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Let us welcome the brightness this Hanukkah as we commemorate this festival with extraordinary family activities! Hanukkah creates a wondrous atmosphere in Jerusalem: The city is illuminated, and there’s a sense of optimism, enthusiasm, and enjoyment in the ambiance. Prepare ahead and secure your reservations early.
Event specifics can be located at www.funinjerusalem.com/events
The lighting of the hanukkiah at the Kotel is an unforgettable occasion. This ceremony occurs each evening during Hanukkah, attended by prominent public figures.
Begin your journey at Jaffa Gate and stroll through the Jewish Quarter and ancient pathways. As you recognize the different hanukkiot on the sills of windows, you will discover the narrative of Jerusalem and the importance of the festival that unfolded right here. The tour concludes at the Western Wall Plaza. Duration: 2.5 hours.
The annual Winter Lights Celebration returns at the Botanical Gardens, in partnership with the Jerusalem & Heritage Ministry and the Jerusalem Development Authority. Wander along a 700-meter path and relish stunning light displays.
An evening of cinema, contemplation, and motivation at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. Attend a screening of Tragic Awakening, a post-Oct. 7 film reexamining the roots of antisemitism, transforming animosity into strength for Jewish identity and Western principles. Followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and featured cast, which includes Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Rawan Osman, executive producer Shalom Schwartz, director Wayne Kopping, and producer Raphael Shore.
The 26th annual Jewish Film Festival is happening over Hanukkah at the Jerusalem Cinematheque. This year’s festival emphasizes Jewish identity, cultural connection, and the influence of art during challenging and intricate times.
Prepare for an evening of harmony, emotion, vigor, and a spectacular performance! Rebbitzen Judith Gerzi and Abby Scheinfeld (Avigail) collaborate for a night of unity and inspiration in observance of Hanukkah. Anticipate popular hits, original tunes, and a celebration of light overcoming darkness. At Matnas Gvanim, Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Chabad of Baka is organizing its annual Hanukkah public candle lighting with doughnuts at the First Station every evening during the holiday. It’s complimentary for the entire family! The highlight will be a live performance by the Solomon Brothers on Sunday, December 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., honoring the children and volunteers in the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem – and celebrating individuals of all capabilities.
Savor delightful doughnuts while touring Jerusalem’s treasured Mahaneh Yehuda market with Debra Nussbaum Stepen, a certified tour guide who immigrated from LA in 2007. Following the market excursion, Debra will lead you to the charming Nahlaot neighborhood to witness the lighting of the hanukkiot, along with touring the highlights and history of this quaint little jewel.
A distinctive sufganiyot tour, tasting doughnuts from different parts of the world.Experience the delight of fried delicacies and the excitement of Hanukkah in Mahaneh Yehuda.
*Inquire about discounted rates for fewer participants.
Consult Debra regarding her Shuk Mahaneh Yehuda, Shtisel Tour & Thursday Night Cholent & Bakery Tour as well.
Affectionately referred to as The Museum Guy, Nachliel Selavan conducts a series of public and private tours, available in English and Hebrew, offering a fresh perspective on Hanukkah. “A Culture Clash” delves into the influences of Athens and Jerusalem on the globe (at the Bible Lands Museum). Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Children can uncover the mysteries of the library through tailored guided tours that are suitable for young ones this Hanukkah. Explore the corridors, solve riddles, learn about concepts, admire the stunning architecture, appreciate artistic works, and unveil a marvelous world of literature and tales – and much more. These activities are conducted in Hebrew.
Design your very own glass dreidel to commemorate the holidays at a glassblowing and flame-working workshop in Jerusalem. Gain insights into the techniques of glassblowing and flame-working from Yael, a Bezalel alum. It is recommended to reserve the workshop in advance due to high demand.
Kiyor Ceramics provides three festive workshops this Hanukkah. In the dreidel-making session, participants can craft dreidels using clay sourced from the Land of Israel, followed by personalization and glazing in their own unique style. Engage in sculptural menorah painting, selecting from a marvelous array of bisque-fired menorahs of various styles, shapes, and sizes, choosing colors to apply! Alternatively, sculpt a stunning menorah using clay from the Negev Desert, near the historical site of the Hanukkah miracle. Decorate and glaze using stamps, tools, letters, and an extensive selection of colored underglazes.
