Christmas in Jerusalem 2016
With dozens of churches scattered throughout the Christian Quarter of the Old City, near the Old City and in the neighborhood of Ein Karem, and being only six kilometers from Bethlehem, Jerusalem is an unforgettable place to celebrate the Christmas holiday.
Christmas Tours
Here is a taste of events taking place around the city for Christmas this year.
Abraham Hostel’s Christmas tour
Every year, Jerusalem’s most popular hostel organizes a tour to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.
Check out the full itinerary and book your spot>>
2-Day Christmas tour of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ein Karem
This tour includes an overnight stay in Bethlehem on Christmas eve.
Check out the full itinerary and book your spot>>
Carols, Concerts, Events and more
Jerusalem Holiday Festival at the YMCA
A Festival Jerusalem has never seen before! There will be stalls selling original Christmas arts and crafts, a giant Christmas tree, music from the belltower, Santa Claus, snow machines, workshops for children and much more!
Where: Jerusalem International YMCA, 26 King David Street, Jerusalem
When: December 18-20, 2015
Cost: Free
Info: 02-569-2670
Public Christmas Party
Everybody in the city is invited to celebrate Christmas in the Christian Quarter of the Old City with entertainment for the whole family!
Where: Christian Quarter, Old City, Jerusalem
When: December 23, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Christmas Carols Concert
On Christmas Eve, the YMCA hosts Professor Gabi Scheffler – Bells (CARILLON), Woodwind Quintet, the “Inbalim” Ensemble, Sounds of Gilo choir, the Jerusalem International YMCA youth choir and the Israeli Opera soloists. Following the concert, the conductor will lead an audience sing-along.
Where: Jerusalem International YMCA, 26 King David Street, Jerusalem
When: December 24, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Cost: 50
Tickets: Buy now!
Christmas at the American Colony Hotel
The American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem has a lavish Christmas Eve dinner with a special set menu as well as a Christmas day brunch. Check out the menu:
- Crispy dates & goat cheese wrapped in bacon
- Shrimps and pineapple tartar, avocado & tapenade quenelle
- Mediterranean sea bream on zucchini, pesto & beans
- Butter squash, sweet corn & mussel soup
- Classical Slow cooked whole duck infused with orange, thyme & star anis
- Warm burghul, dried figs, apricot, pine nuts & cashew stuffing
- Glazed carrots, chestnuts and sweet potato purée Red wine Gravy & cranberry sauce
- Bûche de Noël
Cost: 400 NIS (includes welcome drink)
Contact: 02-627-9777
Christmas at Notre Dame
Check out the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center for Christmas services in their chapels or special meals at their restaurants.
Abraham Hostel Christmas Party
Celebrate Christmas with fellow travelers at Jerusalem’s #1 hostel with a silent disco featuring tunes by DJ Dooboo.
Where: Abraham Hostel, 67 Haneviim Road, Jerusalem
When: December 26, 2015 at 8:30 pm
Cost: 20 NIS
Christmas Mass and Religious Ceremonies
Here are some of the churches in Jerusalem where you are welcome to join in Midnight Mass and other Christmas services:
In and around the Old City of Jerusalem
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Contact: 02-628-4202
More about this church
Christ Church
Located just inside of Jaffa Gate, Christ Church will be hosts services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Contact: 02-627-7727/9
Other churches
Those looking to avoid the frenetic crowds may enjoy exploring other Christian holy sites such as Mary’s Dormition Church on Mount Zion, the Tomb of the Virgin on the Mount of Olives and the Garden Tomb, popular with Protestants.
In Ein Karem, Jerusalem
Church of St. John the Baptist in Ein Karem
In Bethlehem
It is a great Christmas tradition in Israel to be near the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Tradition says that the church marks the exact spot where Mary gave birth to Jesus.
International visitors to Bethlehem, a city just six miles south of Jerusalem, get to experience the annual Midnight Mass in the Church of the Nativity (tickets only) and at 1:00am, the ceremony welcoming the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
Also in Bethlehem is the Armenian Church, Basilica of the Nativity and Manger Square.
Walk along the Via Dolorosa
And if you’re already coming…
Consider taking a trip north to Nazareth, home to Israel’s largest Christian population. Nazareth was the childhood home of Jesus, where you can visit the Church of the Annunciation and Church of St. Joseph.
And once up north, just 10 kilometers away is the former Templar colony Bethlehem of Galilee, a quaint town with lovely stores, stunning views and many examples of original Templar architecture from the turn of the 20th century.
Go to New Year’s Eve in Jerusalem >>
Santa Claus photos by the Ministry of Tourism and Dafna Tal
Church photos by Noam Chen