Hanukkah 2025 in Jerusalem

Hanukkah tours in Jerusalem
Hanukkah is a magical holiday - especially in the capital city. The light of the menorahs is reflected from the windows and the fresh smell of donuts is carried from all sides. This is exactly the time to discover the customs of the holiday and embark on a journey following the history of Pech Hashemin and Jerusalem as a whole.
Who is suitable: Individuals, groups, families, couples

What else happens on Hanukkah?
In Jerusalem, the city that knows best how to celebrate the holidays, you will find Hanukkah attractions on every corner. It opens with a long list of fascinating tours of the old and new city, with special activities suitable for the whole family at the National Library, the Biblical Zoo, Ammunition Hill, the Botanical Garden, and a variety of other cultural institutions throughout the city.
Come discover the tours, attractions, and activities for Hanukkah 2025 in Jerusalem!

Hannukah Tours

Museums and Culture

Attractions and Activities

Europe in Jerusalem, Winter Dreams, the largest light sculpture exhibition in the world is coming to Israel again!

An event of lights, nature and cuisine at the Botanical Garden in Jerusalem.

This coming winter, the Botanical Garden in Jerusalem will be transformed into a European market full of lights, fragrances, tastes and experiences, in the center of which the largest light sculptures in the world up to 5 meters high light up the garden! Winter and the chilly air are the perfect setting to turn the garden into a special light show that will be illuminated by close to a million LED bulbs in different colors.

After dark, at 5:00 p.m., the garden will open to visitors who will embark on a magical journey along a new 2-kilometer-long light trail. Dozens of huge exhibits will be unveiled along the route, including a 17-meter-long train, a 5-meter-high bull, an illuminated dragon, "heart trees", a field of LED flowers, a ram, a lion, the throne, the blooming balloon, the illuminated drums, and more. The performances also include artistic lighting that integrates with the garden's flora, interactive light shows and 3D light games.

To the full event page - Winter Dreams in the Botanical Garden>>
 

When? Every day except Friday, 17:00-22:00 
Where? The Botanical Garden, Zalman Shneor 1, Jerusalem
Cost? Starting from NIS 49
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples

Join a particularly sweet celebration on the Promenade of the Governor's Palace - the place where the light, the flavors, and the magical views meet!

What awaits you?

• The HIGH LIGHT light show: a breathtaking experience of colorful lighting against the backdrop of the magical city views.
  In the high-light show on the days of Hanukkah, special festive music will be played in honor of the holiday.
• Sweet stands of all kinds: donuts in a variety of flavors, unique desserts, and a variety of sweets for the whole family.
• A huge illuminated menorah: a special attraction that will illuminate the holiday with an exciting and inspiring light.

To the full event page >>

When? Every evening during the holiday, starting at 17:00.
Where? Promenade of the Governor's Palace.
Entrance is free!
 

There is no better time than the Festival of Lights to experience the night vision, where the dark walls of the ancient citadel are filled with magnificent lights that tell the eternal story of Jerusalem. The show connects the viewer to the roots of the city, to the heroes' struggles for sovereignty and light - an idea that resonates especially on Hanukkah nights. This is an extraordinary opportunity to watch the Tower of David, the site where you watch the illuminated menorahs of the city, as it itself becomes a lighthouse of a story. An exciting and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

To the full event page>>

When? 16/12/25-20/12/25 (not including Friday)
Where? Tower of David, Jerusalem
Cost? From 55 NIS
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples

Looking for a special activity for Hanukkah? Want to go on a festive tour of illuminated Jerusalem? Join the Hanukkah tour in the Old City.

Jerusalem is beautiful in any season and at any time, and especially during Hanukkah, when the windows of the houses in the Old City are lit up with many manukahs and paint the Old City in magnificent golden colors.

Come for a unique tour of the Jewish Quarter where you will get to know the Jerusalem Hanukkah world up close.

During the tour you will learn to differentiate between the "Ashkenazi" lighting and the "Spanish" lighting, you will see the ancient Chabad Synagogue, hear about the lighting customs of the Chabad Rebbe and visit King David's tomb including going up to a special observation of Jerusalem near the President's room. 

