Discover the Magic: Top 5 Fun Facts About Celebrating Christmas in Israel

1. Thunderstorms & Jazz in Tel Aviv

Who needs a White Christmas when you have thunder and jazz? While Bing Crosby croons about snow on loop, Tel Aviv dances to the beat of a different drummer with intermittent rain and electrifying thunderstorms: December in Tel Aviv boasts a unique wintery charm, complete with the Tel Aviv Jazz Festival and World Food Market that abounds with festive cheer and the delight of a Christmas sans snowflakes.
Source => worldwidetravel.tips

2. Nativity Scene, Israeli Style

When the Three Wise Men set their GPS to "Israel" for a sandy twist on Christmas: Christian residents in Israel substitute the traditional snow and ice Nativity scenes with their homeland's own sand and soil, incorporating desert-like elements alongside classical figurines like baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and various shepherds and animals.
Source => jpost.com

Did you know that Egyptian Coptic Christians abstain from all animal products for 43 days before their Christmas celebrations on January 7th? Discover their delicious festive dinner and unique gift-giving tradition! 🇪🇬🎄💰

=> Fun Facts about Christmas-In-Egypt

3. The Hanukkah Bush Dilemma

In a twist to the age-old "Is it a bird? Is it a plane?" dilemma, some Israeli Jews find themselves asking each December: "Is it a Christmas tree? Is it a figment of our imagination? Oh wait, it's just a Hanukkah bush!": A humorous tradition in Israel sees some households displaying a "Hanukkah bush", a tree resembling a Christmas tree but with Jewish-themed ornaments, during the holiday season. While the term is tongue-in-cheek and controversial among rabbis, with some viewing it as an identity statement while others as a concession to assimilation, the Hanukkah bush remains a lighthearted side-note in the festive period.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Close Encounters of the Bethlehem Kind

Oh, ye of little faith… in your GPS! There's no need to follow a star while in Israel during Christmas holidays: Jerusalem is a mere six kilometers from Bethlehem, allowing visitors to easily explore the birthplace of Jesus and the renowned Church of the Nativity, marking the exact spot of his birth according to Christian tradition.
Source => itraveljerusalem.com

5. Santa Meets the Middle Eastern Bazaar

Picture it: Santa Claus riding a Middle Eastern bazaar wave, mingling with turban-clad locals with designs of festive cheer! Jerusalem's annual pre-Christmas Awab al-Kheef community bazaar sees Christians, Jews, and Muslims united over artisanal gifts, tantalizing cuisines, and, yes, even St. Nick himself – all while enjoying the time-honored traditions and heritage that accompany the holiday season in this holy city.
Source => jpost.com