Purim is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Israel. Purim in Israel is embraced by the whole country, from religious Jews in Jerusalem to secular Tel Avivians, it is a time of festivity and celebrated far beyond its original religious roots. Purim parties take place across Israel, with Purim street parties with carnival atmospheres taking place in almost every city, town and village in the country. Purim in Israel is a fascinating time to be in the country. In 2012, Purim will take place from the evening of March 7 until the evening of March 8.

Hanukkah in Israel is an important and iconic festival, widely celebrated and marked by many symbolic events, customs and, of course, foods. The Festival of Light, Hanukkah is an eight day festival, a celebration of hope and freedom, and, whilst not a festival in which businesses shut (like a Shabbat) is a time of festivity across the country. There are lots of national events in Israel over Hanukkah, whilst traditional foods such as sufganiyot (donuts) and latkes can be seen everywhere. In 2011, Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 20, lasting for eight nights.

A Hanukkah tour of Israel is one special way to spend time in the country over this festive period. Hanukkah in Israel is a time of celebration and the tours offered below are suitable for all ages and interests – with tours of the sites of the Hanukkah story, and modern Jerusalem at Hanukkah time.

Sukkot is a week-long Jewish festival which falls shortly after Yom Kippur. Sukkot in Israel is a time of vacation – the first and last days are national holidays when most businesses will be closed (similar to a regular Shabbat), whilst the intermediary days are normal business days except for the fact that many Israelis take the time off work. The result is that there are loads of activities for Sukkot across Israel so it is a great time to be visiting. The Sukkot festival in 2011 falls between October 13-20 although the events also take place slightly before and after these dates.

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, the most solemn and holy day of the Jewish calendar. Falling every fall, ten days after Rosh Hashana, it is a day in which Jews of all levels of religiousness, and Israel as a whole, comes to a halt. A fast day lasting 25 hours, the festival begins at sundown with what is known as Kol Nidre and ends the following evening. In 2011, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 7, and ends the following evening. Being in Israel during Yom Kippur is an unusual, but interesting experience.

Shana Tova! Happy new year! Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashana and usually falls during September or early October. Rosh Hashana is a two day holiday and businesses across Israel will be closed on both days so bear this in mind if you are in Israel during the period. In 2011, Rosh Hashana will begin at sundown on Wednesday 28 September, and end at sundown on Friday 30 September. As Friday evening marks the beginning of shabbat when businesses are generally closed anyway, some businesses will be closed between Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. In many ways, being in Israel during Rosh Hashana is like Shabbat where most businesses are closed.