Christmas festivities in the Holy Land are concentrated in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Haifa. Many streets are filled with Christmas decorations, trees, and illuminations, with many cultural and family activities available for tourists and locals alike.
Jerusalem
The Israel Ministry of Tourism is ready to welcome approximately 120,000 faithful expected to arrive in Israel for the Christmas period. From 14:00 on Christmas Eve (December 24) through to 02:00 on Christmas Day, the Ministry of Tourism will offer free roundtrip shuttle transportation, helping pilgrims traveling between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Buses will depart from the bus stop near the Carta Parking lot in Jerusalem (opposite Jaffa Gate and near Mamilla Boulevard) and will continue via Rachel’s Crossing to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem – and then back again. Â There may be changes to the schedule due to demand and traffic.Â
A festive Christmas Market will be held in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, in the area of the New Gate, from December 15 -25. The area will be illuminated and decorated for the season, with food and gift stalls, concerts, tours, live performances and more. Three concerts will be held in the Christian Quarter: at the Latin Patriarchate Church, the Church of San Salvador at the new gate, and the concert hall of the Custodia Terra Santa. The concerts will take place on 15/12; 22/12; 25/12, with advance registration and payment on the travel Jerusalem website.
An exhibition of large snowballs will be placed in the alleyways of the Christian Quarter, leading to Santa’s House. This unique Jerusalem institution, visited by thousands of tourists and locals, is the 700-year-old home of the only official, accredited Santa of the Holy Land, Issa Kassissieh. Known affectionately as the Jerusalem Santa, Kassissieh (a professional basketball player) opens his home, free of charge, every day except Sunday from 5pm – 8pm. The festively decorated house includes a Christmas bazaar, with drinks and toys.Â
Haifa
The Festival of Festivals in Haifa celebrates the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and the three festivals that often coincide during December, Hanuka, Christmas, and Ramadan. The festivities take place in the Arab Wadi Nisnas neighborhood and extend to the German Colony at the foot of the Baha’i’ Gardens.
Activities during this festival (held for three weekends in December) include an Antique Fair, special authentic food prepared by residents of Wadi Nisnas, music by artists of all ethnicities and performances, an arts and crafts fair, tours, dance, etc.
Liturgical music concerts take place in Haifa’s churches and halls, featuring Christian liturgical music combined with music reflecting Arab and Israeli heritage.Â
Nazareth
Nazareth, the birthplace and childhood home of Jesus, is clothed in Christmas cheer, festivities, and lights. The annual Christmas market will, this year, last for a full two months (November 15 – January 15), with stalls, food and drink and illuminations alongside a huge, illuminated Christmas tree near Mary’s Well.Â
The city also hosts a colorful Christmas parade on Christmas Eve, complete with fireworks and the participation of local youth groups. A second Christmas parade, also with fireworks, will take place on January 6 for the Orthodox community in the city. The many churches and halls will host many concerts and the annual liturgical festival will feature six concerts in three churches with over a hundred international musicians.
