Christmas in Israel facts for kids
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Christmas is celebrated in Israel differently than in many other parts of the world. This is because only a small part of Israel's population (about 2.5%) are Christians. Also, Christmas is not one of Israel's official national holidays.
However, the Christmas story is traditionally believed to have happened in the Holy Land, which includes parts of modern-day Israel. Some of the most important Christian holy sites are here, like the city of Nazareth. These places attract many people who come to visit them, a journey known as a pilgrimage. During Christmas, special events take place in Christian churches across Israel. These include concerts, markets, parades, and religious services.
Where Christmas is Celebrated
Christmas decorations and symbols are mostly seen in areas where many Christians live. These places include cities like Jaffa, Haifa, Nazareth, and the Old City of Jerusalem. You might also see more Christmas symbols in neighborhoods where Jewish people who moved from the Soviet Union live, as many of them celebrate Christmas.
City Celebrations
The city of Nazareth lights up with Christmas lights and hosts outdoor markets. These markets are a fun way to celebrate the holiday. In Haifa, the city organizes events called "The Holiday of the Holidays." This series of events celebrates the traditions of the three main religions in the area: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Outside of these specific areas, Christmas symbols are not very common across Israel. Also, Christmas celebrations here are less focused on shopping and buying gifts compared to many Western countries. This is because Judaism and Islam are the two largest religions in Israel.
Christmas in History
During the time when Britain governed the area (known as the British Mandate), Christmas was widely celebrated. Government offices would close for the holiday. Near the end of this period, the British leader in charge, called the High Commissioner, would send a special message for Christmas. The celebrations were even shown on radio and in movies. When the State of Israel was formed, these Christmas broadcasts continued on Israeli radio.
