Tel Aviv lights up its traditional Christmas tree

The Israeli city of Tel Aviv kicked off the Christmas season Sunday with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

Erected in a central square of the city's Jaffa neighborhood, which is home to Christian Arab residents, the tree stands 15 meters (50 feet) tall, and was topped with a beaming star.

Christmas lights flickered as passers-by snapped photos with the tree and a visiting Santa Claus.

The annual Christmas lighting ceremony was scaled down this year because of coronavirus restrictions.

"It means we can't have the big crowds and the ceremony for lighting the tree," said Eytan Halon, a city official.

"But people will still feel the Christmas spirit."