The Palestinian Authority has asked Bethlehem authorities to keep Christmas celebrations low key this year; to cancel holiday fireworks and to limit the festive street lights and decorations that are annual traditions of the season.
Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world flock to Bethlehem each Christmas for the midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity and events in Manger Square. Three Christian denominations – the Armenians, Roman Catholics and Greek Orthodox – share control of the church.
The tour in Bethlehem will include meetings with Palestinian officials, Christian leaders and home hospitality with a Christian family, free time in Manger Square to speak with residents and retailers.
