Palestinians lit up the Christmas tree in Manger Square in Bethlehem on Saturday (December 4).

The annual event outside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city was attended by thousands and also featured a firework display.

Christians believe Bethlehem was the birthplace of Jesus.

Footage by/APAwire

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: Bethlehem- 4 December 2021. Palestinians light Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem

STORYLINE:

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season organized around it.

Footage by/APAwire