After Two Years of Silence: Bethlehem's Christmas Celebrations Return Amid Gaza Ceasefire

After two silent years, Christmas carols are once again filling the air in Jesus's birthplace. With a ceasefire in place in Gaza, the West Bank city of Bethlehem is resuming its full Christmas celebrations on December 25, 2025. It's a significant sign of normalization for the iconic event, which had been halted by regional conflict.

The Pilgrimage Paused

For the past two years, Bethlehem's Christmas festivities were either dramatically scaled back or effectively canceled due to the conflict, according to NPR's Morning Edition. Manger Square, a global pilgrimage site for Christians, lost its vibrancy, dealing a heavy blow to the local economy. The suspension was more than just a canceled event; it was a symbol of the instability and tension overshadowing the region.

A Cautious Glimmer of Hope

But the holding ceasefire in Gaza has changed the calculus. This year, Bethlehem is once again adorned with brilliant lights and a massive Christmas tree, bustling with pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The return of the celebrations isn't just a boost for the local economy—it's fostering a cautious sense of hope for a lasting peace.