Christmas tree installed in Bethlehem Square after a two-year break

Workers setteing up a Christmas tree in the square near the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, November 25, 2025. Photo: AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean

In Palestinian Bethlehem, the town of the Nativity of Christ, for the first time in two years – on December 6, 2025 – the Christmas tree was lit in Manger Square. This is reported by America Magazine.

The resource notes that the decision to bring back Christmas celebrations has become especially significant against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian and economic situation. Despite the instability, the religious communities of the Holy Land maintain the tradition: Bethlehem will once again host three Christmas celebrations – December 25 for Western churches, January 7 for Orthodox, and January 18 for Armenian Christians. Masses will be held at the Church of the Nativity. The streets of the city are being decorated, scouts are preparing parades, and choirs are rehearsing Christmas carols.

"The ceasefire in Gaza, brokered by the United States in October, has not halted Israeli attacks on Palestinians, nor has it eased the suffering in Gaza or the West Bank. Yet Bethlehem is choosing to celebrate," the publication comments.

This decision prompted other Palestinian cities to join the celebration. Streets and churches are being decorated from Beit Jala and Ramallah to Nablus and Zababdeh.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said that Christmas in Palestine is “a deeply spiritual act – a time for peace, solidarity and compassion for those who continue to suffer,” and that the lighting of the tree represents “a strong reaffirmation of community, unity and faith.” Former Mayor Anton Salman adds that this year’s festivities express Palestinians’ determination to maintain hope “amid ongoing adversity”.

America Magazine notes that the city and region continue to suffer from settler violence, which threatens the existence of local Christian communities. Among them are nearby towns, including Beit Sahour – the site of the Shepherds' Field, where, according to the Gospel of Luke, angels appeared to shepherds to announce the birth of the Christ child. The city's mayor, Elias Isid, recently sent an urgent letter to world and church leaders, warning of an Israeli plan to build a new settlement on the city's lands – an "act of eviction," he writes, which will "intimidate" the peaceful, predominantly Christian community.

Archbishop Atallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem reminded that the world should not forget the suffering of the inhabitants of the Holy Land, but despite everything, "hope endures".

As reported by the UOJ, Bethlehem authorities are urging pilgrims to visit Palestine for Christmas.

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