Christmas in Nazareth – A Magical Holiday Experience
Walk the old city of Nazareth during the Christmas season with a local guide, through decorated streets, churches and markets.
Ask Riad on WhatsAppThe experience
About the Christmas tour
For a few weeks each winter, Nazareth — the city where, according to Christian tradition, the Annunciation took place — fills with lights, music and visitors from all over the world. The Christmas market opens, the streets around the Basilica of the Annunciation are decorated, and the old city feels different from any other time of year.
This is a guided walk, not a fixed package. Riad builds the day with you: how long you walk, where you stop, how much time you spend in a church or a market. The pace stays slow, so there is time to look, ask, taste and shop.
What we might see
Possible tour highlights
Every tour is arranged with you, so the places below are possibilities rather than a fixed programme.
The Basilica of the Annunciation
The largest church in the Middle East, located within the Franciscan monastery complex in the heart of the city. Here, we will make an essential stop on our tour for a theological explanation of the foundations of Christianity and its relationship with Judaism.
Nazareth's historic Old City
Discover 19th-century Nazareth, with the opportunity to peek inside one of the homes of the wealthy families of that period, featuring the most beautiful ceiling in the region. Explore stone alleyways, courtyards and traditional workshops that have been operating here for at least two hundred years.
Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere
Lights, Christmas trees and festive decorations along the beautiful market streets, and the largest Christmas tree in the Middle East, standing in the square of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
Local markets and traditional shops
Spices, olive wood products, Middle Eastern sweets and local festive handicrafts along the winding alleyways of the market.
Christian heritage and local traditions
The stories behind the churches, the families who live here and how Christmas is celebrated in the city. If possible, we will also take a glimpse into the caves of the Christian martyrs beneath the residence of the Orthodox Bishop.
Authentic local food and seasonal specialties
Discover where to stop for coffee, knafeh or a seasonal sweet treat, with the flexibility to decide along the way rather than following a fixed itinerary.
The Synagogue Church
We will visit the Synagogue Church (an intriguing name, isn't it?), where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus visited on the Sabbath and read passages from the Hebrew Bible to the congregation.
And More…
Many other fascinating sites in Nazareth, depending on the wishes and interests of the visitors.
Christmas in Nazareth
Photographs of the city during the holiday season.
Tour information
- Location
- Nazareth, Israel
- Tour type
- Guided Christmas experience
- Languages
- Arabic, Czech, Hebrew, English and Slovak
- Dates
- Flexible — arranged by contacting the guide
- Duration
- To be confirmed with Riad
- Meeting point
- Arranged directly with Riad
About
Riad Abu Assad
A licensed tour guide with more than fifteen years of experience, guiding travellers from over forty countries. Riad guides in Arabic, Hebrew, English, Czech and Slovak, and lives in the region — the streets of Nazareth and the Galilee are part of his everyday life, not only a route.
Arrange your Christmas tour
Write on WhatsApp or call. Tell Riad the date you have in mind, how many people you are and the language you prefer — he will answer with what is possible.
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, write to Riad directly.
When does the Christmas tour run?
During the Christmas season, by arrangement. Dates are not fixed in advance — write to Riad with the date you have in mind and he will tell you whether it is possible.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes. Tours are arranged privately, for couples, families and small groups. Tell Riad how many people you are when you write.
Which languages are available?
Arabic, Hebrew, English, Czech and Slovak. The language is confirmed directly with Riad when you arrange the tour.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is arranged with Riad, usually in the centre of Nazareth near the old city. He will send you the exact place once the tour is confirmed.
How do I arrange a tour?
Send a WhatsApp message or call. There is no online booking and no payment on this website — everything is arranged directly with Riad.
Is the tour suitable for children and older visitors?
Yes. The pace is slow and the route is adapted to the group; tell Riad about any walking difficulties when you write.
Spend Christmas in Nazareth
Write to Riad and plan a day in the city during the holiday season.
Chat with Riad on WhatsApp