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Christmas in Jerusalem 2023

Christmas events in Jerusalem 2023 will be updated as they become available. Meanwhile, you can check out last year’s events.

With dozens of churches scattered throughout the Christian Quarter of the Old City, near the Old City, and in the neighborhood of Ein Karem, and being only six kilometers from Bethlehem, Jerusalem is an unforgettable place to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Enjoy the wonderful sight of decorated Christmas trees, the bright stars and Santa Claus puppets all around, see the customs of different denominations in the churches and monasteries and take part in the tours of the city alleys to the sounds of bells and carols.

 

Christmas Events in Jerusalem in 2022:

Here is a taste of events taking place around the city for Christmas this year.

Christmas Market

 

Join us for an authentic and warm Christmas celebration in – the most glittering and bright holiday there is!

The celebrations will take place in the Christian Quarter of the Old City, on the picturesque New Gate Street, and along the walls leading to it. The holiday will be celebrated with lots of fun and an amazing atmosphere, just like all around the world during this special the season.

The streets of the quarter will be filled with festive lighting, holiday decorations will cover the buildings, a special winter fair will offer food and drinks in the spirit of the holiday. A variety of souvenir stands and handmade gifts, exhibits, live performances, tours and other surprises will also be available to ensure you’re in the perfect mood for Christmas.

When? December 15-25

Where? Christian Quarter, New Gate Complex

More Details

Christmas Concert – Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra

Credits: Joel Levy, Hadar Elfassi, Andre Grilk, Martin Ching, Michael Cohen.

The Hallelujah Festival by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra will be dedicated this year to the theme of ‘Passion’, and you’re welcome to enjoy various envigorating arrangements of classic works.

In honor of the holiday, a concert will be held with the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra ( Musically Directed by David Shemer,), featuring special pieces of music dedicated to the celebrations of Christmas composed by Bach, Vivaldi and Corelli, along with the world premiere of the Concerto de Camera, by Avner Hanan, commissioned by the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra
Music Director: David Shemer

When? December 27 | 20:00

Where? YMCA

Cost? 120 NIS

Full program of the festival and more details – on the event page >>

כרטיסים

Tower of David Christmas Tour

Join the Tower of David on an overseas tour of the Christian Quarter, during which you will experience Christmas in Jerusalem.

During the tour, you’ll visit the most ornate and festive alleys in the Christian quarter, hear stories about the holiday and its origins and understand the meaning behind light festivals in other cultures. Also, you’ll walk by shops and stalls selling holiday decorations, get familiar with the various customs of Christmas, from Santa Claus to the decorated trees, and taste the divine, rich-in-calorie sweets that will give you energy in the cold winter.

When? December 19-30

Cost? Special price for iTravel visitors – 77 NIS instead of 80.

More details on the tour page (Hebrew) >>

Book Tour

Christmas Tour in Jerusalem with Yad Yitzhak Ben-Zvi

Photo: Yad Ben-Zvi PR

A special tour devoted to the atmosphere of Christmas in Jerusalem: visit familiar and hidden churches, hear of bells toll, watch celebrators in the city and wander through the decorated alleys of the Christian quarter.
Among the sites to visit: Christ Church, Christian Quarter, Notre Dame.

When? December 23 | 9:00-12:00

Сost? 95 NIS

More details on the tour page (Hebrew) >>

Tickets

Crazy Mary: The Maze of Horror of Jerusalem

מבצע לחנוכה וחג המולד בקרייזי מרי

If you’re brave or just curious, you can take a Crazy Mary self–guided tour, the haunted maze that will lunch you upward. All you have to do is gather up with your friends or family and reserve your spot through phone/WhatsApp.

Purchase tickets on the spot, prior arrangement by phone is mandatory.
A special discount for iTravel visitors.

Where? Ha’rekhavim Str. 13, Talpiot, Jerusalem

When? December 19-27

Cost? Starting from 60 NIS

Full details on the page of the attraction >>

Boogie Party at the First Station Complex

Courtesy of the First Station Complex PR

Join the celebration at the Music Station Complex at the World Music party.

The DJ’s of the evening:

  • DJ Avi Boogie, founder of Boogie, a music and dance line that has been active in Jerusalem for over 20 years.
  • DJ Tzvi Kantor – started off in the New York music scene. After several years of djing on Tel Aviv rooftops and at nature parties, Zvi brings to the boogie party his electro-swing, glitch-pop and other music genres

The Boogie Night will also showcase dancers, classes, workshops, dance troupes and performances.

