WATCH: Syrians Celebrate Christmas In The Streets Of Aleppo And Damascus

Hundreds of Syrians took to the streets of Aleppo to celebrate Christmas, as the peaceful life continues to get back on track in the ancient city, two years after its liberation.

Christmas in the Syrian city of Aleppo is a very special holiday indeed – and that's not since it housed the largest Christian minority in the predominantly Muslim country before the war.

The battle for the city, which raged for four and a half years, ended just a couple days before Christmas back in 2016, and the holiday now goes hand in hand with the liberation celebrations.

The city, once the largest in Syria, has seen years of intense urban warfare, getting split roughly in half between government forces and a conglomerate of assorted militant groups. As the Syrian government forces and their allies scored a decisive victory, the city's Christians were free to openly celebrate Christmas in – back then, relative – safety.

Two years later, the celebrations have gotten into full swing, starting to resemble the colourful pre-war festivities. Footage from the scene shows the unveiling of the city's main Christmas tree at the Al Aziziyah square, Santa costume-clad children singing, and fireworks – instead of bullet tracers – lighting up the night skies.

Christmas in #Aleppo #Siria #Syria 💙 pic.twitter.com/mPU8AGkuib

— Gabriel Garroum Pla (@GabrielGarroum) December 24, 2018

The residents of Aleppo hope the whole of Syria will re-emerge from the ashes, as their city did.

“Aleppo is still alive. It went on despite the war and siege. What we witness now, the return of farmers and citizens to their land and villages, destroyed by terrorism, is a good omen,” a local resident told RT's Ruptly.

So everyone enjoy your feats of strength today. Air your grievances here or in your home. But remember, thanks to Donald Trump we are ALL saying Merry Christmas this year — so repeat after me: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone even the haters and losers.

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2018