This annual event officially kicked off the Christmas celebrations in the town believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.
During the ceremony the mayor of Bethlehem, Vera Baboon lit up a 15-metre (50 feet) high Christmas tree outside the church of Nativity.
“The message of Bethlehem is specifically in this year that we have the solidarity, we urge all the people through our message, that we need that solidarity because we only need on this Christmas- justice,” said Baboon.
The crowd applauded and cheered as the tree was illuminated with colorful lights, and a special fireworks display was followed. For more details, watch Dalal Abou Haydar's report in the video above