Christmas in Israel: All the jolly-good things to do this time of year

First things first, make your way to Manger Square to see the magnificent Christmas Tree spectacle, one of the most iconic Christmas settings in the world. After all, the town of Bethlehem is where Jesus himself was said to be born, so don't miss the opportunity to take a holy selfie with one of the most magnificent Christmas trees in existence.

If you're looking for a more pious Christmas getaway, there will be a daily community event of Christmas Novena celebrations between December 15-23 held at the Chapel of St. Catherine beginning at 16.00. On Christmas Eve Day, as in December 24th, the welcoming of the holy Patriarch of Jerusalem will be officially welcomed to Bethlehem at 13.00 at Rachel's Tomb. Different Christmas Eve ceremonies will take place throughout the day at Rachel's Tomb, Basilica of Nativity at the Chapel of St. Catherine, where the infamous midnight mass will take place. A variety of Christmas Day services will be held in various languages throughout Bethlehem.

Take advantage of being in Bethlehem and get in the Christmas spirit by indulging in locally authentic Christmas treats. Seasonal favorites include Maamoul, a delicious butter cookie that can be found with a date-jam filling or rose water, and Ghraybeh, another type of sweet cookie often found infused with orange and pistachio.

Bethlehem Christmas Market

If you're really looking for a white Christmas feeling, then head to Jerusalem where the winter weather is in full effect. You won't find snow, but being in the Old City during this time of year can really get you in the Christmas spirit, with numerous churches and sites of worship, plus daily opportunities for Christmas-caroling. If that isn't your vibe then head to the Machane Yehuda Market to escape the cold weather with a glass of hot wine and sweet knafeh. Another option is the annual Jerusalem Christmas Market located at the New Gate of the Christian Quarter of Old City on Nabulus Road, where you can find live shows, Christmas stocking stuffers and of course Santa Claus himself.

For many of us -not just giddy children looking forward to tearing open presents- Christmas Eve Day is full of joy and excitement. To hold on to that special Christmas feeling away from home, join the Jerusalem International YMCA Christmas Tree Lighting. To maintain a real Christianly-Christmas spirit, you can't miss visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the location of Jesus' crucifixion as well as his tomb. The church will host daily Novenas from December 15-23 and will be the site for the holiest of Holy Masses on Christmas Eve and Day. Christmas Eve Mass will also be held on Mount Zion at 20.00, and again on Christmas Day at 11.00.

Now for those of us who chose to spend the holiday season in Israel for a reason: great weather in Tel Aviv. Escaping the harsh European winter is a yearly challenge, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun as well. In a city like Tel Aviv where you can spot morning ocean swimmers as late in the year as December, take the opportunity to have a unique Christmas experience where outdoor street cafes stay open all year long and bars don't close at night because of a Christmas curfew. That's right, the parties don't stop in Tel Aviv just because your religious neighbors want a good night's rest before their morning pilgrimage to Nazareth, which means you can continue to indulge in your secular lifestyle without feeling like your offending anyone. Let's be honest, what's better than celebrating the holidays than an Eggnog cocktail-inspired all-nighter with your closest friends. Start your Tel Avivian Christmas shenanigans at Teder's 3rd Annual Christmas market, a local's favorite spot known for throwing over the top parties for any occasion.  Head there early though, as the venue is also known for crowds as big as their reputation.

That being said, if you're looking for more of a traditional Christmas experience without trekking too far outside of the Tel Aviv bubble, then Jaffa is probably your best bet. The Old City Port of Jaffa will be hosting a family-friendly winter festival, where you can catch a live show, ice skate, and, of course, drink. The event is free and will take place from December 22-23, from 16.00 to 22.00. Jaffa is also home to Tel Aviv's only public Christmas tree, which doesn't quite compare to what you can see in Bethlehem, but is still definitely worth checking out. The Immanuel Church in Jaffa will also be hosting a variety of Christmas celebrations, including a Christmas Day concert and midnight mass.