When? December 24 | 21:00

Where? David Remez Station 4 Jerusalem

Cost? Free entry

More information at the Station Complex website >>

Special events to mark the end of the year and Christmas at the YMCA

Photo: Yoav Dudkewitch

YMCA Jerusalem invites you to celebrate Christmas and the end of 2022 with a series of unique events for the whole family that will warm you up these winter nights. Most of the events will take place at the YMCA, while some at other sites. Among the events and activities you can participate in:

  • Christmas Market at the YMCA: Arts and Culture market, food market, dozens of stalls, workshops, YMCA Tower Bells Show
  • Children’s Shows
  • Festive concerts and more!

More Details

Masses and religious ceremonies in Jerusalem on Christmas Day

In Jerusalem, you will find several churches that invite the public to attend Christmas Midnight Mass and other ceremonies. Regardless of religion or faith, these ceremonies are a powerful tourist experience.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City and is considered one of the holiest sites for many followers of Christian traditions. Here, according to the Christian Orthodox denomination, Jesus was crucified, buried, and ascended to heaven. The church has been an important pilgrimage destination since the fourth century and is home to all the Orthodox denominations of Christianity.

More about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre >>

Church of Christ
The Church of Christ is located inside the Jaffa Gate and hosts tourists and visitors on Christmas Eve and on the holiday itself.

Other Churches
Would you like to join the incredible holiday rituals, yet avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience? It is recommended to check out the Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion and the Tomb of the Virgin Mary located in Gethsemane.

Christmas Events at The Church of the Messiah (Immanuel Church)

Photo: Immanuel

 

The Immanuel Compound, also known as Christ Church, will host experiential events for the whole family this Christmas:

An open house in the Immanuel Complex, located near the Jaffa Gate in the Old City.

In the best tradition, the event will amaze you with a European-style Christmas atmosphere, with the famous gingerbread cookies, hot wine, and cider.

Admission is free!

When? December 24 | 17:30-22:30

Where? Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Road 55, Jerusalem

Phone: 02-6277727

Experience the magic of Christmas around Jerusalem’s traditional Christmas tree

Photo: Kapaim Productions

Like in previous years, you may visit Jerusalem’s traditional Christmas tree on Mount Scopus.

The spectacular tree is one of the tallest in Israel – 23 meters and is decorated with more than 10,000 bulbs.

You can take photos from a distance, or close-up selfies on the spectacular backdrop of Jerusalem and the Old City at night.

When? The tree will be lit from December 15th to January 5th from sunset to sunrise.

Where? Mount Scopus, on Benjamin Mazar Street, above City View Restaurant.

Recommended Accommodation for Christmas vacation

The Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
Special offers at the Inbal Hotel!
The Inbal Hotel is a landmark of luxury with spa services, a vast array of amenities, and an ideal location for exploring the city. Read more
  • +972-72-3944577
  • 3 Jabotinsky St, Jerusalem
Leonardo Boutique Jerusalem by Fattal Hotels
Special prices for the Passover holiday at the Fattal hotels in Jerusalem
Special offers: Leonardo Boutique hotel
Leonardo Boutique Jerusalem offers 70 beautifully designed and fully equipped guest rooms for couples, families and business. Read more
  • +972-72-3385039
  • 3 Monbaz Street, Jerusalem
Villa Brown Jerusalem
The stunning Brown Jerusalem is downtown's first boutique design hotel, promising small-scale luxury and comfort at its finest. Read more
  • +972-72-3713456
  • 54 Haneviim St, Jerusalem
Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem
Special Passover Deal at Prima Park Hotel!
Prima Park Hotel is located a short distance from Jerusalem's attractions, while the hotel's quality amenities will fulfill all needs. Read more
  • +972-72-3944526
  • 2 Zeev Vilnai Street, Jerusalem
Hotel Ye’arim – Jerusalem Hills
Experience true rural hosting at Hotel Ye'arim! The hotel is located on one of Jerusalem highest mountaintops and it is surrounded by the magic... Read more
  • +972-(0)72-3281983
  • Ma'ale Hahamisha St, Ma'ale Hahamisha
Eldan Boutique Hotel
Special offers at Eldan Hotel!
A budget-friendly boutique hotel that offers great amenities and services without compromising on location. Read more
  • +972-72-3281204
  • 24 King David St, Jerusalem
Alegra Boutique Hotel
SPECIAL OFFERS at Allegra Boutique Hotel
A romantic boutique hotel in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Alegra Hotel offers contemporary details in a classic atmosphere. Read more
  • +972-72-3281864
  • 13 Derech Haachayot St, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem
Ramat Rachel Hotel
Special offers at Ramat Rachel Hotel!
Located on the tranquil kibbutz of the same name, Ramat Rachel Hotel is only a few minutes' drive from the bustling Jerusalem city center... Read more
  • +972-(0)72-3290740
  • Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, Jerusalem
Abraham Hostel
The Abraham Hostel is Jerusalem's #1 hostel and often ranked among the best in the world. Stay there for an unforgettable travel experience. Read more
  • +972-(0)72-3932793
  • 67 Hanevi'im St, Jerusalem
Zippori Center
Zippori Guesthouse, located near Jerusalem Forest, offers rooms for the whole family, tours, and private & business events, of up to 250 people Read more
  • +972-72-3290702
  • Zippori Center, Jerusalem Forest
Ibis Styles Hotel, Jerusalem City Center
Stay at the new Ibis Hotel at Jerusalem's City Center and enjoy a buslting experience, relaxing rooms, great amenities and prices. For couples and... Read more
  • +972-72-3384966
  • Ben Yehuda 4 St, Jerusalem

