Purim 2021 in Jerusalem
Purim Events 2021 in Jerusalem will be updated as they become available. Meanwhile, you can check out last year’s events.
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, 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 10-13. 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.
Accommodation Deals in Jerusalem
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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.
Family-friendly things to do on Purim in Jerusalem
Shushan Purim at Safra Square
Celebrating Purim in Jerusalem (Photo: Udi Alfasi)
Like every year, the main Purim event is the traditional celebration at Safra Square, taking place at Shushan Purim. During the event, the children will enjoy performances of their beloved stars, costume competition, a show with clowns, huge puppets, and street artists’ parade.
What more to expect this year?
11 AM – 2 PM – a huge Purim carnival that will move from Safra Square to Zion Square and Ben Yehuda Street. It’ll include performances from Uncle Haim, Kofiko (beloved monkey characters, a longtime friend of the Israeli children), and the queen of kids – Rinat Gabay.
When? Wednesday, March 11th, 11 AM – 2 PM
Where? Safra Square, Jerusalem
Special activities for Purim at the Israel Museum
Photo by Danil Esterkin
The Israel Museum offers a rich program of activities for the whole family:
- A dance party for both children and parents.
A great party for all ages with DJ Freddy and a special video screening created, especially for this great ball. Video editing: Yaara Nirael12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Following the masks around the museum
Special tours dedicated to masks will take the kids and their parents to faraway lands and different cultures around the museum galleries.
10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, 2:30 PM - Costume-making workshops
Make your costume with the help of teachers-artists from the museum staff.
10:15 AM, 11 AM, 11:45 AM - Puppet Theater Shows
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM. - Storytime for toddlers
11:30 AM, 2:30 PM - Recycling workshop for making masks
11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM. - The Time Tunnel
An animated film about the lost scrolls screened at the Book Hall Auditorium.
Tuesday, March 10th | Every 39 minutes from 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 11th | Every 39 minutes from 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
When? Tuesday-Wednesday, March 10-11th
Where? Israel Museum, Derech Ruppin 11, Jerusalem
Cost: 54 ILS per Adult, 34 ILS per child, 28 ILS – a child with membership
Purim Celebration at the Jerusalem Cinematheque
Illustration: courtesy of Jerusalem Cinemateque Press
At the Jerusalem Cinematheque, you can celebrate Purim with the premiere screening of “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and many activities for children and adults during the day:
- Festive Purim celebration
- A glimpse behind the scenes of the movies industry with the Aftereffects Master Tali Goldring
- Make-up and photography stand
- Popcorn for only 10 ILS
Additionally, the grown-ups can enjoy a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
When? Tuesday, March 10th, starting at 10:30 AM
Where? Jerusalem Cinematheque, Hebron Rd 11, Jerusalem
Cost: Shaun the Sheep Movie – Ticket price including the happening – 10 ILS, Cinematheque membership owners – free.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 50 ILS per ticket, Cinematheque membership owners – free.
Hide and seek costumes in the Tower of David Museum
Photo: David Tower
On this Purim, the parents and the children come to the Tower of David Museum! Join a fun and joyful activity – meet the clowns of the kingdom who’ll wander around and share their mastery. Additionally, you can take the Clown Training Course in many stations and workshops: Clown workshop, making Juggling balls workshop, mask-creating workshop, make-up station, and other surprises. And if you wish to become real clowns, you’ll even watch a little show of Commedia dell ‘arte performed by the Scapino duo, the masters of this craft.
The best clowns will also be honored with the impressive title Of Jester, by the king himself.
The activity is created for children aged 5-10.
When? Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10-11th, 10 AM – 4 PM
Where? The Tower of David Museum, Jerusalem.
Cost: 35 ILS (or a family ticket for 150 ILS – for up to 5 participants).
Purim at the Montefiore Windmill Complex
Photo by Revital Guetta
Get ready for Purim celebration at the most beautiful viewpoint in the city – The windmill complex
- What’s in store?
Fun and entertainment for the children at the booths: making masks, special festive make-up, braiding, and more. - Small tours around the windmill and explanations about the operation of the mills.
- Escape park for the whole family in the open air.
- For the grown-ups – limitless wine for the Ad d’Lo Yada!
When? Tuesday, March 10th, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Masks workshop will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Where? Windmill at Mishkenot Sha’ananim, Bloomfield Boulevard, Jerusalem.
Cost: Workshops: 25 ILS, Small Tours: 20 ILS, Escape park: 65 ILS, Wine without limit: 30 ILS per person.
Playing dress-up at the Gazelle Valley
Photo: Gazelle Valley
As every year, at Purim 2020, the Gazelle Valley is awaiting the kids for special camouflage activities for the Holiday!
Join the celebration in the valley, paint your face, and go hide in the outdoors of the valley. In the specified hours, the staff of the valley will go to look for you… and might find you, or not! The best-disguised players will receive prices.
