xmas 2022

Christmas in the Holy Land

  •   Everyone celebrates Christmas in Israel - even if they're celebrating Chanuka
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    The Israel Ministry of Tourism is ready to welcome approximately 120,000 faithful expected to arrive in Israel for the Christmas period. ​​

    Jerusalem

    From 2 pm on Christmas Eve (December 24) through to 2 am on Christmas Day, the Ministry of Tourism will offer free roundtrip shuttle transportation for pilgrims traveling between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Buses will depart from the bus stop near the Carta Parking lot in Jerusalem (opposite Jaffa Gate and near the Mamilla shopping arcade) and will continue via Rachel's Crossing to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - and then back again.  There may be changes to the schedule due to demand and traffic. 

    A festive Christmas Market will be held in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem by the New Gate, from December 15 -25. The area will be illuminated and decorated for the season, with food and gift stalls, concerts, tours, live performances, and more. Three concerts will be held in the Christian Quarter: at the Latin Patriarchate Church, the Church of San Salvador at the New Gate, and the Custodia Terra Santa concert hall. The concerts will take place on 15/12; 22/12; 25/12, with advance registration and payment on the iTraveljerusalem website.
    	 Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos leads the Orthodox Christmas procession © Ridvan Yumlu-Schiessl
    An exhibition of large snowballs will be placed in the alleyways of the Christian Quarter, leading to Santa’s House. This unique Jerusalem institution, visited by thousands of tourists and locals, is the 700-year-old home of the only official, accredited Santa of the Holy Land, Issa Kassissieh. Known affectionately as the Jerusalem Santa, Kassissieh (a professional basketball player) opens his home, free of charge, every day except Sunday from 5pm – 8pm. The festively decorated house includes a Christmas bazaar, with drinks and toys.


    Haifa

    The Festival of Festivals in Haifa celebrates the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and the three festivals that often coincide during December, Hanuka, Christmas, and Ramadan. The festivities take place in the Arab Wadi Nisnas neighborhood and extend to the German Colony at the foot of the Baha'i Gardens. 

    	Haifa w/the Bahai Temple in the BG ©Omer MarkovskyActivities during this festival (held for three weekends in December) include an Antique Fair, special authentic food prepared by residents of Wadi Nisnas, music by artists of all ethnicities and performances, arts and crafts fair, tours, dance etc.

    Liturgical music concerts take place in Haifa's churches and halls, featuring Christian liturgical music combined with music reflecting Arab and Israeli heritage. 

    Nazareth

    Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, is clothed in Christmas cheer, festivities, and lights. The annual Christmas market will, this year, last for a full two months (November 15 – January 15), with stalls, food and drink, and illuminations alongside a huge, illuminated Christmas tree near Mary’s Well. 
    	Christmas in Nazareth  ©Hoshvilim
    The city also hosts a colorful parade on Christmas Eve, complete with fireworks and local youth groups. A second Christmas parade, also with fireworks, will take place on January 6 for the city's Orthodox community. The many churches and halls will host many concerts and the annual liturgical festival will feature six concerts in three churches with over a hundred international musicians. ​​

    Photo credits (top to bottom)  cover: Greek Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, courtesy of the Min of Tourism; Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos leads the Orthodox Christmas procession ©Ridvan Yummlu-Shiessl; Christmas decorations in Haifa, under the Bahai Temple © Omer Markovsky Pikiwiki Israel​; Inflatable Santa Clauses in Nazareth © Zvi Peretz Cohen - Hoshvilim​
     
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