“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

Follow in the footsteps of the shepherds who hurried to find the Christ Child, and celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem, His birthplace. Join a special 11-day Christmas Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a Pilgrimage Chaplain, departing December 20–30, 2025.

Begin your pilgrimage in the sacred town of Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. Admire the magnificent Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the traditional site of Mary and Joseph’s home. It was here that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would soon become the Mother of God.

Travel to Capernaum, known as Jesus’ adopted hometown and the place where He called His first apostles—Peter, James, Andrew, John, and Matthew. Celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church, built over the remains of St. Peter’s residence. Continue to Mount Tabor to visit the stunning Church of the Transfiguration, one of the most beautiful churches in the Holy Land. End the day with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus once miraculously walked on water.

Continue your pilgrimage to Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, where married couples will have the special opportunity to renew their wedding vows at the Wedding Church. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Take in the peaceful surroundings and breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee. In Tabgha, visit the Church of Peter’s Primacy, where the risen Christ appeared to His disciples and shared a meal with them on the Mensa Christi—the “Table of Christ.” Nearby is the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish, built over the traditional site where Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Then, visit the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Here, you will have the opportunity to renew your baptismal vows.

Depart for Bethlehem and attend Christmas Eve Mass at the Altar of the Manger, located near the Grotto of the Nativity—the sacred place where Mary gave birth to Jesus and lovingly cradled Him. This holy site lies within the Basilica of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world. A silver star embedded in the floor marks the exact spot of Christ’s birth.

On Christmas Day, spend the entire day in Bethlehem, reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation. Visit Shepherds’ Field, traditionally believed to be where the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of the Savior, as described in the Gospel of Luke.

Next, journey to Jerusalem, a sacred city cherished by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and the spiritual heart of the Holy Land. It is here that the central events of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection took place. Walk prayerfully along the Via Dolorosa (“Way of Sorrows”), retracing the steps of Jesus as He carried His cross to Calvary. This solemn path leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most revered Christian site in Jerusalem. Built over the traditional location of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb where He rose from the dead.

Make your way to the Church of the Visitation, located in the picturesque hillside village of Ein Karem, where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and proclaimed her praise to God—now known in Christian liturgy as “The Magnificat.” Ein Karem is also traditionally recognized as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Inside the Church of St. John the Baptist, beneath the main altar, a plaque marks the spot believed to be his birthplace.

Cap off your pilgrimage in Jericho, considered the oldest city in the world. From here, take in the view of the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was led by the Spirit to spend forty days in the desert before beginning His public ministry.

Experience the wonder of Christmas in the Holy Land, where the story of Christ’s birth comes to life like nowhere else on earth. Walk the timeless streets of Jerusalem and join in the unique spiritual and cultural festivities of the season. Be part of a 11-day Christmas in the Holy Land Pilgrimage from December 20–30, 2025, accompanied by a Pilgrimage Chaplain. Let this sacred journey deepen your faith and bring you closer to the heart of Christmas—in the land of Jesus’ birth.