Best Places to Visit in Jordan for Christmas Cheer

Jordan may not be the first place that comes to mind for holiday cheer, but the country has a growing expat and digital nomad community that brings festive traditions to life each December. While Christmas isn’t a national holiday, cities with Christian communities and international influences transform into cozy, twinkling hubs of celebration. From bustling markets to candlelit church services, there are plenty of ways to soak up the season. Here are some of the best places to visit in Jordan during December to get into the holiday spirit.

Amman’s Abdoun Neighborhood

Abdoun is one of Amman’s most upscale and expat-friendly neighborhoods, and in December, it becomes a hub for holiday festivities. High-end cafés and restaurants deck their halls with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees, while boutique shops offer festive decorations and gifts. Many and embassies host Christmas bazaars, where you can find handmade crafts, baked goods, and even Santa appearances for the little ones. The neighborhood’s European-style cafés serve seasonal treats like gingerbread lattes and spiced hot chocolate, making it a perfect spot for a cozy afternoon.

We Recommend: Stop by Books@Café or Wild Jordan Center’s café for their holiday-themed desserts—try the cinnamon-dusted apple pie or the rich chocolate Yule log, often served with a side of live acoustic music in the evenings.

Fuhais

Just a short drive from Amman, the town of Fuhais is one of Jordan’s most charming destinations for Christmas celebrations. Known for its strong Christian community, Fuhais lights up with nativity scenes, carol services, and festive decorations. The town’s historic churches, like the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, hold midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, drawing locals and visitors alike. While there isn’t a formal holiday market, small pop-up stalls often appear near the churches, selling handmade ornaments, honey-dipped pastries, and warm sahlab (a creamy milk-based drink flavored with rosewater and nuts).

We Recommend: Don’t miss the chance to try ka’ak al-Eid, a traditional ring-shaped cookie coated in sesame seeds, often baked fresh for the holidays and sold by local families near the church.

Madaba

Madaba, the "City of Mosaics," takes on a magical glow in December, blending its ancient heritage with festive cheer. The town’s Christian community celebrates with midnight Mass at St. George’s Church, where the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land serves as a stunning backdrop. While Madaba doesn’t have a large holiday market, the streets around the church are often lined with vendors selling handmade olive wood nativity sets, embroidered textiles, and local sweets like ma’amoul (date-filled cookies). Many guesthouses and restaurants host Christmas dinners featuring Jordanian and international dishes, often accompanied by live music.

We Recommend: Visit Haret Jdoudna, a restored 19th-century village turned restaurant, for their Christmas Eve feast—expect roasted lamb, spiced rice, and a festive atmosphere with traditional Jordanian hospitality.

Salt

Salt, a historic town known for its Ottoman-era architecture, offers a quieter but equally enchanting Christmas experience. The town’s Christian community gathers for candlelit processions and carol services, particularly at the Latin Church and the Greek Orthodox Church. While there isn’t a formal holiday market, local bakeries and sweet shops prepare seasonal treats like basbousa (semolina cake soaked in syrup) and knafeh (cheese pastry with pistachios). The town’s narrow, cobblestone streets are adorned with lights, and some families open their homes for visitors to share in the warmth of Jordanian hospitality.

We Recommend: Stop by Al-Quds Sweets for their holiday special: knafeh bil jibneh (knafeh with a gooey cheese center), best enjoyed with a cup of strong Arabic coffee.

Petra’s Christmas Celebrations

Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, might seem like an unlikely place for Christmas cheer, but the ancient city hosts a unique holiday experience. The Petra by Night event takes on a special magic in December, with candlelit paths leading to the Treasury, where carolers and local musicians perform under the stars. Some years, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority organizes a Christmas market near the visitor center, offering Bedouin crafts, handwoven textiles, and spiced teas. Staying at one of the luxury hotels in Wadi Musa often means festive dinners with live entertainment, blending Jordanian traditions with holiday classics.

We Recommend: If you attend Petra by Night in December, warm up afterward with a cup of shai bil na’na (mint tea) from a local vendor—it’s the perfect way to cap off a chilly evening in the desert.

Jerash’s Christmas at the Roman Ruins

Jerash, home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy, hosts a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration. The city’s Christian community organizes a midnight Mass at the Church of St. George, followed by a festive procession through the ancient streets. Some years, the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts extends into December with holiday-themed performances, including choirs singing carols in the Oval Forum. While there isn’t a traditional market, local vendors set up stalls near the ruins selling handmade jewelry, leather goods, and warm manakish (flatbread topped with za’atar or cheese). The contrast of twinkling lights against the ancient columns makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

We Recommend: Grab a manakish bil za’atar from a street vendor and enjoy it with a side of fresh labneh—it’s a simple but delicious way to fuel up before exploring the ruins.

Irbid’s Yarmouk University Neighborhood

Irbid, Jordan’s second-largest city, has a vibrant student population thanks to Yarmouk University, and in December, the area around the campus buzzes with holiday energy. The university often hosts Christmas concerts and cultural events open to the public, featuring everything from classical music to modern interpretations of carols. Nearby cafés and bakeries get into the spirit with festive decorations and seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint hot chocolate. While there isn’t a formal market, the city’s souks offer handmade gifts, including embroidered scarves and olive wood carvings, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.

We Recommend: Visit Café Vienna for their Austrian-inspired Christmas pastries—try the Sachertorte (chocolate cake with apricot jam) or a slice of Stollen (fruit bread), both holiday favorites in Europe.

Aqaba’s Festive Waterfront

Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea resort city, offers a warm-weather twist on holiday celebrations. While the temperatures remain mild in December, the waterfront comes alive with lights, music, and festive decorations. Many hotels and beach clubs host Christmas brunches and dinners, featuring seafood feasts and international buffets. The Aqaba Christmas Market (when organized) is a highlight, with stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and local spices. Some years, the city hosts a beachside Christmas party with live DJs, fireworks, and even a Santa dive—where scuba divers in Santa hats hand out gifts underwater.

We Recommend: Book a table at Ali Baba Restaurant for their Christmas seafood platter—think grilled shrimp, calamari, and lobster, served with a side of festive Jordanian hospitality.

Karak’s Christmas in the Castle

Karak, famous for its Crusader castle, offers a unique blend of history and holiday spirit. The town’s small Christian community gathers for midnight Mass at the Latin Church, and some years, the castle itself is illuminated for the season. While there isn’t a formal market, local bakeries prepare holiday sweets like ghraybeh (buttery shortbread cookies) and barazek (sesame and pistachio cookies). The town’s ancient streets, lined with Ottoman-era buildings, provide a picturesque backdrop for a quiet, reflective Christmas experience.

We Recommend: Pick up a box of barazek from Al-Hajj Sweets—these crunchy, nutty cookies are a holiday staple in Jordan and make for a great edible souvenir.