Christmas in Israel

Aaah, Christmas in Israel. There’s nothing quite like roasting your nuts (and your chestnuts) in the Holy Land. And after spending many a Christmas here in Israel, we’ve gotten to know exactly what makes the Holy Land tick come Santa time. You might be forgiven for wondering if the Holy Land actually “ticks” at Christmas, but, if you look hard enough, there’s plenty beyond the super obvious trek to Manger Square in Bethlehem.

To save your blood, sweat and tears, we’ve come up with this Christmas in Israel section to wrap up all the good articles we’re going to bombard you with this December.

Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

• Christmas in the Holy Land - written last year, this is a great introduction to what you can expect from your Christmas in Israel, including where and when to celebrate.
• Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem - the location of Jesus’ birthplace, perhaps the ultimate Christian pit stop during a Christmas visit to the Holy Land.
• Christmas Mass in Bethlehem - the where and when.
• Yes, there are TWO Bethlehems in Israel!
• Christmas Day in Tel Aviv - my account of Christmas Day last year (2008).
• A Christmas past - a tale of a drunken Christmas Eve in Jerusalem.
• It’s Christmas time, and there’s no need to…celebrate? - my personal take on celebrating Christmas in Israel.
• Scott tells us how he celebrates in Israel - Christmas vs Hanukkah.
• Mince Pies in the Holy Land - the annual quest for mince pies!
• Pictures of my Hanukkah-Christmas bedecked house.