Christmas in Jerusalem 2020
Christmas events in Jerusalem 2020 will be updated as they become available. Meanwhile, you can check out last year’s events.
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.
Christmas Eve tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Photo: Noam Chen
Mark the Christmas holiday with a tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem that culminates with a festive dinner and midnight mass outside the Church of Nativity. The top sites visited on this tour are Mount of Olives, Church of the Nativity, Festive dinner in Manger Square, Midnight Mass.
Check out the full itinerary >>
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 >>
View more recommended Christmas tours >>
A Festive Christmas Eve Tour in Bethlehem
Visit the historical and holy sites of Jerusalem and Bethlehem by day, and then spend a festive Christmas Eve in Bethlehem with a group holiday dinner in front of the Church of the nativity!
Carols, Concerts, Events, and more:
Christmas at the Abraham Hostel
Photo: Courtesy of Abraham Hostel
Join the traditional annual Christmas celebration at the Abraham Hostel. So what to expect? Glitter Christmas decorations, hot and comforting beverages, a special appearance of Santa Claus, and a live performance by Uzi Ramirez. See you there!
When: Wednesday, Dec 25, 2019, doors open at 8:30 pm, performance at 9:30 pm
Where: Abraham Hostel, 65 Hanevi’im St., Jerusalem
Cost: Free
Christmas Tour with ZUZU SEGWAY
How about a nice walking tour around the Old City surrounded by an exciting Christmas atmosphere? Or perhaps you would rather enjoy a night bike ride or a Segway experiential tour following the footsteps of the Christmas holiday in Jerusalem?
ZUZU Tourism offers every imaginable tour option for groups of 10-20 participants. The tours are offered to organized groups only!
Christmas Eve Concert at YMCA & Special Events
Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch
YMCA Jerusalem welcomes you to a Christmas Eve and end of the year celebration with a series of special events that will make your winter warmer. Most events will take place in YMCA Jerusalem. Here are some highlights:
- Christmas market at YMCA: arts & culture fair, dozens of stalls, workshops, YMCA Bells Show
- children shows
- night bar
- Concerts and more!
Check out YMCA’s full schedule and get tickets here>>
Christmas concert at YMCA
The tradition of YMCA continues this year as well, and you’re welcome to visit at Christmas eve, to enjoy the performances of over 80 singers and musicians who’ll take the historical YMCA stage for a traditional and inspirational show with the best Christmas songs.
Another guest of the show is the Jerusalem Street Orchestra, Oratorio Jerusalem Choir, the Jerusalem Youth Choir, and the YMCA Academy Orchestra. And before the music starts, professor Gabi Shefler will amaze you with the unique show of the YMCA Bell Tower.
When: December 24, 7:30-9:30 pm
Where: YMCA Jerusalem
Christmas Magic at Santa’s House
Photo: Courtesy of Santa’s House
Located in the Old City, every year, Santa’s House hosts children and parents from all around the globe, offering them an authentic experience of a proper Jerusalem-style Christmas. The house belongs to a family that has been residing in the Old City for over 700 years! Decorated in the spirit of the holiday, the house offers a non-profit attraction based on donations only, and its main goal is to spread joy and happiness to the children of this world.
When: During the whole month of December
Phone:
Christmas Concert at The Dormition Abbey
François Espinasse will be arriving straight from France for a Christmas concert in Jerusalem. The concert will be held in The Dormition Abbey, located on Mount Zion, and will feature adaptations for the organ pipe in the spirit of the holiday.
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019, 11:00 am
Where: The Dormition Abbey, Mount Zion, Jerusalem
For more info: Official Website
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:
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter in the Old City, and it is considered to be one of the holiest sites in the Christian faith. It was precisely here, according to Orthodox Christians, where Jesus was crucified and ascended to heaven. This church has been an important pilgrimage site since the 4th century, and it operates all Christian Orthodox denominations.
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 hectic crowds may enjoy exploring other Christian holy sites such as Mary’s Dormition Church on Mount Zion and The Dormition Abbey.
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 1:00 am, the ceremony welcoming the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
Also in Bethlehem is the Armenian Church, Basilica of the Nativity and Manger Square.
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 >>
Where to Stay in Jerusalem
Looking for accommodation while you’re in town for Christmas? Check out our complete listings!
Hotels in Jerusalem >>
Best accommodation deals in Jerusalem >>
Best vacation rentals in Jerusalem >>
Restaurants in Jerusalem
Don’t go to the festivities on an empty stomach! There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Jerusalem, whether you’re looking for a quick bite, something romantic, or family-friendly!
All restaurants in Jerusalem >>
Recommended restaurants in Jerusalem >>
Santa Claus photos by the Ministry of Tourism and Dafna Tal
Church photos by Noam Chen