The Middle East’s largest Christmas tree was erected in the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth on Sunday night, Hebrew-language media reported.
According to Channel 12 News, thousands of visitors have already arrived in the northern city to experience the Christmas holiday, which is observed in Israel on Dec. 25 by Catholics and Protestants, on Jan. 7 by Orthodox Christians, and two weeks later by the Armenian Church.
עץ האשוח הגבוה במזרח התיכון הואר אמש בנצרת במסגרת חגיגות כריסטמס בעיר הבשורה. (צילום ג'אמל אבו חנה). @WallaNews pic.twitter.com/9XFF8cBoou
— יואב איתיאל מדווח כי (@yoavetiel) December 15, 2025
Nazareth, revered by Christians for its connection with Jesus, marks Christmas with church services, street processions and festive lights, drawing pilgrims from across Israel and abroad.
Church bells ring across Nazareth as thousands gather for services, while scouts in traditional uniforms lead a parade. The Old City is adorned with festive lights and a large Christmas tree in the main square, typically standing about 100 to 115 feet tall.
According to a Christmas 2024 report by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the Christian population in Israel stands at approximately 180,300, accounting for 1.8% of the country’s total population.
The figure represents a 0.6% increase from 2023.
Arab Christians make up 78.7% of the total Christian population and 6.9% of Israel’s overall Arab population.
