Festivals & Events in Bethlehem Governorate
From global celebrations like Christmas and Easter to village festivals and harvest traditions, Bethlehem’s events bring faith, culture, and community to life.
Bethlehem is not only a city of sacred history — it is also alive with festivals that bring together faith, culture, and community. From the global celebrations of Christmas and Easter to local traditions like the Artas Lettuce Festival and the Olive Harvest, the Bethlehem Governorate offers visitors a calendar filled with color and meaning. Music, parades, and processions fill the streets, while village gatherings showcase Palestinian hospitality and resilience.These events are more than occasions to celebrate; they are expressions of identity and faith that connect generations. Whether joining a religious pilgrimage, harvesting olives with local families, or enjoying cultural performances in village squares, visitors will find that Bethlehem’s festivals offer both unforgettable experiences and a deeper understanding of Palestinian life.
Christmas in Bethlehem – Celebration of Faith and Unity
Bethlehem is the heart of global Christmas celebrations, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world to the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. Festivities begin in early December with tree-lighting ceremonies and continue through Christmas Eve, marked by parades, concerts, and religious services led by the heads of Christian churches in Palestine.
The highlight is the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity on December 24th, attended by both locals and international visitors. Scout bands, choirs, and community gatherings create a joyful atmosphere across the city. For many, experiencing Christmas in Bethlehem is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey — one that combines sacred tradition with vibrant local culture.
When: December, culminating on Christmas Eve (December 24th)
Organizers: The Municipality of Bethlehem, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities & Christian Churches in Palestine
More Info: Bethlehem Municipality Christmas
Easter in Bethlehem & Jerusalem
Easter is one of the most important celebrations for Palestinian Christians, marked by solemn processions and joyful gatherings in both Bethlehem and nearby Jerusalem. In Bethlehem, local churches hold special services and processions, while Jerusalem hosts the famous Palm Sunday march down the Mount of Olives and the Good Friday procession along the Via Dolorosa.
In Bethlehem, the Christian Scout groups play a central role, leading parades through the streets with music and banners. Families and visitors join these events, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Catholic and Orthodox Easter are often celebrated on different dates, giving visitors the unique chance to experience the traditions of multiple Christian communities.
When: March or April (dates vary by Christian calendar)
Organizers: Local Christian Churches and Scout Associations
More Info: Custodia Terrae Sanctae
Artas Lettuce Festival
Every spring, the village of Artas hosts its unique Lettuce Festival, celebrating the valley’s fertile fields and agricultural traditions. The festival highlights the importance of farming in Palestinian life, with stalls offering fresh produce, traditional foods, and local crafts. Music, dance, and storytelling fill the village, turning Artas into a vibrant hub of culture and community pride.
Visitors are invited to join locals in tasting freshly harvested lettuce, enjoying traditional dishes, and experiencing the joy of village life. The festival also showcases Artas’s history and resilience, reminding participants of the strong connection between land and people. For many travelers, it is one of the most authentic cultural encounters in Bethlehem.
When: Annually in April (spring season)
Organizers: Artas Folklore Center & Local Community
Olive Harvest Season – A Celebration of Land and Tradition
Each autumn, the Bethlehem hills come alive with the olive harvest, a season that carries both cultural and economic importance for Palestinian families. Generations gather in the groves to pick olives by hand, share meals under the trees, and press the fruit into the golden oil that is central to Palestinian cuisine.
For visitors, joining an olive harvest offers an unforgettable chance to connect with local families and experience daily traditions. Beyond farming, the harvest is also a time of resilience and community — a living reminder of the bond between Palestinians and their land. Some tours and cultural centers offer opportunities for travelers to participate in the harvest, taste fresh oil, and take part in village celebrations.
When: Annually in October–November
Organizers: Local families, cooperatives, and cultural centers
St. George’s Feast (Al Khader Festival)
In the village of Al-Khader, just south of Bethlehem, locals and pilgrims gather each spring to honor St. George, known in Arabic as Al-Khader. The festival centers on the Church of St. George, a sacred site shared by Christians and Muslims who both venerate the saint. Celebrations include religious services, processions, and community gatherings filled with food, music, and prayer.
The feast is more than a religious event — it is a symbol of shared devotion and cultural unity, reflecting how St. George connects different faiths across Palestine. Visitors are welcomed into the village to witness interfaith traditions, join local festivities, and experience the hospitality that defines Al-Khader’s community spirit.
When: April or May (spring season, tied to St. George’s feast day)
Organizers: St. George Church of Al-Khader & Local Community
Bethlehem Live Festival – Culture in the Heart of the City
Each summer, Bethlehem transforms into a stage for music, theater, and cultural exchange during the Bethlehem Live Festival. The event brings together Palestinian and international artists for performances across the city’s streets, squares, and cultural venues. Alongside concerts, visitors enjoy food stalls, craft markets, and interactive workshops.
The festival not only showcases talent but also raises social themes, creating a platform for dialogue and artistic expression. For travelers, Bethlehem Live offers a chance to experience the city’s creative energy beyond its sacred history.
When: Annually in summer (July–August)
Organizers: Bethlehem Municipality & Local Cultural Organizations
Battir Eggplant Festival – Harvest and Village Life
In the UNESCO village of Battir, farmers and families celebrate the annual eggplant harvest with a festival that highlights the region’s agricultural identity. Stalls offer freshly picked produce, traditional dishes, and handicrafts, while cultural performances add music and dance to the festivities.
The festival is both local and welcoming, giving visitors a chance to connect with Battir’s farming traditions and the resilience of village life. It’s an opportunity to see how agriculture continues to sustain culture and community in Palestine.
When: Annually in summer (July–August)
Organizers: Battir Village Council & Local Agricultural Cooperatives
Bethlehem Freedom of Movement Marathon – Running for Rights
The Bethlehem Freedom of Movement Marathon is unlike any other race in the world. Launched in 2013, the marathon raises awareness about the restrictions on Palestinian movement under occupation. Runners follow a route that loops multiple times through Bethlehem, symbolizing the lack of freedom to move across their own land.
The event attracts international athletes, local runners, and solidarity groups who come together to highlight resilience and unity. Beyond the race itself, the marathon includes cultural activities, community gatherings, and opportunities for visitors to learn more about daily life in Palestine. For travelers, participating or even spectating is both an inspiring and eye-opening experience.
When: Annually in March
Organizers: Right to Movement Palestine & Bethlehem Municipality
More Info: www.palestinemarathon.org
