US EditionChristmas celebrations return to Bethlehem after 2 years of war in Gaza
A fragile ceasefire has allowed Bethlehem to resume Christmas events, with local tourism rising to 70% hotel occupancy, signaling economic revival after two years of war disruption.
- On Dec. 6, 2025, a 20m Christmas tree was lit at Manger Square, Bethlehem, West Bank, marking the first public tree lighting since 2022 after the recent ceasefire.
- After the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Bethlehem tourism sector collapsed, Israel is withholding $1.76 billion in tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, and public servants received partial salaries.
- At the ceremony, thousands of Palestinians from across the West Bank and Israel cheered shortly before 8pm when the lights turned on, but there were no fireworks; Randa Bsoul said, `We came to celebrate, watch and enjoy because for several years we haven't had the chance.`
- Hotels in Bethlehem reported reservations pointing to around 70% occupancy during Christmas, while John Juka's family restaurant reopened and owners said the crowds felt like a deep exhale after hardship.
- Longer-Term pressures include Gaza's reported death toll above 70,000 and Bethlehem unemployment reportedly rising to 65%, amid Israeli checkpoints and economic strain.
132 Articles
132 Articles
The Tablet
Bethlehem Celebrates First Christmas Tree Lighting Since War as Pilgrims Slowly Return
A drone view shows Palestinians attending a Christmas tree lighting in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in the West Bank Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo: OSV News/Yosri Aljamal, Reuters) by Judith Sudilovsky BETHLEHEM, West Bank (OSV News) – Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 65-feet Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 – for the first time since December 2022 and the start of Israel-…
Christmas tree lighting held in Bethlehem for the first time since Gaza war began
People gathered in Bethlehem, in the Israeli occupied West Bank, to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree Saturday. It's the first time it's happened since the war in Gaza began two years ago.
Bethlehem, Birthplace of Jesus, Lights Christmas Tree Again After Two-Year Pause
People gather during the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony at the Manger Square, next to the Church of Nativity in the background, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Credit: EPA/ATEF SAFADI via AMNA Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus according to the Bible, saw its Christmas tree lighting return this year after a two-year pause, bringing a rare moment of joy amid the ongoing shadow of the Gaza war. The ceremony, held beside the Church of …
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