Winter in Jerusalem - January, February and March

It may not be the warmest period in Jerusalem, but in the months of January through March Jerusalem will come alive with some of the hottest music acts and festivals that Israel has to offer.  There is no shortage of things to do in Jerusalem in the coming months. But the following activities definitely stand out for us as the must-do Jerusalem events for the beginning of 2013.  So, leave your apartments and hotel rooms and take part in some of these fantastic activities.

January

This January, Jerusalem will host some of Israel's leading artists as well as a bunch of international performers. Here is a list of music performances that you won't want to miss out on.

Ahinoam Nini Concert

You have most likely heard her name or music before. Ahinoam Nini, also known as Noa, is one of Israel's leading musicians and has also had huge successes in the world music scene. In 2000 she sung the theme song of "Life Is Beautiful", Roberto Benigni's Oscar award-winning film. A versatile musician, Noa sings in Hebrew, French, Spanish, Arabic, English and a range of other languages. Noa is also somewhat of a symbol of peace, having collaborated frequently with Arab and Palestinian artists from around the world. Noa will be performing with her long-time music partner and collaborator Gil Dor.

When: 12.01.2013; 20:15 (doors open)
Address: Zappa - 28 Derech Hebron, Jerusalem
Phone: *9080
Price: Adults 129 ILS ; Students/Soldiers 119 ILS

KM Williams

KM Williams is both a priest and legendary blues-gospel singer. Sound intriguing? Then you should definitely consider attending the Reverend's upcoming performance at the Yellow Submarine. Williams grew up in Texas where he was exposed to the authentic blues of the 50's and 60's. Today he performs across the world, singing hits from his 17 solo records, while strumming his cigar box guitar. He will be accompanied by legendary drummer and fellow Texan Mike Buck.

When: 11.01.2013
Address: Yellow Sumbarine - 13 HaRechavim St, Jerusalem
Phone: +972-2-679-4040      
Price: Adults 110 ILS; Students/Soldiers 100 ILS

Voca People

If you are looking for something a little light hearted, but without compromising on quality and talent, the Voca People ensemble is a definite must.  The Voca People are friendly aliens – yes, you read correctly – from the planet of Voca where all communication is made by music and vocal expression. The Voca People create an incredible range of sounds and instruments using only their vocal cords. The Israel-based group has travelled extensively across the world, receiving much interest and admiration from international audiences.

When: 18.01.2013; 14:00
Address: Zappa - 28 D

Derech Hebron, Jerusalem
Phone: *9080
Price: Adults 135 ILS; Students 125 ILS

Lord of the Dance

Lord of the Dance is coming to town! For those who have always dreamed of seeing Lord of the Dance, or simply appreciate world-class performances, now is your opportunity. The dance extravaganza Lord of the Dance is coming to Jerusalem for two performances only at the end of January. Under the direction of Michael Flatley, creator and director of this award-winning international dance phenomenon, 40 dancers will mount Jerusalem’s International Convention Center stage for a spectacle of precision dancing, state of the art lighting, pyrotechnics and an unforgettable music score. Lord of the Dance depicts the classic Irish tale of the war between good and bad.  Flatley’s Lord of the Dance continues to shatter box office records all over the world, leaving audiences breathless and clamoring for more.

When: 23.01.2013 , 24.01.2013; 20:30
Address: International Convention Center - 1 Shazar Blvd
Phone: Bimot - 972-2-655-8537
Price: 349 ILS - 449 ILS

February

February is a month of festivals. The Jerusalem International Book Festival is a great indoor activity, and, while the Jerusalem Ice Festival isn’t likely to be the warmest destination in Jerusalem, it will certainly be the highlight of your visit to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem International Book Fair

Calling on all readers and writers for a week of literary heaven. With the attendance of 600 publishers and authors from more than 30 countries, Jerusalem’s International Book Fair, which takes place on a biennial basis, displays more than 100,000 books in different languages. Thousands of individuals from Israel and abroad are expected to attend the event, including writers, publishes, agents, and members of the general public.

When: 10.02.2013-15.02.2013
Address: International Convention Center – 1 Shazar Blvd, Jerusalem
Phone: +972-629-6415
Price: Free Entrance

Boogie

During the months of February and March, be sure to check out Boogie, a weekly dance party that is bound to cheer the spirits and get your heart racing. Boogie brings together a mixed crowd – young, old, Israeli, anglo, secular and religious – for an intense dance experience, combining world music and new age flavors. Boogie on 24.02.13 is sure to be a highlight as the night will be dedicated to the festival of Purim, a Jewish festival where people of all ages dress up in whacky and fantastic costumes.

Be sure to call in advance if you plan on attending, as details are subject to change.

When: 14.02.13, 24.02.13, 28.02.13, 07.03.13, 14.03.13
Address: Gerard Bechar Center, 11 Bezalel St, Jerusalem
Phone: +972-52-860-8084; 972-2-566-0018
Price: 40 ILS; Students 30 ILS

Jerusalem International Ice Festival

Whether you are an adult, child or simply young at heart, this ice extravaganza will bring you hours of enjoyment. The Festival will take place between February and April but make sure to book tickets in advance, as it is set to be one of the most popular attractions in Jerusalem this winter. With an indoor temperature of minus 10 degrees Celsius, Jerusalem's Old Train Station is set to turn into a giant (around 1500 square meters) ice city. Hundreds of tons of ice-blocks have been molded and sculptured into a fantasy-like ice kingdom depicting key highlights of Jerusalem such as the Old City walls and Jerusalem's Biblical Zoo. Visitors will also have the opportunity to re-visit the children's stories that we all grew up on such as Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There will also be an ice-skating complex next door, coffee shops and more.

When: 20.02.13 - 30.4.13.
Address: Old Train Station, 11 Derech Hebron
Phone: Bimot - +972-2-623-7000; *6226
Price: Tickets and ticket prices will be available in January 2013. We will be sure to keep you updated.

March

As the weather in Jerusalem warms up in the lead up to spring, head outdoors to the Jerusalem Marathon (as a participant or spectator) and to the Sounds of the Old City music festival.

Jerusalem International Marathon

The Jerusalem Marathon is a standout event in the Jerusalem calendar each year, drawing hundreds of international guests to the city. Participants will have the opportunity to do what they love doing, running, while discovering Jerusalem’s 3,000 years of history as they make their way through the streets and alleys of this ancient city. And, of course, the Marathon distance and routes vary, making it suitable for a full range of athletes and fitness levels. For non-participants there will be plenty of opportunity to spectate from the sidelines, cheer on your friends and family, and absorb the carnival-like atmosphere.

When: 01.03.13
Phone: +972-2-6257489; +972-625-3510.
Price: Marathon 200 ILS; Half Marathon 150 ILS; 10 km Race 100 ILS
Registration information: http://www.jerusalem-marathon.com/

Sounds of the Old City

Nothing beats walking through the streets and alleys of Jerusalem’s Old City while soaking in the sounds and rhythms of Jerusalem’s diverse population. Lovers of music and culture won’t want to miss out on The Sounds of the Old City festival, a musical celebration throughout the four quarters of Jerusalem’s Old City which offers a unique glimpse into the varied music traditions of the City of Jerusalem: Armenian, Arabic, Christian and Jewish. The Festival will consist of solo and group performances as well as special multimedia screenings.

When: 19.03.2013 – 22.03.2013; 18:00 - 23:00
Address: Old City, Jerusalem
Phone: Jerusalem Municipality – 106
Price: Free Entrance. No registration required