This Hanukkah, join an actual excavation in the underground caves dating back to the time of the Maccabees and explore the ancient subterranean city of Maresha with Dig For A Day. It’s a fantastic family activity that revives history and is an excellent way to engage your children with the Land of Israel. Both public and private excavations are offered in English & Hebrew.
Recreate the historic Maccabean confrontation with the Greeks this Hanukkah through a contemporary laser tag battle for the entire family. Options include classic laser tag, GellyBall (a gentler variation suitable for families with young children), water tag, or an army day experience.
Workshop Gush Etzion proprietors Jeremy and Mandy Broder provide a unique family-friendly experience. They will guide you in transforming raw wood into a spectacular finished piece of Judaica, walking you through every step of the process. They have an excellent selection of holiday-themed items, including candle holders and dreidels, along with a vast assortment of classic Judaica.
Creative Crafts Cafe in Gush Etzion offers delightful holiday-themed workshops for families or as a special date night. They are hosting unique wax workshops this Hanukkah, where participants will be guided in creating scented candles shaped like hot cocoa cups, cupcakes, or beer glasses. Dana and the team will also provide workshops on glass fusing and mosaics.
A fresh exhibition unveiling the life, connections, and writings of writer Franz Kafka, along with his cultural impact. The exhibit narrates the journey of how Kafka’s original works were published. It provides an experience that pays tribute to Kafka’s legacy and encourages guests to navigate through a literary maze.
Utilizing words, inspiration, and an array of materials, enjoy quality time crafting your unique diary – a space to divulge your innermost thoughts. A place to reflect, reminisce, and express your feelings and reactions to events.
Dance bridges ideas and movement, linking the body and the mind as well as parents and kids. Guided by Ranana Raz, choreographer and creator, along with Haya Gilboa, educator on Talmud and gender. As the children explore the subject through movement and dance, the parents will study it through both ancient and modern texts.
“Simply One Kindness: Meals for Heroes” pizza-making opportunity. This interactive event is your chance to roll up those sleeves, create mouth-watering pizzas from scratch, and package them with care. The highlight? You’ll personally deliver these warm meals to our outstanding soldiers, who tirelessly protect us every day. Gush Etzion.
The Construct a Bed Workshop by Just One Kindness merges enjoyment with purpose. It’s a wonderful hands-on experience, ideal for families, touring groups, or team-building days, where you collaborate to build durable bed frames that will bring comfort to families in need across Israel.
Neoja, the planet’s premier basketball entertainment facility, has recently launched in Beit Shemesh. It’s the perfect spot for an enjoyable night out with family. Featuring futuristic basketball courts, dive into immersive reality – play authentic basketball in an enthralling virtual environment! They offer a unique DARTS system and a cutting-edge arcade gaming area, all located within a creatively designed venue. For groups of over 50 individuals, the venue can be reserved exclusively for your party.
White Pool is an innovative indoor entertainment complex in Beit Shemesh at the Sha’ar Ha’ir Mall. A massive ball pit with over 220,000 immaculate white balls, thrilling slides, challenging rope courses, and a dance floor. Release your inner Tarzan, scale climbing walls, or enjoy bumper cars. Each day of Hanukkah, beginning at noon, Golden Balls will be hidden throughout the facility. Those who discover a Golden Ball will receive a Golden Ticket, granting access to the Grand Finale for a chance to find the Golden Ball and win NIS 10,000! The Grand Finale is exclusively for children aged 13 and under. (If you’re older, you may send a younger sibling or friend to represent you.)
Discover the courage of the soldiers who battled at Ammunition Hill as you conquer the zip-line, tackle the rope ladder and climbing wall, and swing high above.
A center for climbing enthusiasts in Jerusalem. Established by three friends passionate about climbing, it’s an excellent venue to learn climbing techniques and enhance your skills. With 300 sq.m of bouldering for all ages and skill levels.
EZ Raider is an innovative off-road mobility experience provided by Smart Tour. Cruise through the streets of Jerusalem on a Classic Old City tour or embark on the Panoramic tour of the Armon Hanatziv Promenade in southern Jerusalem. They also offer various types of bike tours. EZ Raider Tours are based out of Smart Tours’ new HQ on Washington Street (right by the King David Hotel). Pedal bike rentals are also available at their new site in Gan Sacher (adjacent to the fitness park).
