Turnout higher than expected after Arab Spring and economic downturn. Photo coverage
Thousands of pilgrims, tourists and local Christians gathered in the biblical West Bank town of Bethlehem to begin Christmas Eve celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Visitors gathered near the 50-foot Christmas tree at Manger Square from the morning, taking photographs and enjoying the sunshine.
The main event was the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, built on the location where Jesus is believed to have been born.
Israel’s Tourism Ministry said it expects around 90,000 tourists to visit the Holy Land despite concerns over Arab Spring and the global economic downturn.
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