Christmas in the Holy Land

Being the birthplace of Jesus, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem are extensive with Christmas lights decorating the streets, nativity scenes and Christmas plays being performed. On Christmas Eve the main procession to the Church of The Nativity is led by a group of horsemen on Arabian horses and followed by a lone rider on a black steed bearing a cross. Following him is the Clergymen and Government officials. The procession enters the Church and places an image of the Holy Child inside. They continue from there down to the grotto of the Church to the spot where Jesus was born that is marked by a silver star. Thousands of locals and visitors gather around the doorway of the Church and on the rooftop to watch this striking procession.

We offer a special Christmas Tour of the Holy Land which includes Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem.  Click here for more information.