Days have passed as Christmas progressed and Bethlehem welcomed the season with a festive glow. Narrow streets shimmered with lights, and traders smiled with hopeful anticipation for the celebrations ahead. After two years of pandemic restrictions, Bethlehem could once again share the Christmas spirit with both locals and visitors. Thousands of people flocked to the holy site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus to celebrate life and faith. While global events have brought hardship elsewhere, pilgrims arrived to experience the enduring miracle of Christmas in a city steeped in sacred history.
Finding a place to stay in Bethlehem has become easier but still busy. Hotels are full, souvenirs fly off the shelves, and visitors line up to touch the exact spot in the cave where the Church of the Nativity marks the birthplace of the baby Jesus. In search of the perfect selfie, visitors raise their arms for photos while artisans struggle to keep up with demand for nativity figures, olive wood crosses, and other keepsakes crafted for this special time. A towering Christmas tree stands at the head of Manger Square as hundreds tread the historic cobblestones once walked by Mary and Joseph some two millennia ago. The crowd may be large, yet the air feels thick with history, especially during the holidays when the city breathes with renewed life.
ghost town
Bethlehem endured a long stretch as a ghost town, with the city’s famed tourism sector grinding to a halt during lockdowns. Tourism has long been Bethlehem’s lifeblood, supporting roughly a quarter of its working population directly or indirectly and contributing a significant slice to the broader Palestinian economy. The hospitality sector suffered as opportunities shrank and the economic strain stretched across the region. While Israeli venues and services received adjustments in their recovery, Palestinian tourism workers faced stark hardship, with limited support during the downturn.
Local voices express cautious optimism for a rebound in the year ahead. A Bethlehem hotel association leader noted that 2023 could bring renewed visitor numbers, especially among Christian pilgrims drawn to the Holy Land. International travelers typically arrive via Israel, given that Bethlehem lacks its own international airport. The Ministry of Tourism has projected considerable visitor traffic for the Christmas week, reflecting a desire to return to pre-pandemic rhythms. Plans include private shuttle arrangements between Jerusalem and Bethlehem to facilitate easy transitions for those celebrating on Christmas Eve.
More than 165 Palestinians were killed
The revival of the Christmas spirit in Bethlehem was marked by a large turnout, with roughly 15,000 people gathering to light the Christmas tree and mark a hopeful return to normalcy in the city. While foreign tourism is welcome, not every resident shares in the festive mood. Entry permissions into the West Bank remained tightly controlled by authorities, and some Christian residents from Gaza faced restrictions during the holiday period. A portion of the Palestinian Christian community living in nearby areas sought to spend time in Bethlehem, yet access was limited on those peak dates.
Amid the celebration, the broader context of regional violence loomed. Military operations and clashes in the broader area claimed lives, underscoring the ongoing tensions that touch even the most resilient communities. The year also saw earlier clashes in refugee camps, with communities expressing solidarity through strikes and peaceful demonstrations. Yet as Christmas approached, Bethlehem stood as a testament to perseverance and faith, inviting visitors to witness a city that continues to celebrate life in the face of adversity.
Tourists and residents alike observed how the city held its ground, offering a quiet reminder that peace is a shared hope. Bethlehem’s Christmas season emerged as a beacon, inviting people to pause, reflect, and connect with a tradition that spans generations. In the end, Belén rose to the occasion, welcoming guests while honoring its deep-rooted heritage and the enduring promise of holiday joy.