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JPY (Â¥)Hanukkah in Jerusalem is a magical time. Whether you’re attending a menorah lighting event or simply taking a stroll in the streets, it will be impossible to miss the holiday spirit felt around the city. Many menorahs decorate city windows, and the smells of freshly baked sufganiyot from the city’s many bakeries waft through the air. For Jerusalem locals or visitors, Hanukkah is a great time to be in Jerusalem. In 2026, Hanukkah takes place from December 4th to 12th. Here are some of the best Hanukkah events taking place around the city.
Discover in our article below how Hanukkah is typically celebrated in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah in Jerusalem
Special Hanukkah Tours of Jerusalem
During your visit to Israel, you can experience the festive spirit of Hanukkah while exploring the city on our Best of Jerusalem Day Tour. One of the stops includes the Machane Yehuda Market, where you’ll taste Sufganiyot, the traditional filled donuts that appear in bakeries across Jerusalem during the holiday. Along the way, you’ll discover iconic sites, bustling markets, and the vibrant culture that make Jerusalem a truly unforgettable destination.
Reserve Your Spot this Hanukkah
Walk in the Old City
Walk through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and admire the beautiful menorahs that can be seen in the windows of homes.
Kotel Menorah Lighting in Jerusalem
The menorah at the Kotel (Western Wall) is lit every night at 16:30 in an iconic public ceremony in the presence of leading rabbis and dignitaries.
Israel Museum
The Israel Museum invites your whole family to celebrate Hanukkah. They offer tons of activities which are all included in the admission price. There are art workshops, juggling shows, light and magic shows, storytime, and much more!
The Tower of David
The Tower of David Museum offers many activities and exhibitions during Hanukkah. Their magical night tour is perfect for the whole family. Get to know the fascinating story of Jerusalem, tour the walls of the fort, sing Hanukkah songs, and finish the tour lighting festive candles and eating donuts.
Herzl Museum
The Herzl Museum invites you to light the menorah every night during Hanukkah. The lighting also includes a visit to the museum.
Beit Avi Chai
This cultural center has a tradition of celebrating Hanukkah. They put on a Hanukkah theater show for children. There is also a creative light-kite workshop in the holiday spirit.
Bloomfield Science Museum
Celebrate the festive holiday at the science museum. They host special activities for the whole family like tours, science and art workshops, a 3D movie screening, and a children’s show.
Ein Yael Museum
Come to the Ein Yael Oil Festival during Hanukkah. Make olive oil the old-fashioned way alongside different activities.
Enjoy the Ultimate Hanukkah Vacation in Israel
For more must-see events around Israel, check out our recommendations for Hanukkah events in Israel, Hanukkah events in Tel Aviv, and Hanukkah in the north of Israel. If you’re traveling to Israel and eager to explore this remarkable country’s stunning regions, our Israel Package Tours are an ideal option. This way you’ll have a stress-free, epic adventure across the serene Negev Desert, exciting Tel Aviv, and much more, while we organize all of the details-inclusive transfers, unforgettable activities, expert tour guides, and beautiful hotels.
