Celebrating Chanukah in Jerusalem is a unique and special experience. The city comes alive with a vibrant and festive atmosphere, as locals and visitors alike partake in various traditions and events. Despite the hardships and challenges felt by all during this time, the spirit of Chanukah will prevail and give our nation a boost of strength. Whether you attend a menorah lighting event or simply stroll through the streets, the holiday spirit is palpable. Decorated menorahs gleam in windows, and the scent of freshly baked sufganiyot from the city’s bakeries fills the air. This year, Chanukah falls out on December 7th and lasts until the 15th. We’ve put together a list of fun activities to partake in to make the most of your Chanukah.
Chanukah Events in Jerusalem:
- Walk in the Old City:
- Take a leisurely stroll through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and admire the beautiful menorahs in the windows of all the Jewish homes. This self guided tour will offer you a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and will definitely help you feel the spirit of Chanukah.
- Kotel Menorah Lighting:
- Watch the iconic menorah lighting ceremony at the Kotel (Western Wall) every night at 16:30. Join leading rabbis and officials in this spiritually uplifting event.
- Israel Museum Celebrations:
- Head to the Israel Museum on Derech Ruppin for a family-friendly Chanukah celebration. Activities such as art workshops, juggling shows, light and magic displays, storytime, and more are included in the admission price.
- Special Chanukah Tours:
- Experience authentic Chanukah celebrations with locals on a special evening tour of Jerusalem by Tourist Israel. The tour will begin in the Machane Yehuda shuk where you will be able to indulge in the tradition of eating Sufganiyot, the traditional filled donuts found in every bakery throughout Israel during the festive period. You will then continue to explore Nachlaot, one of Jerusalem’s oldest residential neighborhoods, with hundreds of Chanukah Menorahs lighting your path.
Guided Tour at Yad Vashem:
- Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum, leads special Hanukkah tours featuring stories of brave Jewish individuals who celebrated the holiday in secret during the Holocaust. This is a very uplifting tour and will enable you to celebrate Chanukah in a very meaningful way.
- Ein Yael Oil Festival:
- Attend the Ein Yael Oil Festival during Chanukah, where you can make olive oil the old-fashioned way alongside other various activities.
For locals and visitors alike, Chanukah in Jerusalem is a truly special experience. Celebrating Chanukah in Jerusalem is a blend of spiritual reverence, community engagement, and the sheer joy of coming together to commemorate the miracles of the holiday. The city’s unique character and historical backdrop add a distinctive flavor to the Chanukah festivities. It’s up to you to join in on the festivities, embrace the warmth of community, and make this Chanukah in Jerusalem a truly memorable and uplifting experience.