Christmas in Israel

Celebrating Christmas in Israel is a unique, magical experience that every Christian should do once in their life. Though it’s not a public holiday in Israel (the main religions of Israel are Judaism and Islam) and is missing lots of the commercialism of the Western world, it’s an extremely meaningful place to spend Christmas. Israel is the actual land where the nativity story took place. You might be wondering where is best place to spend Christmas in the Holy Land. Whether you’re visiting Bethlehem, celebrating Christmas in Nazareth, Christmas in Jerusalem, or Christmas in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, it is sure to be a memorable experience!

Christmas in Israel generally coincides with Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light, which diffuses a festive spirit across the land. This year, Christmas takes place on December 25, 2026, and Hanukkah takes place from December 4th, 2026, until December 12th, 2026. We’ve put together this special Hanukkah evening tour so you can celebrate both holidays in style in Jerusalem!

In areas with Christian populations such as Jaffa, Haifa, Nazareth, the Old City of Jerusalem, and many Russian neighborhoods, symbols of Christmas light up the picturesque streets.

Christmas in Bethlehem

If you are visiting Israel for Christmas or just happen to be here and want to celebrate, the most special place to explore is the town of Bethlehem. Bethlehem is south of Jerusalem, in the West Bank. Here, magnificent, famous services take place on Christmas Eve in Manger Square. In the north of Israel, Nazareth, Jesus’s hometown, is also an interesting place to be for Christmas with many festivities.

For a memorable, seamless visit to Bethlehem during Christmas, join our special Christmas Eve in Bethlehem (and Jerusalem) Tour - Midnight Mass, departing from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Herzliya. Discover legendary sites in the old city of Jerusalem, including Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, before venturing to the sacred city of Bethlehem. Next, enjoy a festive dinner before embracing Bethlehem’s joyful holiday spirit and witnessing Midnight Mass celebrations in Manger Square, broadcast on the big screen. For an even more comprehensive, magical Christmas, join our Christmas in Bethlehem and Jerusalem 2 Day Tour, Christmas in Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem - 2 Day Tour, or our Highlights of Christmas in Israel 3 Day Tour to experience the charm of Christmas across Israel.

Looking to see more Christian landmarks? Check out these fully private, multi-day Catholic tour packages in Israel.

Christmas in Jerusalem

Spending Christmas Day in Jerusalem is the dream of millions around the world. Would you like a Christmas Day experience unlike any other? We’ve put together this unique Christmas Day Tour - In and Around Jerusalem. You’ll begin this tour delving into the history of John the Baptist: starting the tour in the picturesque Ein Karem neighborhood, John’s birthplace and modern-day idyllic village. Then, you’ll go to Qasr el Yahud, where John baptized Jesus, before ending your Christmas day relaxing at the lowest point on Earth and admiring a breathtaking sunset over the Dead Sea. This is a once-a-year tour that truly offers the Christmas of a lifetime. Reserve your spot now!

Be sure to check out our other amazing tours of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem!