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“Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2: 13-16
Like the shepherds that hurried off to find Him on whom God’s favor rests, celebrate this Christmas in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, on a special 10-day Christmas Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a Pilgrimage Chaplain leaving from December 20-30, 2025.
Begin your pilgrimage in the holy town of Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. Admire the magnificent Basilica of the Annunciation, which was built on the site of Mary and Joseph’s home. This is also where the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would be the Mother of God soon. Next stop is Mount Tabor to visit the Church of the Transfiguration, one of the most beautiful churches in the Holy Land. Not to be missed is a relaxing boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus miraculously walked on water.
The next stop is Cana, where married couples will have the option to renew their marriage vows at the Wedding Church in Cana. Head to Capernaum, Jesus’ hometown and the birthplace of his first apostles, Peter, James, Andrew, John, and Matthew. Celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church, which was erected on the ruins of St. Peter’s residence. View the stunning panoramic view from the summit of the hill where Jesus presented the Sermon on the Mount on the Mount of Beatitudes. Visit the Church of Peter’s Primacy in Tabgha, where Jesus offered a meal to His followers on the Mensa Christi. In the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, renew your baptismal vows.
Proceed to Bethlehem, where you will spend two nights. Attend the Christmas Eve Mass at the Altar of the Manger, which is located close to the Grotto of the Nativity, where Mary gave birth and lovingly cradled the newborn Jesus, at the Basilica of the Nativity. A silver star marks the exact spot of Jesus’ birth. Spend the entire day in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Shepherd’s Field is a place where shepherds used to keep an eye on their sheep. According to Luke’s Gospel, an angel announced Jesus’ birth here.
Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, is the next stop. The site where Jesus was crucified and rose again lies in the heart of the Holy Land. To commemorate Jesus’ passion and death, take a thoughtful walk through the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows). The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem’s holiest site, is said to have been built on the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, Golgotha or Calvary.
The Church of the Visitation, located in the picturesque hillside village of Ein Karem, is where Mary visited Elizabeth and blessed her. In Christian liturgy, the benediction is known as “The Magnificat.” Ein Karem is also renowned as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Inside the Church of St. John the Baptist, beneath the main altar, a plaque marks the legendary birthplace of John the Baptist.
Cap off your pilgrimage in Emmaus, where Jesus appeared to two of His disciples following His resurrection.
Christmas in the Holy Land is unlike Christmas anywhere else in the world. Walk the ancient streets of Jerusalem and participate in the numerous festivities of the Season. Join a Christmas Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a Pilgrimage Chaplain from December 20-30, 2025. May this pilgrimage be a meaningful journey to encounter Jesus and to celebrate this joyous occasion in the land of His birth.