For more information on the full tour page>>

When? 14-18.12, 20.12, 21.12
Where? In the Jewish quarter
Cost? NIS 89
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples

The tour is intended for adults and families with children over the age of 10

Join an experiential and exciting tour in the alleys of the Jewish Quarter - suitable for the whole family! 

We will walk among lighted menorahs, hear stories of miracles and heroism from the Hasmonean days to the present day, and end the tour with a festive candle lighting at the Central Davidson Archaeological Garden, accompanied by a musician and a hot drink in the candlelight and pulsating night lighting.

For more information on the full tour page>>

When? 14/12/25-21/12/25 (not including Friday and Saturday)
Where? In the Jewish quarter
Cost? Starting from NIS 60
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples

Come add light to the citadel, join the Hanukkah lantern tour. 

Take part in a fun tour for the whole family in the citadel, during the tour you will equip yourself with lanterns, walk on the walls and discover the secrets of the ancient citadel following the Hanukkah story.

The tour includes a quiz and games, communal candle lighting and donuts. 

For more information on the full tour page>>

When? 14/12/25-22/12/25 (not including Friday and Saturday)
Where? Tower of David, Shear Jaffa, Jerusalem
Cost? NIS 38
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples

Looking for a special experience around Hanukkah?
Want to spend quality time with the kids and create special memories?

Join a fascinating family menorah tour, where you will enjoy interesting stories, fun games, intriguing riddles, and mysteries that will keep the children excited.

For more information on the full tour page>>

When? 15-21.12.25 (except Friday and Saturday)
Where? The Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem
Cost? Starting from NIS 45
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples, children

Want to experience Hanukkah at its best? Join the tour that will reveal the secrets of the special manukahs in the illuminated Jewish quarter. The tour includes a fascinating discussion about the customs of the holiday, songs accompanied by a guitar and the lighting of a joint menorah. It's time to banish the darkness, sing Jerusalem songs and enjoy an authentic holiday atmosphere - a perfect tour for individuals, couples and families.

For more information on the full tour page>>

When? 15/12/2025-21/12/2025 (not including Friday, Saturday)
Where? The Old City, Jerusalem
Cost? Starting from NIS 99
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples, children

Come and experience a festive and face-brightening menorah lighting in the city!
At the community administration in the heart of the city, an audiovisual performance, festive candle lighting, musicians, songs, and holiday stories await you.
The light and joy overflow in an event open to the general public, which combines a dancing atmosphere, intoxicating Hanukkah aromas, and wonderful tastes: hot homemade soups, warming drinks, and fine donuts at particularly reasonable prices.

For organized groups, you can order Chanukah tours, and a private room for coffee, pastries, and dinners

Join us for a magical night tour by lantern light, interspersed with stories about light, heroism and vision at Herzl Museum!

Come and hear the fascinating stories about the state contract and the great men of the nation, telling the story of the state. On the way, we will stop at stations where the small light of the lantern meets stories of heroism and vision that never cease to illuminate. An exciting and unusual experience, in the light of the lanterns that illuminate the paths of the National Mountain.

To the full event page>>

Where? Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
When? 15-17.12, 17:00-18:30
How much? Starting from NIS 15
Who? Children from the age of 10, families, couples, groups

The Biblical Lands Museum invites you on the Hanukkah holiday to a magical nocturnal family adventure as part of the "Night at the Museum" event. Join a fascinating and mysterious journey with the character "Zohar", who will lead you through rare items displayed in the museum - from ancient amulets to the bowls of the oath - as the magical atmosphere and shadows make each story even more fascinating. The activity combines a live theater performance and actors, and guarantees a unique and unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Please note that the number of places is limited, and you must register in advance.

To the full event page>>

When? 17/12/25
Where? The Biblical Lands Museum, 21 Shmuel Stephen Wiese, Jerusalem
How much? Starting from NIS 30. 
For whom it is suitable? children, groups, families

Jerusalem Science Museum opens the Hanukkah holiday with a special event for the whole family: We have come to turn the darkness around. 
During the holidays, the museum will host shows, demonstrations and interactive activities dealing with light, fire and movement, and will present the audience with a practical and accessible view of scientific principles through experience and games. 

To the full event page >>

Where? Museum Avenue, Jerusalem
When? 16/12/25-21/12/25
Cost? 65 NIS
Who? Families, groups

Just before the entrance to illuminated Jerusalem, stop at the place where light becomes creation: Visitor Center of the international jewelry company YVEL at the exit. In the spirit of the Holiday of Lights, children and families are invited to go behind the scenes of the glittering world of goldsmiths. You can go on an experiential tour that reveals the spectacular creation process of luxury jewelry, and even take part in creative goldsmith workshops (by appointment) where you will learn to design with your own hands. This is an opportunity to combine the Hanukkah holiday, Zionist inspiration, an exciting human story, and an artistic activity that produces your own twinkling lights.

When? During the Hanukkah holiday by prior arrangement
Where? Yehiel M. Steinberg 1, Jerusalem
Cost? Starting from NIS 35
Who is it suitable for? Individuals, groups, families, couples, art lovers

In Yael and Loch's glassblowing studio, you will discover the magic of fire and glass. The workshop is private, intimate, and full of creativity - and each participant succeeds in creating a glass work by themselves and takes it home!

The workshops are held in a pleasant and private atmosphere, and each participant receives close supervision throughout the process, so that everyone manages to create and feel real pride in the result.
It's an opportunity to stop for a moment from the routine, discover the power of creating with living and liquid material, and enjoy an experience that combines calm, concentration, and artistic magic.

To the full event page>>

When? 17/12/25, 9:15-11:15, 18:15-20:15
Where? Derech Hebron 12, Jerusalem
Cost? Starting from NIS 240 
For whom is it suitable? Families, children, couples, groups

Looking for a fun and creative experience this Hanukkah? The DubiDo Bear Workshop is a one-of-a-kind inclusive experience found only at Shalva. In this workshop, participants of all ages create their very own teddy bears guided by Shalva's adults with disabilities.

It's an experience that is about more than just making a bear; it's about making memories, breaking barriers, and celebrating a world that values everyone's abilities.

The workshop is suitable for families, groups, and anyone looking for a moment of magic

Be sure to visit Cafe Shalva as well | Kosher Mehadrin.

⏰ Workshop Times & Contact

Workshop Times: 08:30 | 10:45 | 12:00

For more information: Click Here>>

Via WhatsApp: +972-52-486-8636

Come and become archaeologists for a day at The National Archeology Authority of the Land of Israel and feel the holiday spirit in the most experiential way possible!
As part of Heritage Week in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage, the general public is invited to a tour and a special workshop for Hanukkah: researchers, discoverers and makers of pottery candles and "Hanukkah jars".
We will get to know the antiquities and the light tools of the inhabitants of the country throughout the ages - an experience for all ages.
Join a fascinating journey into the past, in the middle of the Festival of Lights.

To the page of the National Authority for Archeology>>

When? 12/16/2025-12/18/2025, 12/22/2025 | 09.30, 12.00, 14.30 
Where? The National Curia for Archaeology, the Curia of Museums in Jerusalem.
How much? Starting from NIS 35. 
Who? Children aged 6-12.

Looking for an exciting and creative experience for Hanukkah? We invite you to Davido's workshop in peace!

A workshop where you fill and design a personal teddy bear, add a beating heart or a recording, and go home with a souvenir full of love. The workshop is delivered by Shalva graduates - graduates with disabilities, and combines creativity and huge meaning!

The workshop is suitable for families, groups, and anyone looking for a moment of magic. Don't miss our cafe! Peaceful coffee Strictly kosher

A special Hanukkah festival, full of atmosphere, lights, culture, cuisine, and a sea of experiences!

What will we have

• Festive candle lighting every evening
• Special Korea Fair
• Golan Heights Fair
• Music shows, live performance,s and dances - Hadar Greenfeld, Solomon Brothers, Greek Trio, June Babies, Carlebach songs
• folk dances
• Plays and workshops for children
• Sports and movement classes: yoga, pilates, zumba, line dancing, and country.
• Culinary experience - a variety of restaurants and businesses

Where? 4 David Ramez, the first station complex, Jerusalem
When? 14/12/2025-22/12/2025
How much? Free entry
For whom it is suitable: Children, families, groups, individuals, couples

Take part in a fascinating family experience that will take place during Hanukkah at Zurim Valley National Park. The experience combines archaeological discoveries, workshops, and fun for the whole family. You can enjoy, among other things, the archaeological screening experience, an ancient coin workshop, and an ancient candle workshop.

To the full event page >>

When? 12/16/25-12/22/25 (not including Friday and Saturday)
Where? Emek Zurim National Park, Jerusalem
How much? Starting from NIS 30 
For whom it is suitable: Groups, families

At the Biblical Zoo, Hanukkah will be celebrated with enrichment games for the animals designed as the symbols of the holiday - menorahs, spinning wheels, and donuts - and filled with suitable food. Visitors can watch the animals being fed. Midweek, there will be a digital navigation game with puzzles, and those who reach the finish station will receive chocolate coins. More on the program: juggling shows and story hours!

Where? Derech Aharon Sholov 1, Jerusalem, Israel
When? 16/12/2025-22/12/2025
How much? Starting from NIS 57
For whom it is suitable: Children, families

Looking for the underwater menorah!

During Hanukkah, Israel Aquarium invites visitors to a navigation game in which they search for holiday symbols across the displays. The main attraction: a lighted menorah in the water! Finders will win sweet chocolate coins. During the holiday, there will also be creative corners in the "Talking Animals" gallery, as well as tutorials in the House of Biodiversity and the Magical Butterfly House, surrounded by a colorful tropical jungle.

Where? Derech Aharon Shulov, Jerusalem, Israel
When? 16/12/2025-22/12/2025
How much? Starting from NIS 55
For whom it is suitable: Children, families

Join a family experience where light and heroism meet

A holiday of heroism and light awaits you!
Admission includes all activities:

• An experiential acrobatics and lights show for the whole family
• Israeli heritage activities at the Six Days Museum and the Sound of Light performance.
• Art and make-up corners for preschoolers.

At a special price for Hanukkah.

Where? 5 Zalman Shargai Street 
How much? 20 - 25 NIS
For whom it is suitable: Groups, families

During Hanukkah, when the air is cool and the city is filled with lights from all sides, the best way to enjoy the sights is on two wheels! Join the experiential and light easy-rider tour of Smart Tour, which combines the breathtaking views of the landscape on the Promenade of the Commissioner's Palace with a classic tour around the walls of the old city. After looking at the Temple Mount, the City of David and the Judean Desert (and maybe even see the Dead Sea!), we will continue with a leisurely ride next to the Mamilla complex to the New Gate, and from there we will finish with a lookout in front of Mishkanim Shananim and the Montefiore windmill. This is the perfect and fun way to "catch" all the holiday lights from above.

To the full tour page>>

When? During the Hanukkah holiday by prior arrangement
Where? Around Jerusalem
Cost? Starting from NIS 299
Who is it suitable for? Groups, families, couples, adventure lovers

The project "Women and Stories in Jerusalem" holds special Hanukkah activities that combine social tourism with intimate home hospitality. The women of the project - who represent all shades of Jerusalem society - open their homes and offer a profound experience that includes: candle lighting, tours, art workshops, neighborhood stories and personal meetings, combined with traditional holiday treats such as donuts and sping. The project, operated by the Jerusalem Municipality and intended to promote economic independence for women, is an opportunity to get to know the residents of the city directly. The accommodation takes place for a fee and by prior arrangement, and is intended for groups, for women and men.

When? 12/12/2025-12/22/2025, you must be updated on the specific hours of each host house
Cost? varies depending on the host
For whom: individuals, families, groups

Accommodation in Jerusalem

Visiting Jerusalem for Hanukkah? You are invited to be impressed by the city's rich variety of accommodation options: Jerusalem hotels

Recommended tourist sites

After you have been impressed by the festive activities, you should also visit other sites in Jerusalem: 

• Tower of David Museum
• City of David
• The Southern Ramparts Walk overlooking the Jewish Quarter