Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour from Tel Aviv with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem

After early afternoon pickup from your central Tel Aviv, travel by air-conditioned coach to Jerusalem, one of the world’s oldest cities and central to the Christian faith down the ages.

After roughly an hour on the road, arrive at the Mount of Olives. Gaze out from here over Old Jerusalem, and then keep your camera ready as you drive around the walls of the UNESCO-listed Old City. On route, see the Kidron Valley and pass the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus and his disciples spent time the night before his crucifixion.

Stop at the walls and enter the Old City on foot. Follow your guide into the alleyways of the Christian Quarter, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Wander around the revered church and see the treasures and Stations of the Cross that make it one of Christianity's most sacred spots.

Afterward, leave the Old City for a panoramic drive around New Jerusalem. Drive by top Jerusalem attractions such as the Knesset, the Israel Museum and the Valley of the Cross, home to the magnificent 11th-century Monastery of the Cross. As darkness falls, stop at the Mount of Evil Counsel viewpoint to behold views of Jerusalem below, just as the city lights twinkle to life. 

Then, continue by coach to Bethlehem. On arrival, take a break for light refreshments at a prettily decorated Christmas souvenir shop, before strolling into Manger Square to enjoy the traditional celebrations. Admire the Christmas tree and floodlit Church of the Nativity, built on the site of Jesus’ birth, and listen to the carols sung by locals and pilgrims.

Then, if time permits, head inside the church to soak up the deeply spiritual atmosphere that comes with Christmas night. Afterward, sit down to a delicious Christmas dinner in a restaurant overlooking the square. Soak up the emotion of the evening and setting as you eat, and watch the live outdoor screen broadcasts of the Church of the Nativity midnight mass.

Take your leave of Bethlehem and finish your trip with a drop-off at your Tel Aviv hotel.

Spend Christmas Eve in the Holy Land on this full-day tour of sacred Christian sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv. See religious sanctuaries such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity with a knowledgeable guide. Admire sweeping vistas of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and circle the Old City walls before walking through the Christian quarter. End your evening in Bethlehem, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular Christmas dinner and view midnight mass from Manger’s Square.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Modest dress is obligatory for visits to holy sites; covered knees and shoulders
Recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes
Hotel pickup provided from the following hotels in Jerusalem: Jerusalem Gate, Grand Court, David's Citadel and Dan Boutique. Please contact your local operator to reconfirm time of the service
You will be required to change vehicles when entering the Palestinian territory
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 4
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers