Christmas began in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, and this year the city is once again seeing joyful celebrations.
For the past few years, Christmas events were cancelled because of the war in Gaza, about 50 miles away. However, a fragile ceasefire has brought some hope back to Bethlehem, which is located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
On Wednesday, Christmas Eve celebrations were held in full spirit. A band played music under a large Christmas tree in Manger Square, and a traditional procession from Jerusalem, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was warmly welcomed into the city.