Syria celebrates Christmas with hope amid lingering security fears

Olive Scout Troop Christmas Carnival in Old Damascus, 2025. / Credit: ACI MENA

ACI MENA, Dec 24, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).

In a scene reflecting Syrians’ deep longing for life and joy after long years of suffering, Christmas celebrations continue across various regions of Syria, carrying messages of hope that transcend divisions and wounds. 

These festive atmospheres coincided with the official repeal of the Caesar Act, U.S.-imposed sanctions on Syria, which propels the country into a time of rebuilding its economy and securing the basic requirements for a dignified life for its citizens.

Among the most prominent Christmas events this week was the organization of a Christmas carnival by the Roman Melkite Olive Scout Troop in Old Damascus. 

A majestic procession toured the ancient streets with the participation of hundreds of people accompanied by handcrafted Christmas figures, decorated vehicles, brass band performances, and the display of both church and national flags. Archimandrite Michel Deirani told ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, that the aim of these initiatives is to “plant joy in the hearts of children and help them live in peace, overcoming the effects of wars and upheavals that have burdened the world.”

The celebrations were not limited to the capital. The village of Qinniyeh in the Idlib countryside witnessed the lighting of its Christmas tree and Nativity scene for the first time in 14 years. A Christmas market was also inaugurated in Tartous through a non-ecclesial initiative. 

In the same context, the Joy Choir, with its various age groups, continued presenting its customary hymn evenings in Damascus and Yabroud, leaving a positive impression on attendees including the acting head of the European Union delegation to Syria, Michael Ohnmacht, who remarked that the choir is “true to its name” and succeeded in embodying Syria’s true image.

Despite widespread praise for the heightened security measures accompanying the celebrations, troubling incidents emerged, including the burning of a Christmas tree in the Al-Adawiya district of Homs and another attempted arson in Al-Qusayr, in addition to the theft of a bronze statue of St. Paul in Bab Kisan. 

Controversy also arose over a social media post by Wael Hamza, director general of the Syrian General Organization for Books, who asked via Facebook not to be congratulated on the holidays — an unusual stance for a government official.

In the lead-up to Christmas, the Church did not forget its martyrs. John X Yazigi, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, visited Mar Elias Church, which had previously been targeted by a bombing, to review the rehabilitation work underway. 

Though the Caesar Act has been repealed, Syria remains subject to U.S. oversight related to counterterrorism efforts, the removal of foreign fighters, and the protection of minorities. In this context, 134 Republican members of the U.S. Congress signed a statement affirming their commitment to monitoring the new Syrian administration, stressing that violations against Christians and other minorities must become a thing of the past.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by CNA.