BETHLEHEM (OSV News): Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting a 20 metre Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square on December 6. This was the first time since December 2022 and the start of the Israel-Hamas war ten months later. While the number of pilgrims in the birthplace of Jesus remains modest compared to pre-war years, those who arrived during Advent felt blessed.
For Nataly Taratuta, a pilgrim from Ukraine, being at the traditional site of Jesus’ birth—one of the few pilgrims in the silence of the grotto of the Church of the Nativity—felt like a sacred privilege.
After making the nearly two-day journey from war-torn Ukraine—including a 24-hour train ride to Warsaw—50-year-old Taratuta prayed for peace for Ukraine, for the Palestinians and Israelis, for the entire world, and especially for the safety and health of her children and daughter-in-law as she knelt to touch the silver star marking the spot.
“I can’t express in words the sacred way I feel,” she said. “I am praying for all of us, and for peace in the world. Peace in this sacred place. There are so many clashes and contradictions; if only people could live in peace and friendship. I am so happy it was not crowded, so I had time to pray and worship.”
Bethlehem is Christmas and Christmas is Bethlehem. We have been waiting for it, despite everything going on in Gaza, we are looking for hope and peace.
Ranya Malki Bandak, director of the Bethlehem Peace Centre
Tourists and pilgrims are slowly returning to Bethlehem after the Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was implemented in October, ending two years of war in Gaza. Now, two or three buses of visitors arrive each day, along with small groups of individual pilgrims coming to the Church of the Nativity as Christmas approaches.
Taratuta said she and her small group of friends had made “strategic planning” to come to the Holy Land two months ago, following the ceasefire.
“It is a very special experience,” said her friend, 30-year-old Anna Tverdokhlib, who is also originally from Ukraine but now lives in Belgium. “We have a little bit of comparison with suffering from this situation … When we are here in the Palestinian area my heart is in peace and we are supporting these people. I hope to see more tourists coming back bit by bit.”
All Christmas festivities, other than the traditional religious ceremonies, had previously been cancelled due to the war in Gaza. But on December 6, thousands of mostly local residents attended the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony for the first time in two years.
Festive holiday lights flashed above the crowd. Santas handed out candied apples, and families took pictures in front of the twinkling tree and the Nativity scene crèche.
I can’t express in words the sacred way I feel… If only people could live in peace and friendship
Nataly Taratuta, pilgrim from Ukraine
Ranya Malki Bandak, the director of the Bethlehem Peace Centre at Manger Square, which is responsible for arranging the Christmas celebrations, said it was a scramble to prepare everything for the tree lighting ceremony on such short notice after the signing of the ceasefire—despite the continuing conflict in Gaza.
She added that the traditional Christmas market would be held at Nativity Square over the weekend, and other events will also take place leading up to Christmas.
“The Bethlehem Peace Centre staff did a great job. The lighting is a huge event to put together in such a short time. Bethlehem is Christmas and Christmas is Bethlehem. We have been waiting for it despite everything going on in Gaza, we are looking for hope and peace,” she said.
Bandak added, “We can’t forget everything [that is happening in Gaza], it is not easy, but this is for peace and love and Christmas here.”
She continued, “People are so happy waiting for it. We are seeing a few tourists coming, and we are starting to see signs of life after that. We have to light a candle despite everything, to light a candle for everyone. This land is light. Bethlehem is Christmas, and we hope for a better situation next year.”
It is very important for us to celebrate for hope and peace, and for this to be the opportunity to celebrate here with all people staying in peace from different countries and different religions
Jean Luca, Italian pilgrim
She said that local hotels were receiving more reservations—mainly from Arab citizens of Israel for now, but also from international pilgrims’ groups beginning in February 2026.
Italian pilgrim, Jean Luca, noted that his pilgrimage after the war was important because, for the first time in two years, the lights of the Christmas tree were shining as a sign of peace and hope.
“It is very important for us to celebrate for hope and peace and for this to be the opportunity to celebrate here with all people staying in peace from different countries and different religions,” he said.
While waiting at the Bethlehem St. Catherine parish office to receive tickets to the traditional midnight Mass, local resident Nadeera Sleibi—an English and French teacher at the Rosary Sisters School—said that although she was very happy to watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the real joy came from the traditional celebration of Christmas, which brought God into their hearts.
“With war or without war we are very happy on Christmas,” she said. “Because Jesus Christ comes every year on December 24 and 25. He brings peace to this land because he is the Prince of Peace.”
