The best Christmas events in Israel are the Christmas Eve parade in Nazareth on December 24, Haifa's Holiday of Holidays festival on December weekends, the Christmas Eve procession of the Latin Patriarch from Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem, the YMCA tree lighting and Christmas Eve concert, and Midnight Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Bands, scouts and Santa through the streets of Nazareth on December 24.
On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, scout troops, marching bands and floats parade from Mary's Well down Paul VI Street toward the Basilica of the Annunciation, cheered by crowds from across Israel.
Fireworks and celebrations continue into the evening.
Good to know: Find a spot along Paul VI Street at least an hour before the start.
Haifa celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah and more together.
Haifa's Holiday of Holidays festival marks Christmas, Hanukkah and, in some years, Ramadan, with art exhibitions, food stalls, concerts and street events on December weekends.
It's a celebration of the city's Jewish and Arab communities.
Good to know: Pick up a festival map from Beit HaGefen.
The Latin Patriarch sets out for Bethlehem with scouts and bagpipes.
On the morning of December 24, Christian scout bands play bagpipes and drums in Jerusalem's Old City around the Latin Patriarchate, and the Latin Patriarch's motorcade leaves for Bethlehem.
Check the Christian Information Centre for 2026 times.
Good to know: Stand near Jaffa Gate for the best view of the scout bands.
A Jerusalem tradition with choirs and carillon bells.
The Jerusalem International YMCA lights its tree in early December and holds a much-loved Christmas Eve concert of carols, choirs and its 36-bell carillon.
The concert sells out, so book early.
Good to know: Tickets are released in the autumn; check the YMCA's website.
Christmas Eve Mass in one of the Middle East's largest churches.
The Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the grotto where tradition says Mary received the Annunciation, holds Christmas Eve Mass and Christmas Day Masses.
Services are packed; arrive well before the start.
Good to know: Dress modestly and expect security checks.
A tree by the Clock Tower and Midnight Mass at St. Peter's.
Jaffa's Christian community puts up a Christmas tree near the Clock Tower, and St. Peter's Church on Kedumim Square holds Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, in several languages.
Restaurants in Jaffa are lively on Christmas Eve.
Good to know: Book Christmas Eve dinner in Jaffa ahead; tables fill up.
Yes, by Israel's Arab Christian communities, foreign workers, diplomats and visitors. Nazareth, Haifa and Jerusalem's Christian Quarter celebrate in a big way. For most Israelis it's a normal working day.
No. December 25 is a working day for most of the country, though Christian businesses close. Some churches celebrate on January 6 or 7 (Orthodox and Armenian calendars).
On the afternoon of December 24, usually from mid-afternoon, from Mary's Well down Paul VI Street. Arrive early; it gets very crowded.
The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and St. Peter's Church in Jaffa are among the best known. In Jerusalem, the Old City churches hold Christmas Eve services; check the Christian Information Centre's schedule.
Bethlehem is in the West Bank, under the Palestinian Authority. Many visitors go with an organised tour from Jerusalem. Check travel advice and crossing arrangements before you go.