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.

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.

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.

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