December in the Holy City
Christmas in Jerusalem
Jerusalem does Christmas quietly and magically: one glowing market, an Old City quarter in full celebration, a festive village on the hillside — and everything else in the city open as usual. Here is how it actually works, from the people who track Jerusalem every day.
The YMCA Christmas Market
The Jerusalem International YMCA on King David Street — one of the city's most beautiful buildings — hosts the city's signature Christmas market: the tower wrapped in lights, a big tree, stalls, mulled wine and carols. It runs on December dates announced closer to the season; check our live events calendar when you plan.
Our own footage from the market — more on the Christmas in Jerusalem playlist.
The Old City and New Gate
The Christian Quarter — entered most festively through the New Gate — is where Jerusalem's Christmas feels oldest: decorated lanes, scout parades, church services and a lit tree by the gate. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre holds services through the season, and because Jerusalem's communities follow different calendars, the celebrations stretch from late December (Catholic) through January 6–7 (Orthodox) to January 18–19 (Armenian) — three Christmases in one city.
Ein Karem
The hillside village on Jerusalem's southwestern edge — the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist — turns gently festive in December: churches, lights among the cypresses, and some of the city's best cafés and restaurants for a winter evening.
The thing that surprises everyone
December 25 is a regular day in Israel. Shops, museums, restaurants and buses all run as usual — so you can spend Christmas morning at a market and the afternoon at the Israel Museum. The weekly rhythm that actually matters here is Shabbat; see what's open on Shabbat.
Plan your December
Exact market dates and Christmas events are announced close to the season and land on our calendar the moment they do: everything happening in Jerusalem · or start from the Christian pilgrimage itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas celebrated in Jerusalem?
Three times. Catholic and Protestant communities celebrate on December 24–25; Greek, Russian and other Orthodox churches on January 6–7; and the Armenian community of Jerusalem on January 18–19. December is when the markets and lights are at their peak.
Is there a Christmas market in Jerusalem?
Yes. The best-known is the YMCA Christmas market on King David Street — tree, lights, stalls and carols — held on December dates announced closer to the season. The Christian Quarter and New Gate area of the Old City also host Christmas celebrations and decorations, and the village of Ein Karem gets festive as well.
Is everything closed in Jerusalem on Christmas Day?
No — December 25 is a regular working day in Israel. Restaurants, museums, attractions and public transport all run as usual, which surprises many visitors. The only quiet day of the week remains Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday night).
Where can I see Christmas lights in Jerusalem?
The YMCA building on King David Street, the New Gate and Christian Quarter of the Old City, and Ein Karem in December evenings. The city's Christmas corners are compact and easy to combine into one evening walk.
We're building a weekly letter about what's on in the city. Leave your email and you'll be first to get it.