Purim 2019 in Jerusalem
The Story of Purim
In Jerusalem there are plenty of festivals and parties, some for families and children, some for those who want to go all out with their drinking, dressing up and dancing until they can no longer tell the difference between Haman (the bad guy in the story) and Mordechai (the good guy).
The story of Purim told in the Book of Esther, which is traditionally read twice on Purim – once on the eve of Purim and once on the day of Purim – tells of King Ahasuerus who was convinced by his assistant Haman to destroy all the Jewish people in his kingdom. His new queen, Esther, and her cousin and/or husband Mordechai, collaborated to turn the fate of the Jewish people around, succeeding without one mention of God in the entire 10-chapter book.
On Purim, in order to celebrate the complete turn-around of the Jews’ lot (in Hebrew pur – hence the name Purim) and of the hidden face of God in the story, we dress up in costumes and drink alcohol which both help us see the world from a different point of view.
When is Purim in Jerusalem?
This year Purim takes place on March 20-21. The Hebrew date of Purim is the 14th of the month of Adar, starting the evening before. But! In Jerusalem and other “walled” cities, the holiday is celebrated one day after everyone else.
Purim 2019 events will be updated as they become available.
Accommodation Deals in Jerusalem
Special Offers at Prima Park Hotel!
Before planning your visit to Jerusalem, we recommend checking out our special listing of Accommodation & Vacation Deals – this is where you’ll find a large variety of hotels and vacations with special offers for the upcoming holiday.
In addition, check out the Abraham Hostel special Purim vacation package. The package include overnight at the Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Dead Sea & Masada Tour, a crazy Purim party in Jerusalem, and more! Book online or call Tel. 072-3932793
Family-friendly things to do on Purim in Jerusalem
Dressing up in Safra Square
Every year, Purim’s main event takes place in Safra Square with a traditional celebration for children and adults alike.
Children enjoy live performances by children’s favorite pop singers, a costume contest, a clown show, and a street arts festival. Come and have fun!
When: March 2, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Safra Square, Jerusalem
Cost: Free
Purim Happening for the Whole Family at Jerusalem Cinemateque
Photo: Jerusalem Cinemateque
Searching the secrets of the brain. In life, just like in movies, scientists and researchers try to solve mysteries to get to fascinating discoveries. Watch and learn, together with Yoav Ma-Tov from the Hebrew University, as the world of science tries to unfold the deepest secrets of the brain.
Following the activity, a film screening of Tad – The Lost Explorer (in Hebrew).
When: March 1, Happening starts at 10:00 am. Film screening at 11:00 am
Where: 11 Derech Hebron St, Jerusalem
Contact: 072-3944590
Tickets: 39 NIS
Buy Tickets Online!
Pre-Purim Family Tour at the National Library
Photo: Courtesy of The National Library
Enjoy an experiential tour for the whole family at The National Library. Discover why Queen Esther had dresses from Italy in her closet, what lesson hides between the illustrations of the Book of Esther from the 18th century, and what “Songs of the Megillah” by Itzik Magner has to do with Natan Alterman’s poem “Queen Esther”.
When: February 25, 27, 5:00 pm
Where: National Library, Givat Ram Campus, Jerusalem
Cost: Regular – 20 NIS; Seniors – 15 NIS
Awesome Deals at Valero in Machane Yehuda Market
Purim at Beit Avi Chai
Photo: Courtesy of Beit Avi Chai
Enjoy a Purim for the whole family at Beit Avi Chai with a special performance of “David” – an original play that tells the story of King David and teaches children about fierceness, wisdom, and freedom.
Following the show, parents and children can learn how to make Purim baskets with greeting cards and lots of warm wishes.
When: February 28 – March 1, 2018 at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
Where: 44 King George Street, Jerusalem
Cost: Children – 30 NIS; Adults – 10 NIS
Yoel Said – Children’s Theatre at Beit Shmuel
Photography by: Shiri Ben Ari
Beit Shmuel welcomes parents and children to enjoy the renowned children’s play “Yoel Said”. The play focuses on the incredible power of imagination and its ability to cure loneliness and to connect people. The play includes music, imagination games, courage, loneliness, partnership, quarrels, make-ups, and finally, friendship and happiness!
For ages 4 and up.
This children’s play has won 4 awards in the Haifa International Children Theater Festival 2014.
When: March 1, 2018, 11:00 am
Where: Hirsch Theater Beit Shmuel, Jerusalem
Contact: 072-3944701
Cost: 55 NIS
Happy Hour at La Padella for iTravelJerusalem Readers.
Celebrate Purim at The Bible Lands Museum
Photo: Courtesy of The Bible Lands Museum
The Bible Lands Museum welcomes you to a new Purim activity. Join the good fairy, who will take you on a journey into Ancient Persia through the story of Queen Esther and her invitation to the royal ball.
Places are limited – book in advance. Tour duration: 1 hour.
When: February 28 – March 1; 11:00 am, 12:00 pm
Where: 21 Shmuel Sthephan Wise, Museum Row, Jerusalem
Cost: Free for children. Adults: 44 NIS; Seniors: 22 NIS
Mercedes Band at the Yellow Submarine
It’s time to PARTY!!! Attend an absolutely electrifying rock concert by one of Israel’s best bands at the Yellow Submarine!
When: March 1, 10:30 pm
Where: 13 Harekavim St, Talpiyot, Jerusalem
Cost: From 70 NIS
Tickets: Buy now!
Treasure Hunt at Beit Levi Eshkol
Photo: Courtesy of Beit Levi Eshkol
Find hidden treasure at Beit Levi Eshkol! This unique treasure hunt game will include stations with fascinating riddles and clues that will lead you to opening a mysterious treasure box. The game suits the whole family and will guide you through the streets of historical and modern neighborhood of Rechavia. You’ll meet historic figures and unravel the secrets of this unique neighborhood and of the people who founded it.
Following the navigation activity, parents and children can enjoy a tour at Beit Levi Eshkol with no extra charge.
Advance registration. By phone only.
When: March 1, 2018 at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. March 2, 2018 at 10:00 am
Where: 46 Ben Maymon Ave, Jerusalem
Contact: 072-3932837
Cost: Children: 20 NIS; Adults: 25 NIS; Family Ticket (2+2): 70 NIS
Purim Activities at The Israel Museum
Enjoy a variety of activties at The Israel Museum:
Thursday, March 1, 2018.
- “Peter & the Wolf” – Sergey Prokofiev’s famous symphonic fairy tale is revived with the talented actress and narrator Chani Nachmias and the Israeli Stage Orchestra. Conductor: Talya Ilan.
When: 11:00 am; 1:00 pm
Cost: 15 NIS - Creative Workshops for Kids (ages 3-9): Masks of dogs and cats; recycling workshop with permanent Purim baskets; Animals Carnival.
When: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: 15 NIS
Friday, March 2, 2018.
- Recycling workshop 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Animals Carnival
- Storytime: Shlomit tells funny holiday stories. For ages 4-8.
When: 11:00 am
Cost: 15 NIS
Smart Tour Segway Tours
Photo: Smart Tour
Get a unique look at the Purim festivities with a Segway tour of Jerusalem by Smart Tour. Along with the festivities, you’ll also get some breathtaking views of the city and the stories behind some of Jerusalem’s oldest neighborhoods.
Read more about Smart Tour and book a Segway tour!
Special offer: 1+1 on City of David Segway Tour
Reading the Book of Esther at Begin Center
Join the annual Megillah reading at Menachem Begin Heritage Center, get yourself the Book of Esther, and get a Purim basket for the kids!
When: March 1, 2018, 6:30 pm
Where: 6 SH.A Nachon, Jerusalem
Cost: Free.
Happy Purim at Kiftzuba
Photo: Kiftzuba
Kiftzuba Amusement Park invites families to fun Purim days! There will be Purim costume contests with prizes, make up workshops, and Purim themed photoshoots. Chocolate mask workshops and arts and crafts workshops will be held at Galita Chocolate Farm in Kibutz Tzuba.
When: March 2, 2018 at 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. March 3, 2018 at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Where: Kibutz Tzuba, Judean Mountains
Cost: Children: 84 NIS; Adults: 54 NIS; Chocolate Workshop at Galita: 65 NIS
Purim at The Museum For Islamic Art
Photography by: Noam Fyner
The Museum for Islamic Art has a rich Purim program waiting just for you!
- Meet cartoonist Amos Alenbogen in a cartoon show for the whole family (February 28 and March 1 at 12:00 pm).
- Art & crafts workshop for Purim and a puppet theatre show with all the stars from the Book of Esther.
- Treasure hunt game around the museum (March 2 at 10:30 am. March 3 at 10:30 am; 12:00 pm)
- Educational task game for children around the museum’s galleries
We recommend calling and booking your visit in advance.
When: February 28-March 3, 6:30 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: 2 HaPalmach St, Jerusalem
Cost: Children: 25 NIS; Adults: 20-40 NIS. All activities are included upon admission.
Hide and Seek and Costumes at Tower of David Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Tower of David PR
Celebrate your Purim at Tower of David Museum! Join the court jester and enjoy an extraordinary Purim activity. Your task will be to find Jerusalem’s king, who had decided to play hide-and-seek at the citadel.
This guided activity suits families with kids of ages 4-8. Advance registration is required.
When: March 1, 2018: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm
March 2, 2018: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm
Where: Tower of David Museum, Jerusalem
Cost: Free for children. Adults: 40 NIS
Nocturno Live Purim Party
Go crazy with Nocturno Live’s Purim party! Celebrate until the small hours of the night with Werk party line at the Nocturno.
New: Rent biblical costumes for the entire holiday for great prices!
When: March 1, 2018 at 10:00 pm
Where: 7 Betzalel St, Jerusalem
Cost: Presale: 30 NIS; 45 NIS at the door.
Live The Bible – Purim Souvenir
Photo: Courtesy of Live the Bible
Live the Bible crew upgrades your holiday with biblical costumes and lots of fun. Looking for a unique family portrait? Join this photography attraction and relive history.
Dressing Up at The Gazelle Valley Park
Photo: Gazelle Valley Park
The Gazelle Valley Park is offering a free activity for Purim, with costumes and face paint!
When: March 1, 2018 at 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Gazelle Valley, Pat Hertzog Junc., Jerusalem
Contact: 02-9927699
Cost: Free
Accommodation in Jerusalem
Visiting Jerusalem for Purim? Here are the best accommodation and lodging options that the city has to offer:
Accommodation Deals in Jerusalem
Hotels in Jerusalem
Best Vacation Rentals in the City
Restaurants in Jerusalem
Looking for something to eat before you dive into the celebrations? Check out our listings of Jerusalem restaurants.