(Photos: AP/Mahmoud Illean)
In this day and age who does not celebrate Christmas regardless of their religion?
Christmas, a yearly celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ, is usually observed on December 25 by people all around the world. On this day, people get together with their families, cook a huge feast, and have the best time of the year.
So, imagine how visitors to the location of Jesus' birth would commemorate the event.
People gather in Manger Square, adjoining the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem, December 24, 2022.
At this time of the year in Bethlehem, which is said to be the location of Jesus Christ's birth, there will not be any rooms available whether in the hotels or inns.
Tourists and pilgrims in the number of thousands throng to Bethlehem to observe and celebrate the event.
The largest reported number of tourists to Bethlehem during the Christmas season was roughly 150 thousand in 2019. It is anticipated that the number of tourists in 2022 would be comparable to that in 2019.
Christmas is a grand event that is celebrated in Bethlehem.
The town is dressed in lights and decorations, Christmas carols are sung in the streets.
People visit the Church of the Nativity on December 24, 2022.
The Manager's Square is decorated with a magnificent Christmas tree. The place is swarming with the tourists and locals celebrating the occasion in full throttle.
Visitors enjoy a great range of traditional Christmas treats, including Maamou and Ghraybeh. The experience there is further enhanced by the various biscuits, which go nicely with authentic Arabic coffee.
The Church of the Nativity is the primary attraction on Christmas Eve. The pilgrims chant, clap, and lament at the top of their voices while waiting in line to enter the Grotto of the Nativity.
The birthplace of Jesus is located at the Grotto of Nativity, which is a part of the Church of the Nativity. To enter the Grotto, you must be properly dressed for the occasion.
Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa greets worshippers in Bethlehem, December 24, 2022.
You can also experience diverse cultures of the people present there. Regardless of their affiliation with a religion, many residents from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the neighboring regions, including Jews and Muslims, gather to celebrate Christ's birth.
A feeling of unity is created as a result, bringing people together. We could know and experience their traditions and culture as well.
Additionally, Bethlehem's Christmas lasts a little longer. Christmas celebrations begin in early December and continue far into January.
Women pose for a photo as they visit the Church of the Nativity, in Bethelem, December 24, 2022.
This is because some Armenian Apostolic churches celebrate Christmas on January 6 and other Greek Orthodox churches celebrate it on January 7.
As a result, visitors may bask in the festive atmosphere longer and have a great time.