Notes:
- The Gazelle Valley is accessible for all kinds of disabilities.
- The make-up, sign-up for the competition, and organization will take place at 10 AM – 12:45 PM, the search for the disguised children – 1-2 PM.
- Participation requires every child to be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old.
When? Tuesday, March 10th, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where? Gazelle Valley, Pat HaRav Herzog Junction, Jerusalem (“Gazelle Valley Parking Lot” in Waze).
Cost: FREE
Reading the Book of Esther at the Begin Heritage Center
This year the Menachem Begin Heritage Center will hold the annual event of reading the Book of Esther, and you’re welcome to join, receive the book to take home, and Mishlochei Manot for the children!
When? Tuesday, March 10th, 6:30 PM.
Where? Sh.A. Nakhon St 6, Jerusalem.
Cost? FREE
Purim at the Bible Lands Museum
Photo: Bible Lands Museum
The Bible Lands Museum invites you to Purim carnival with many free and independent activities for kids, including challenging trivia games, booths of costumes and photography, special puzzles and tasks in the spirit of Purim, virtual reality application that will bring back to life the ancient biblical lands and many other surprises!
Additionally, there will be a series of tours and creativity shops in the holiday spirit for creating masks (for a cost and registering ahead).
This year, the first “akhashdarpans college” will open up and will teach you to be the representatives of Ahasuerus in the kingdom. You’ll learn how people used to dress back then in all the ancient Persian kingdom – from India to Kush. All this information will be delivered as part of an exciting tour. In the end, you’ll participate in a creative workshop, making a special mask inspired by the museums’ exhibits.
These special tours will take off at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
The tours and workshops are suitable for children ages 5-10.
When? Monday-Friday, March 9-10th, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Where? Shmuel Stephan Weiz St 21, Jerusalem,
Cost? Entrance fee to the museum, and the activities: Child: free | Accompanying adult – 22 ILS, subscription holders – free.
Participation in the tour and the workshop: Child – 32 ILS | Adult – 22 ILS | subscription holders – free.
Purim at the Old Yishuv Court Museum in the Old City
The Old Yishuv Court Museum is inviting the children and the kids to the annual Purim party. What to expect?
- Unique ratchets exhibition: “What’s all the noise is about?”
- Games and costumes
- Ratchets-making workshop
- And plenty of other surprises!
When? Tuesday, March 10, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where? Or HaHayim St 6, Jerusalem
Cost? Ticket for the whole family – only 40 ILS! Workshop: Additional 10 ILS per children
Contact Old Yishuv Court Museum
A costume contest at Avraham Hostel
Photo: Abraham Hostel
Like every year, Abraham Hostel organizes a special and crazy Purim party at the Bar of the Hostel, and this time you’ll enjoy a costume party, make-up artist, and specials at the hostel’s bar.
When? March 10th, 10:30 PM.
Where? Ha’neviim 67, Jerusalem.
Cost: pre-order – 85 ILS
At the day of the event – 100 ILS
Live the Bible will make your Purim
Photo: Live the Bible
The team of Live The Bible launches a new activity, upgrading every event with numerous costumes in the spirit of the Old Testament. Would you like an authentic group or family photo? Wishing to experience history first-hand? Contact us now.
Special offer for the holidays: 10% off for website visitors + free photo on a magnet in Ahasuerus and Esther costumes with a palace background.
Fun tour during Shushan Purim with Yad Ben Zvi
Photo: Mark Naiman, GPO
Yad Ben Zvi invites you to join a special festive tour for Shushan Purim, led by the guide Bracha Tzabari. The tour will take you on a path of exploration, colorful costumes, reading the Esther Book, and more. This is the best way to get to know the customs of the Holiday and see how Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem.
When? Wednesday, March 11th, at 10 AM.
Cost? 90 ILS
Purim party at Nocturne
Nocturno Live hosts a party that will rock toy till the sunrise!
On the stage:
- DJ Kvint
- DJ SKY
- DJ DORBI
- DJ’s Yeshiva Mizrahit
When? Tuesday, March 10th, 10:30 PM
Where? Bezalel 7, Jerusalem
Cost? 40 ILS for the first round of pre-sale for one week only,
60 ILS for the second round
70 ILS for last round and the day of the event at the box offices
Special price for students – 50 ILS! Upon showing a student card
Segway tours by Smart Tours
Photo: Smart Tour
Looking for an interesting and unique way to connect to the celebrations around the city? Segway Tours brought to you by Smart Tours will take you to a variety of tours where you can check out magnificent views of Old and New Jerusalem accompanied by professional guides who will share real stories of Jerusalem in a unique way. Smart Tour’s Segway is among the most modern and safest on the market, and the Jerusalem landscape, along with the hovering on the Segway, creates a recipe for an unforgettable experience during the Holiday.
Click here for details about Smart Tour and all Segway tours in Jerusalem!
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.