Christmas in Jerusalem
Christmas in Jerusalem, the city that is held sacred by the three biggest monotheistic religions, is bound to be an intense experience. Indeed, the Christmas Eve in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and nearby Bethlehem are closely watched and highly anticipated events the world over.
Jerusalem Christmas is very different from Christmas in the Western world. There are no Christmas markets, no Santa Claus or caroling on the streets. The celebrations are mostly centered on the Christian Quarter, with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre hosting a midnight mass. Christmas in Jerusalem is also an opportunity to visit some of the holiest sites of Christianity, the Via Dolorosa and Bethlehem. These, and other biblical sights in the city (which include the Church of John the Baptist, the Garden Tomb, the Chapel of Flagellation, the Grotto of the Apostles and Mary’s Tomb), hold separate prayer services, with people gathering from all over the world to pay homage during Christmas.
You could also make a stop at the Antiquities market during your Jerusalem Christmas trip, to look for memorable presents for the Christmas holiday.
There are several accommodation options in the city which you could consider during your Christmas trip. The American Colony Hotel, the Pearl Hotel and the Prima Royal offer some of the best service for decent prices.
