Christmas in Israel
Christmas in Israel is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Perhaps because it comes three times a year here (no joke – see below!), this is a peak tourism time, when tens of thousands of pilgrims flock to the Holy Land. Many of them may be in for a surprise though, for despite the influx of pilgrims from abroad, the material and outwardly seasonal displays found in the rest of the world are conspicuously absent. People sometimes complain that they feel a lack of holiday spirit – no trees, no strings of lights, no carols on the radio. This is understandable, since it is probably the first time many of these visitors find themselves at Christmas in a country where Christians are a distinct minority. For much of the rest of Israel, this is a day like any other, unless it happens to coincide with the Jewish holiday of Chanukah or the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. However, this offers a unique opportunity to focus on the spiritual meaning of the holiday. With few outward signs to create a holiday spirit, you’ll have to find Christmas inside of you, so it may be the most meaningful Christmas you spend after all. Religious opportunities to celebrate Christmas in Israel abound, since it comes here three times a year. The Catholic, Protestant and Russian Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on December 25. The Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox and Romanian Orthodox churches, among others, celebrate Christmas on January 6, while the Armenian Orthodox church celebrates it on January 18. Jerusalem's Old City, with the Holy Sepulcher and a host of other Christian places of worship, offers ample opportunities – not least are the many processions held by the different faiths. Your hotel concierge should be able to provide you with the hours of services and the times of the various processions. In addition, many pilgrims choose this day to visit the Church of the Nativity and celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem. It's a trip best done with an organized tour, since it involves a border crossing. Contact the YMCA, St. George’s Cathedral (Anglican) or the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer - they usually organize trips to Bethlehem at this time.
Return to Jerusalem Holy Sites.
Return from Christmas in Israel to Jerusalem home page.
New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
|