Recommended restaurants for Christmas

Piccolino
The reincarnation of the Anna Ticho House Italian restaurant now in Nahalt Shiva with daily live music Read more
  • 072-328-1965
  • 12 Yoel Moshe Solomon St, Jerusalem
Kinor Bakikar
Where music meets culinary excellence in downtown Jerusalem Read more
  • 8 Ma'avar Beit HaKnesset, Jerusalem
  • 072-3713077
Lechem Basar
Quality meat and freshly baked bread at a fair price Read more
  • 072-3281970
  • The First Station, 4 David Remez St, Jerusalem
O2 Restaurant at the Inbal Hotel
O2 provides an authentic Israeli experience by offering you the best delicacies with local spice and aroma. Read more
  • 072-3385018
  • 3 Ze'ev Jabotinsky Street, Jerusalem
Nahman Restaurant
An authentic mehadrin kosher-dairy Italian restaurant in the picturesque Nahalt Shiva neighborhood Read more
  • 12 Mevo Beit David Street, Jerusalem
  • 072-3281985
Happy Fish Restaurant
Happy Fish is an upscale fish restaurant with a spectacular terrace at the Mamilla boulevard, perfectly suited for groups and events. Read more
  • 074-7690907
  • Mamilla Road 14
Veranda restaurant at David Citadel Hotel
The Veranda restaurant at the David Citadel Hotel invites you to enjoy a meticulous chef's kitchen and stunning views. Read more
  • 074-7690923
  • 7 King David Street, Jerusalem (on the balcony of the David Citadel Hotel)

Recommended attractions for Christmas in Jerusalem

Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
The most comprehensive and moving Holocaust museum and memorial in the world. Read more
  • +972-(0)72-3281988
  • Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
City of David – a international attraction at the birthplace of Jerusalem
Visit the City of David! The original biblical city of Jerusalem. Enjoy an archeological experience and see how biblical kings and prophets used to... Read more
  • +972-(0)72-3281836
  • City of David, Jerusalem
The Tower of David Museum
Discount for ITRAVEL visitors at the Tower of David Museum
Visit Tower of David Museum and experience Jerusalem's ancient history firsthand! Audiovisual installations, exhibitions, tours, and more! Read more
  • Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem
Adult - 35 NIS instead of 40 | Child - 17 NIS instead of 18More info
The Bible Lands Museum
Learn about the cultures of the ancient Near East through priceless treasures from almost every era of civilization in the region. Read more
  • +972-72-3281846
  • 21 Shmuel Stephan Weiz St, Museum Row, Jerusalem
from $11.50 / personMore info
The Burnt House (Katros House)
Visit 4 Jewish Quarter Sites at a Special Price!
Let’s take a tour of the burnt house and get to know one of the most important sites in the Old City Read more
  • 074-7690929
  • 2 Karaite Street, Jerusalem
GO CAR: Electric Car for an exceptional experience
Discount coupon for the GO CAR attraction
A new and exciting attraction combining driving an open electric vehicle through the beautiful alleys of Jerusalem and a digital guide to get to... Read more
  • David Remez Street 4, Jerusalem, Israel
160 ILS instead of 175 ILS
Coupon Code: ITRAVEL
More info