Orthodox Christmas in Bethlehem falls on January 7, when the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem marks the Nativity according to the Julian calendar, two weeks after the Western celebration. Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity again become the focus of processions, carols, and a liturgy, drawing pilgrims back to the town for a second Christmas season.
Bethlehem's Christmas calendar does not end on December 25.
Bethlehem is unusual among Christian pilgrimage sites in effectively hosting Christmas twice: the Roman Catholic and Protestant calendar on December 25, and the Julian-calendar Orthodox celebration two weeks later on January 7, followed later still by the Armenian Apostolic observance
Because the Church of the Nativity's compound is shared among Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Greek Orthodox communities, each with its own monastery within the same walled complex, the January 7 liturgy carries the specific character of Greek Orthodox and other Eastern-rite worship, with its own vestments, chant, and processional order, rather than repeating the Western service seen two weeks earlier
The January 7 date follows the Julian calendar still used liturgically by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other Eastern churches
thirteen days behind the Gregorian calendar used for the December 25 Western Christmas
The observance centers on the Church of the Nativity
whose compound is divided among Catholic
Armenian Apostolic
and Greek Orthodox communities
each maintaining its own monastery and liturgical calendar within the same walled site
Dates TBA · Usually January
Expect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.
Modest, warm clothing suitable for a January evening liturgy and outdoor gathering, with head covering appropriate for those entering the church compound; layers help since January nights in...
Keep distance from unsafe water edges and follow local crowd or weather warnings.
Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.
Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.
["ar"] · ILS
unknown
External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.
We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.
Orthodox Christmas in Bethlehem is listed for Past edition: 7 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in Bethlehem, Palestine. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
Bethlehem, Bethlehem Governorate, Palestine
unknown
This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.
Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.
Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.
Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →
