Christmas Spirit Returns to Bethlehem as Tree Lighting Marks End of Two-Year Hiatus

• Bethlehem celebrated its first public Christmas tree lighting in over two years, bringing hope and festive cheer back to the historic city after the war in Gaza disrupted traditional celebrations.

Christmas celebrations returned to Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, as the city lit its iconic Christmas tree near the Church of the Nativity on Manger Square.

This marked the first public festivity since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023.

Adorned in red and gold baubles, the tree’s twinkling lights and a bright red star atop illuminated the night sky, drawing cheers from thousands of attendees.

Christians and Muslims, pilgrims from across Palestinian territories, Israel, and beyond gathered to witness the symbolic event, which represents resilience and hope after years of conflict.

“This is a symbol of resilience,” said 27-year-old Abeer Shtaya, who traveled 100 kilometres from Salfit to join the celebrations. Locals like Mike Shahen, a ceramics shop owner, echoed the sentiment, noting that the event signaled a return to calm amid a backdrop of continued regional uncertainty.

The festive return follows a difficult period for Bethlehem, which had only begun recovering from the Covid pandemic before the war in Gaza disrupted tourism and daily life. Long queues at military checkpoints and heightened security measures across the West Bank continue to affect travel and commerce, while lingering fears from regional hostilities temper celebrations.

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Despite these challenges, the city welcomed back pilgrims and visitors cautiously. Nuns, families, and children lined balconies and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the tree. Attendees described the event as emotionally moving, marking the first major celebration in two years.

Local guides report that while full recovery of tourism may take time, the Christmas tree lighting is a tentative but hopeful step toward reviving Bethlehem’s cultural and religious traditions, as the city continues to navigate the ongoing regional instability.