December Holiday Celebrations in Israel

All across the world, winter is a time for joy and festivities, and there are several December holiday celebrations in Israel! From Novy God to Hanukkah, they will warm your heart. An eclectic mix of cultures and communities, Israel offers an amazing mix of holiday experiences. Go out and explore what makes Israel so special during this time of the year. Additionally, be sure to pick the perfect unforgettable present with our guide to holiday gifts from Israel!

Hanukkah in Israel

The most festive December holiday celebration in Israel is the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah. This is a celebration of the Second Temple’s rededication and the victory of the rebellious Maccabees against the Seleucids. Unlike other holidays on the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah doesn’t require much preparation and rather focuses on joy. You can see this echoed in the public celebrations, which include everything from concerts put on by local schools to the lighting of giant Hanukkiahs across the country. You can immerse yourself in the festivities by strolling through the picturesque streets of Jerusalem and seeing how the locals celebrate. Traveling during Hanukkah in Israel is truly a special experience.

Holiday lights are strung across the city streets of Jerusalem, and families celebrate with sufganiyot, small gifts for children, and competitive games of dreidel. Additionally, another must-see, incredible event is the Winter Lights at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens!

Christmas in Israel

Christmas celebrations are joyous across the country. Cities like Bethlehem and Nazareth are well worth the visit for their unique celebrations. Christmas in Nazareth is highly revered, and the city pulls out all the stops to celebrate. You can find special masses being held, admire the twinkling lights that cover the city, attend concerts, or enjoy the annual parade on the 24th through the city. Whether you celebrate Christmas in Jerusalem, or Christmas in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, your holiday experience will be unforgettable. Be sure to attend the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Jaffa-which will also make for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Bethlehem is always an incredible city to visit, and it comes to life for Christmas celebrations. Visit the Church of the Nativity or stand in the Shepherd’s Field to watch some of the many processions pass you by. A variety of denominations from Ethiopian to Greek Orthodox gather here, adding to the atmosphere of joy. The decorations are always elaborate, and there’s a unique feeling in the air that you won’t find elsewhere. Overall, Christmas in Bethlehem should not be missed! To find out why, check out our detailed list of 5 reasons to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem. Smaller Arab Christian communities, like the ones in Haifa and Jaffa, often hold markets and tree-lighting ceremonies.

Christmas in Israel is unique, especially with our Christmas Eve in Bethlehem (and Jerusalem) Tour - Midnight Mass. Explore holy sites in Jerusalem, savor a holiday dinner amidst Bethlehem’s festive charm, and experience Midnight Mass broadcast live from Manger Square. Looking to continue the celebrations? Our Christmas Day Tour - In and Around Jerusalem allows you to discover Jerusalem’s inspiring Ein Karem Neighborhood, Qasr al-Yahud, and the picturesque Dead Sea. Also, we offer several multi-day Christmas tours, including our Christmas in Bethlehem and Jerusalem 2 Day Tour, Christmas in Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem 2 Day Tour, and Highlights of Christmas in Israel 3 Day Tour, each providing guided visits to iconic holy sites and unforgettable holiday adventures across the Holy Land.

Novy God in Israel

This is a secular holiday for Russian and other Soviet-bloc immigrants. The phrase “Novy God”, pronounced “no-vee gode”, means “New Year” in Russian. Completely separated from both communism and religion, this is a holiday that all religions celebrate with close family and friends. While many elements of its celebration, like the Yolka tree topped with a red star and Ded Moroz, or Father Frost, resemble Christmas, these are regional cultural practices that hail from much older roots.

Traditional bites and drinks include champagne and vodka to toast the new year, and zakuski, a mix of appetizers. Many families also play a countdown show from Russia in the background. They celebrate midnight with toasts and the ubiquitous Napoleon cake, dancing until they drop.

New Year’s Eve in Israel

January 1st was long the beginning of the New Year. Pope Gregory formalized this date in 1582 while correcting issues with the calendar traditionally used. It was originally a Christian event, one that merged with the celebration of Saint Sylvester. New Year’s Eve has grown in popularity as a secular day of celebration worldwide. New Year’s Eve in Israel includes many of the same events as the rest of the world.

Restaurants often offer special tasting menus accompanied by champagne. Clubs put on raucous countdown events, and the streets fill with celebrants toasting the new calendar year. There are also fireworks throughout the country. One of our favorite displays happens in Eilat on the shores of the Red Sea. New Year’s Eve in Tel Aviv and New Year’s Eve in Jerusalem are both fantastic!

Celebrate the Season in Israel

Once December rolls around, holiday festivities continue throughout the entire month! We recommend referring to our suggestions for exciting things to do in Israel in December 2026 for inspiration. Additionally, for those traveling to Israel, book one of our Israel Package Tours for a stress-free, enjoyable vacation. We’ll take care of all the details-inclusive transfers, expert tour guides, charming hotels, and thrilling activities, ensuring you have an epic adventure. This season of warmth and light is our favorite part of the year, and we wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays from Tourist Israel!

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