Bethlehem's Christmas Returns After 2-Year Hiatus, But Scars of War Remain
Christmas celebrations have returned to Bethlehem for the first time in two years, but the scars of the Gaza war and ongoing Israeli military presence linger. An analysis of the mixed emotions and cautious economic optimism.
For the first time in two years, Christmas carols are echoing through Bethlehem's Manger Square. But beneath the festive sounds lies the somber reality of a recent war and an ongoing occupation. The city, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, had canceled its celebrations in 2023 and 2024 in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
A Square of Mixed Emotions
On December 24, 2025, scout troupes marched through Manger Square, playing traditional Palestinian music and Christmas carols, according to Al Jazeera. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the region's top Catholic official, spoke of hope. "In Gaza… I witnessed total destruction," he said. "But amid Gaza’s destruction, I felt a passion for life... We will return to rebuild everything anew."
The festive atmosphere, however, was punctuated by the ongoing conflict. Just hours before the celebrations, Israeli forces reportedly arrested three young men from nearby refugee camps. "Today’s atmosphere is half joy and half sadness, because we have brothers who are still dying in Gaza," said George Zalloum, a Palestinian Christian from East Jerusalem. More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, while over 1,000 have been killed in the West Bank over the past two years, according to reports.
A Cautious Economic Revival
Bethlehem's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has been decimated. According to Elias al-Arja, head of the Palestinian Hotel Association, hotels in the city suffered $300 million in losses this year. The return of Christmas has provided a much-needed boost. "All the Bethlehem hotels are reopening their doors," said Mayor Maher Canawati. "God willing, the wheel of tourism has started turning again."
Over the past two days, hotel occupancy rates surged to 80 percent, with around 8,000 visitors. Yet, local business owners remain cautious. "Today’s activity was good and relied mainly on Palestinians from inside Israel," said restaurant owner George Ejha. Souvenir shop owner Jack Jaqman added, "I have not felt the presence of real tourist groups that could improve the economic situation."
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