Robby Berman, a tour guide, journalist, and comedian who enjoys educating and guiding,will be your captivating and amusing companion. Robby offers tours across the nation with proficiency in the Old City of Jerusalem (all the districts), the Mount of Olives, the Israel Museum, the Ancient City of Tel Aviv, the Historic City of Jaffa, and the American Colony in Jaffa. You may book him for half-day (4-hour expeditions) or full-day tours (8 hours).
Embark on an extraordinary adventure as you experience a multi-faceted film presentation. A voyage through the illustrious 3,000-year tale of Jerusalem. You will be entertained on screen by Chaim Topol, the lead actor of Fiddler on the Roof. Attendees will physically travel through time at this distinctive venue.
The film is available in Hebrew / English / Russian / Spanish / French / German / Italian and Chinese simultaneously.
A voyage through our breathtaking capital, from the Mahaneh Yehuda market to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial on Mount Herzl. The City Tour (1.5 hour round trip) provides a striking overview of Jerusalem’s Old City and Mount Scopus. Tickets are offered for 24, 48, or 72 hours. It stops at all major hotels and points of interest.
Glass mosaic artistry is created using the technique of taking shattered glass and fashioning it into stunning pieces of art. Roochie leads her participants in crafting their own unique works and provides tools, Italian glass, and a wooden base in her studio located in the Artists’ Colony. Each session lasts 2.5 hours.
Laughter Games Workshops represent an excellent method of uniting a family or a special group. Energize your day by infusing more enjoyment into it through engaging and practical positivity activities. Any moment is the ideal opportunity to exercise both your mind and your humor as you cherish special quality moments with your family and friends. Debbie’s workshop can be conducted virtually or in-person.
If you wish to avoid the throngs and enjoy the fresh clean air, take your family on a remarkable off-road jeep excursion through the Jerusalem Mountains this Hanukkah with Hidden Valley Jeeping. During this season, the blossoms are at their most beautiful as the mountain springs overflow, the winter flowers bloom, and you may even witness impressive bird migrations. If it rains, you’ll enjoy a flash-flood tour instead!
Step into the great outdoors this Hanukkah and ride a horse in the Jerusalem Hills.
King David Riding Stables offers a 45-minute magical guided trail through the breathtaking hills surrounding the capital (plus a 15-minute orientation before embarking). Horseback riding is available for ages 9 and above. Pony rides are available for younger children (ages 6+). New: Individual sessions or courses of therapeutic horseback riding classes for soldiers and civilians confronting PTSD, guided by specially trained professionals.
For reservations and pricing, call (Anthony or Arik): 053-739-8866 or 053-747-1681.
Discover the art of making exquisite treats at the Galita chocolate workshops on Kibbutz Tzova. Kashrut Mehadrin. Reservations are mandatory.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Jerusalem Mountains is the Tzuba Winery and Visitors’ Center. Discover the intriguing history of the winery, learn about the various types of wine and grapes, and gain insight into the winemaking process itself. Your visit includes a tasting of four different wines (adults only). You can enhance the experience by ordering a luxurious cheese platter, which features a selection of local cheeses, stuffed vine leaves, and vegetables. Additionally, they’ve introduced a dairy menu that includes salads, pastries, pizzas, and focaccias. The tour is suitable for families, while tastings are reserved for adults only.
Kiftzuba is an amusement park catering to children of all ages. Located in Kibbutz Tzova just outside Jerusalem, the park is surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Jerusalem Hills, allowing kids to revel in Gymboree and climbing play areas, along with exhilarating rides, bumper cars, a roller coaster, an arcade, and much more. The park is an excellent destination for family enjoyment!
Yvel invites you to partake in a distinguished tour of their globally renowned jewelry factory. Discover the Megemeria Craft Center featuring artistic demonstrations. Experience guided tours in English of the Megemeria School of Jewelry & Art and Yvel Design Center, and visit the factory store – a marvelous place to discover the ideal Hanukkah gift for someone special.
Caliber 3 stands out as the premier counter-terrorism, defense, and security training institution in Israel and globally. They offer exceptional commando tourism options – providing an authentic “only-in-Israel” adventure. The offerings include the IDF Shooting Adventure, 360 Shoot House, Krav Maga, and a metropolitan combat simulator. Inquire about the exclusive VIP packages.
