Christmas returns to Bethlehem with tree-lighting ceremony — for first time since outset of war in Gaza

From missiles to mistletoe.

Christmas celebrations publicly returned to Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank, for the first time since the outset of the war in Gaza.

The city, where Jesus Christ was born, is decking the halls again — decorating the city with traditional lights and a massive tree in front of the historic Church of the Nativity, which was unveiled Saturday.

“It’s been a bad two years of silence. No Christmas, no jobs, no work,” Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati told the BBC. “We’re all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero.”

Since October 2023, Israel and Hamas have been locked in bitter war in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the struggles of many in the region, including minority Christians, the Christmas spirit could not be denied this Yuletide, the mayor said.

“Some may say it’s not appropriate and others say it’s appropriate,” Canawati told the outlet. “But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled.

“This is the light of hope for us.”

Both Muslims and Palestinian Christians regaled in the holiday cheer — seen posing for selfies in front of the tree in Manger Square, where brightly colored signs advertised local businesses to tourists who have resumed flocking to the holy city.

“We’re very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirits,” local jewelry designer Nadya Hazboun told the BBC.

“This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about.”

One tour guide in the historically holy city, identified as Hamza, claimed the city was now safe and ready for the world to return paying its respects.

“This is a tourist city, without tourism there is no life,” Hamza said.