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FESTIVE CHEER

Crowds gather for Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem next to the site where Jesus was born

HEARTWARMING pictures have emerged of crowds taking part in Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem.

Dozens of Palestinian locals and tourists gathered in the biblical West Bank town at the spot where Christians believe the birth of Jesus took place.

Street vendors were seen selling balloons in Manger Square, Bethlehem
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Street vendors were seen selling balloons in Manger Square, BethlehemCredit: Getty Images
Singers performed in front of crowds next to the Church of the Nativity
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Singers performed in front of crowds next to the Church of the NativityCredit: Getty Images
People wear Santa hats as they gather near the spot where it's believed Jesus was born
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People wear Santa hats as they gather near the spot where it's believed Jesus was bornCredit: Getty Images
Palestinian officials expected more visitor this year due to a drop in violence in the area
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Palestinian officials expected more visitor this year due to a drop in violence in the areaCredit: Getty Images
The square was filled with Christmas lights and a giant tree
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The square was filled with Christmas lights and a giant treeCredit: Getty Images

They enjoyed Christmas lights, carols and festive stalls in Manger Square, next to the Church of the Nativity.

Meanwhile, earlier today, onlookers watched a performance by Palestinian Christian scouts, which included a bagpipes procession.

The Church of the Nativity, originally commissioned in the year 327 by Constantine the Great, is revered as the site of the birth of Jesus Christ.

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At midnight, worshippers will gather at the church for a midnight mass, with more visitors expected than in 2015 due to a drop in violence.

Last year, a wave of violence - which included knife, gun and car-ramming attacks - starting in October significantly reduced the number of tourists in Bethlehem at Christmas.

Worshippers from around the world will attend a midnight mass in the church
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Worshippers from around the world will attend a midnight mass in the churchCredit: Getty Images
Revellers could be seen purchasing street foods as they enjoyed the festivities
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Revellers could be seen purchasing street foods as they enjoyed the festivitiesCredit: Getty Images
A Palestinian bagpipe group marches at Manger Square during a Christmas Eve procession
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A Palestinian bagpipe group marches at Manger Square during a Christmas Eve processionCredit: EPA
A Palestinian dressed as Santa Claus takes a selfie on Christmas Eve in the square
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A Palestinian dressed as Santa Claus takes a selfie on Christmas Eve in the squareCredit: AP:Associated Press

But this year there is more optimism, as Palestinian officials confirmed major hotels in the town are booked up.

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