Discover the principles of electricity use on Shabbat and the Zomet Institute’s innovations in security and medical applications. Interested in the latest advancements currently utilized by the IDF, enabling soldiers to adhere to Halacha around the clock while battling Hamas? Explore the interactive exhibit hall and view educational films (available in English or Hebrew). English-language tours must be booked in advance.
Display over 100 species of exotic creatures from across the globe, featuring iguanas, large turtles, anaconda snakes, tarantulas, birds, parrots, peacocks, and chinchillas. A petting area for kids with goats and rabbits is also available, along with opportunities to ride camels and donkeys. Furthermore, a new creepy crawlies exhibit has been added. On Wednesday and Thursday during Hanukkah at noon, a show will take place as well.
The Hebron Tour offers a distinctive, enjoyable, and motivational experience for all ages, exploring Rachel’s Tomb and the Cave of the Patriarchs – two of Israel’s most frequented sites. Follow in the path of our matriarchs and patriarchs, see the location where Abraham acquired the Cave of the Patriarchs to lay his beloved wife Sarah to rest, pray at Rachel’s Tomb and at the cave, and engage with soldiers and Jewish residents of Hebron who protect our cherished city.
Gain insights into the animals referenced in the Tanach and those recognized in the Land of Israel. Embark on an interactive museum tour, where you can see and touch live animals, animal skulls, eggs, and specimens. Perfect for all ages.
Unleash your creativity at a stunning resin workshop hosted at the Nicole Friedman Studio in Beit Shemesh. Craft vibrant, functional art, and truly understand the excitement surrounding resin art.
At Artesana, breaking glass is not just permitted – it’s promoted! Step into the enchanting realm of glass, and fabricate a variety of holiday-themed creations alongside beautiful art pieces including Seder plates, bowls, trays, mezuzot, jewelry, and images. Reservations essential.
Explore the Dead Sea on a Rider Dead Sea Bike. Enjoy self-guided bike tours to the Salt Diamonds. Utilizing an application, you will find all the intriguing locations independently. Cycling trails lead to stunning viewpoints. Experience the tranquility among date groves, alongside the sea, and at hidden spots known only to the team. Suitable for ages 16+.
Immerse yourself in an ancient experience at Eretz Bereshit, where you are welcomed by Eliezer and introduced to Abraham’s tent. Become part of the biblical narrative as you ride a camel to the tent and savor light refreshments from a couple renowned for their hospitality. They provide fantastic family packages including camel rides, hospitality, and workshops such as pita baking, desert navigation, pottery creation, and mosaic art.
Shelley will orchestrate an exhilarating day for families in the Ma’aleh Adumim area. Ascend to the Mitzpe Yeriho Lookout and the Coffee on the Edge café. Engage in survival skills for the desert, sketching the desert landscape, soap crafting, and basics of shepherding. Connect with a local Bedouin, explore Ptil Tekhelet’s new educational facility, take a tour of the Good Samaritan Mosaics Museum, partake in mosaic creation for kids, or enjoy ATV and jeep adventures. “Discover an Israeli Artist” at the Moshe Castel Museum of Art, with a scavenger hunt and writing in ancient Hebrew, alongside camel riding in the Judean Desert.
Visit Uri Kalfa’s workshop to delve into the history and significance of the mezuzah, followed by the opportunity to hand carve and adorn your own mezuzah case crafted from olive wood.
Join a unique educational and interactive (not to mention delectable) master class in crafting scrumptious hard candies. Ages 6+
Attendees will learn and engage in the captivating process of rock candy production and observe the stunning colors, aromas, and textures, which are essential elements of the end result – delightful sweets!
NOW IT’S your turn to decide which activities your family will relish.
No matter your choice, you’re guaranteed fun in Jerusalem this Hanukkah!
For a comprehensive list of events in Jerusalem, check out the Fun In Jerusalem Calendar: www.funinjerusalem.com/events/ev/Hanukkah/
Ronit Ansbacher is the content-sales manager at Fun In Jerusalem. She resides in Efrat with her husband and two children and is passionate about promoting all the enjoyable activities occurring in and around Jerusalem. ronit@funinjerusalem.com
Joanna Shebson is the founder of Fun In Jerusalem (www.funinjerusalem.com). Residing in Jerusalem with her husband and three kids, she enjoys inspiring family fun. joanna@funinjerusalem.com
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