city suspended festivities for two years because of the war in Gaza. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered in Manger Square on Saturday night as the city lit its Christmas tree, marking the return of one of the most significant annual events for Palestinian Christians.
“This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about,” said Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. “And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world.”
Bethlehem, which is majority Muslim but historically home to one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, typically draws an interfaith crowd for the lighting. Local Christian and Muslim families attended along with visitors from across the West Bank and Israel.
Canawati said the city has prepared daily events throughout December as part of the relaunch. He told reporters programs would include carols in multiple languages, a Christmas bazaar and live-streamed productions.
Canawati described the celebrations as inclusive for all residents.
“We are preparing a biblical production from all denominations, comparing what happened in Gaza today with what happened 2,000 years ago under Herod,” he told Premier Christian News. He added that both Muslims and Christians participate annually in the city’s Christmas programming.
The mayor also noted the economic strain the city has faced due to the war and the loss of tourism.
“After two years of having zero tourism here in Bethlehem and the shutdown of tourist establishments, including hotels, workshops, shops and restaurants, we’ve started to feel that things are beginning to return to how they were before the war,” he said.
Tourism and religious pilgrimage have long been Bethlehem’s primary economic engines. According to the local government, around 80 percent of the population depends on tourism-related income, and those earnings support communities across the West Bank.
That economic lifeline collapsed when war broke out in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. Bethlehem authorities canceled major Christmas celebrations during Israel’s retaliatory offensive, and Israel’s military expanded operations in the West Bank, including areas near Bethlehem. A ceasefire is currently in place, but Israeli military operations continue in parts of the West Bank and travel restrictions remain.
This year’s event did not include fireworks or major performances. City leaders said the scaled-back format reflected the continued uncertainty in the region even as Christmas activities reopen.
Residents say they are hoping for a full recovery as Christmas festivities resume.
“The decision we took was to reignite the spirit of Christmas and to reignite hope,” Canawati said. “I think this sends a great message to the whole world that we Palestinians love life and we are eagerly looking forward to a peaceful solution.”