“Arise, shine, Bethlehem, for the light of peace has dawned anew.” With these words, Bethlehem celebrated the traditional lighting of its Christmas tree on a packed Manger Square on Dec. 6, 2025, following a two-year hiatus.
The ceremony – attended by church leaders, Palestinian officials, international diplomats, and local families – marked Bethlehem’s first public Christmas gathering since the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023. City leaders framed the lighting as both a spiritual milestone and a communal act of resilience, declaring that the “light of peace” continues to shine from the birthplace of Christ despite the hardship in the region.
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati welcomed the large turnout, noting that it reflected Bethlehem’s global spiritual significance. He emphasized that the city of the Nativity continues to stand tall despite its suffering, renewing its light for the world through the message of Christmas, a message rooted in justice, freedom, and human dignity.
Representing the Palestinian president, Dr. Ramzi Khoury, Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, affirmed that Christmas carries a message of hope born in a simple manger more than two thousand years ago—one that changed the face of the world. He emphasized that the birth of Christ is not merely a historical moment but an ongoing birth of hope for true peace amid darkness, a reminder that light finds its way no matter how deep the hardship.
After his remarks, prayers for peace were offered, and patriarchs blessed the Christmas tree before its lights rose over the Bethlehem sky.
The evening concluded with a spiritual Christmas production presented by the Bethlehem Municipality titled “From the Shadows of War… Peace Is Born.”
A renewed message of hope
This year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony also sparked new hope for Christian leaders in the region who welcomed the large turnout and the symbolism of unity.
Latin Bishop William Shomali from Beit Sahour in the Bethlehem district told Christian Daily International that he experienced the Christmas tree lighting ceremony for 2025 as a truly special event. “It was distinguished by the number of participants and dignitaries who accepted the invitation, the generosity of international and local sponsors, and the quality of the program,” he said.
He noted that the program included a message to Bethlehem from Pope Leo XIV, a video greeting from world-renowned artist Andrea Bocelli, and musical selections performed by singers from various church traditions. “Once again, Bethlehem proved itself to be the capital of Christmas," he said.
For evangelical leaders, the event not only reflected the Christmas message of hope for peace but also served as a reminder that Jesus himself was born into a world of turmoil.
“I have attended many Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, but this was the most beautiful and well organized,” Rev. Jack Sara, Secretary General of the Middle East and North Africa branch of the World Evangelical Alliance, told Christian Daily International. Highlighting the discipline despite the large number of attendees, he said, “It felt like everyone was hoping and praying for the success of the event and for the return of hope to our Palestinian people after the dark last two years.”
Sara noted that the theme of the event and the carols were all biblical based, and said, "I hope that the light of Jesus, the light of peace and justice, prevails in our region."
Reflecting on the resumption of the traditional celebration after the hiatus, Shireen Awwad Hilal, Director of Outreach at Bethlehem Bible College, told Christian Daily International that this year, “our joy is quieter but deeper, rooted in the promise that the light of Christ continues to shine through every dark valley.”
Hilal pointed to the people of Gaza living in fragile shelters, facing the season with more uncertainty than warmth. “Yet in this difficult moment, we remember that the first Christmas was born in a place of hardship, too. Hope entered the world not in comfort, but in a humble manger, reminding us that God’s light seeks out even the darkest valleys.”
Christmas celebrations also renew hope for resumption of tourism
One of the effects of the war in Gaza was that it brought tourism in the Palestinian Territories to a halt, severely affecting families and businesses that depend on visitors and pilgrims for their income. However, tourism expert Tony Khashram now said early indicators suggest that 2026 could see a gradual recovery.
“There are preliminary bookings for 2026 from Germany, France, America, Britain, Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but they are still on paper, pending further stabilization of the situation,” Khashram told Christian Daily International. He added that airlines have already begun resuming flights through Lod Airport.
“Alongside the large turnout in Bethlehem, which has boosted local hotels and restaurants, we are starting to see stronger bookings for both Bethlehem and East Jerusalem hotels,” he noted.
The renewed Christmas celebrations, therefore, offered not only spiritual encouragement but also a measure of economic hope for a region eager to rebuild.
