The main plaza in front of the Church of the Nativity is the focal point of Bethlehem's public life. Renovated in 1998–1999 with local limestone and shade trees, the square is where pilgrims, tourists, and local residents converge. It's busy and slightly chaotic most of the time, with souvenir stalls around the edges and tour groups crossing in all directions.
At the north end of the square stands the Mosque of Omar — the main mosque of Bethlehem and a symbol of the town's mixed Christian and Muslim community. The Palestinian Peace Center is also here. Christmas Eve brings massive crowds, with services broadcast from the square and a tree-lighting ceremony that draws people from across the Palestinian territories.