Bethlehem, occupied West Bank – After two years of darkness, Bethlehem’s iconic Christmas tree once again lit up Manger Square, offering a rare moment of joy and resilience for Palestinians living under the weight of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and the tightening siege across the West Bank.

This year’s lighting, modest yet deeply symbolic, blended celebration with sorrow. It marked not only the return of a beloved tradition in the birthplace of Jesus, but also a message of endurance from a community living through war, displacement, and economic collapse.

A Celebration of Light in a Time of Grief

Crowds filled Manger Square on Saturday night as the towering Christmas tree flickered to life. Choirs sang, families gathered, and church bells rang — yet the mood was unmistakably subdued.

“This Christmas is different,” said Reverend Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church. “The decorations are beautiful, but inside every Palestinian heart is a deep well of pain. Still, our presence here says something powerful: We remain. We choose life and hope.”

For many, the lighting symbolized both spiritual renewal and the longing for freedom from the siege and daily hardship imposed by Israeli restrictions across the occupied West Bank.

Bethlehem Reopens Its Light After Years of Silence

Bethlehem Mayor Maher N. Canawati said the decision to bring back the Christmas tree lighting was a deliberate act of defiance against despair.

“After two years of darkness and silence, we wanted to give Bethlehem its light back,” he told Al Jazeera. “This is a message of hope — for our people, for Gaza, and for the world.”

The mayor emphasized that Bethlehem is “open and safe,” urging international pilgrims and visitors not to abandon the city at a time when their presence functions as a form of solidarity.

Canawati also conveyed a message from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed compassion for Bethlehem’s residents and called for hope amid Palestinian suffering. The pope urged the people of Gaza to “hold on to faith and not surrender to despair.”

Celebration Under Restrictions and Heavy Hearts

Unlike pre-war years, festivities were limited to religious rituals. No fireworks, large performances, or international events took place. Church leaders, local officials, and thousands of residents attended the event, many of them describing the night as a blend of joy, mourning, and resilience.

“We are celebrating, but Gaza is in our hearts,” said Yara Khalil, who travelled from Ramallah through multiple checkpoints. “It’s a beautiful night, but the pain is always there.”

An Economy Paralyzed by Siege and Tourism Collapse

Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations unfolded against a backdrop of severe economic distress. Tourism — the city’s lifeline — has nearly evaporated due to Israeli closures and travel restrictions.

Local artisans, especially those who carve Bethlehem’s famous olivewood souvenirs, say their workshops are struggling to survive.

“Tourism has been frozen for more than two years,” said Adrian Habibeh, an artisan working in his family’s long-running olivewood shop. “This year’s festivities won’t bring back what we lost, but they bring hope — and that matters.”

To support local businesses, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce organized transportation for Palestinian visitors from cities inside Israel. The chamber expects around 3,000 visitors daily toward the end of December, which may help increase hotel occupancy rates — currently stuck at just 20% for foreign tourists.

Pilgrims Defy Restrictions to Reach Bethlehem

Many Palestinians journeyed long distances, crossing checkpoints and roadblocks, to witness the return of Bethlehem’s Christmas tree.

“We travelled from Nazareth to be here,” said Rula Qabti, who arrived after several hours on the road. “We want to celebrate freely, without barriers, without checkpoints. We hope next Christmas will be easier.”

Despite restrictions, visitors described a shared determination: to keep Bethlehem’s spirit alive and to stand with Gaza through a time of immense loss.

Light Returns, but the War Shadows Everything

Even as Bethlehem glows again, the devastation in Gaza looms large over the celebrations. Families spoke of lighting the tree for the sake of hope — but also in remembrance of thousands killed, the displaced, and the besieged.

“Bethlehem sends a message to the world,” Mayor Canawati said. “Light is stronger than darkness. And even in grief, hope remains a form of strength.”