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10 Things to do in Jerusalem for Christmas

Every year, billions of Christians across the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is an event that is considered to be the right fun and family-oriented holiday of the year. Some people celebrate Christmas on 25^th and those who start a bit earlier explore all the season has to offer.

Therefore, what is more, appropriate than celebrating the event in the city where Jesus Christ was born and raised in? A trip to the city will give a person a deeper insight into the life of Christ and the reason Christians celebrate the holiday. Therefore, this article will look into the ten things one can do while in the city to ensure maximum experience.

1. Shopping at the Christmas market

Cities around the world usually have Christmas and Jerusalem is not left behind. If one wants a taste of the holiday spirit, then they should visit the Christmas markets as they are sure to get a lot of food, drinks, games and crafts that will put them in the holiday spirit.

The Christmas decorations, lights and trees provide a good ambience that will be ideal for the shopper. The markets also sell local crafts which is a good way of increasing the local economy and giving the artists exposure as their work will be seen by people from different parts of the world.

2. Experience the nativity scenes from Italy.

The nativity scenes that were crafted in Italy are set up in Bethlehem and Jerusalem which makes them popular with both the locals and visitors. The art of making life-size scenes is a tradition that has a long history and it dates back to the early 1700s. The traditions are usually passed down a generation and thus have become a ritual.

Even though most of the population in Jerusalem does not have many Christians but the festivals are usually packed as people join in the celebrations.

3. Take a walk on the nativity trail

The nativity trail offers an adventurous Christmas experience on an off-the-beaten-path. The 160km trail is believed to be the same trail that the parents of Jesus used to go to Bethlehem where they gave birth to Christ.

The path is a good way to unwind and reflect on things as it is quiet and thus makes it ideal. The hiking trail can also be done with family and thus make it a great opportunity for families to bond.

4. Take a trip to the Yair Lookout

The lookout is a beautiful viewpoint that overlooks the mountains of Jerusalem, the villages and the city itself. This lookout was designed by sculptor Ran Morin. The lookout is built in a round shape that is decorated with hewn stones and it has a beautiful tree at the centre.

The lookout is not necessarily a Christmas activity but one can do this activity during the season as they get to see the city in its full glory and well decorated.

5. Visit the Jerusalem Vineyard Wineries Visitor Center

Visitors can go to the visitor centre and get to enjoy some high-quality wine that is produced by the Jerusalem Vineyard Wineries which is the leading winery as it has an extensive wine collection. The visitors get to learn the history behind the wine and drink some to get in the holiday mood.

6. Celebrate Christmas with the Armenians

The protestant and Catholic Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25^th but the Orthodox do not as their date is on January 19^th. An example of the Orthodox Christians is the Armenians found in Jerusalem. There are the only Christian community that abides by this later date.

Therefore, if one missed spending Christmas in the city, they still get a chance to experience the festivities and thus make for a unique visit as in all parts of the world the festivities have died down by this time of the month.

7. Enjoy classical Christmas concerts

Jerusalem features a lot of celebratory activities with one of them being the classical concerts and people singing karaoke. There are several churches that partake in the concerts which make the event a diverse affair.

Having the different communities participating in the holiday concerts shows how there is mutual respect among the religion and thus makes it unique.

8. Look at the Entrance of Latin Patriarch into Bethlehem

The ceremonial welcoming that is set for the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to Bethlehem takes place during the holiday season. The event features scouts from different churches located near join in the parade and thus make for an interesting experience.  The visitor gets a chance to experience this as they are not the norm in other countries during the Christmas season.  Therefore,  one gets a deeper insight into what Christmas is from its origin.

9. Enjoy the tree lighting concerts

The Christmas season is characterized by great and beautiful decorations, lights and trees. Jerusalem hosts tree lighting concerts in different places which set the mood for the festive season. The practise allows people to come together and experience the tree lighting concert.

10. Try street food

During the Christmas season, the food vendors flock to the streets and give both locals and tourists a chance to expand their palate to Israeli food. Therefore, when one goes visiting the city during the holiday season then they should make an effort to try the street food as it will make the experience wholesome.

Furthermore, one’s trip cannot be complete without them knowing how the people of Jerusalem live and this can be done by the sampling of street food.