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 2023, Hanukkah takes place December 7th – 15th. Here are some of the best Hanukkah events taking place around the city.
Check back to this page later to see 2023’s special Hanukkkah events. In the mean time, see how we celebrated Hanukkah in 2022 below.
Hanukkah in Jerusalem
Special Hanukkah Tours of Jerusalem
During your visit to Israel you can experience real Hanukkah celebrations with locals on this special Hanukkah evening tour of Jerusalem. One of the best parts of Hanukkah is the tradition to eat Sufganiyot, which are traditional filled donuts that you’ll see in every bakery in Israel throughout the festive period. On this special tour, you’ll get to try some of the best Sufganiyot in town!
Reserve Your Spot this hanukkah
Walk in the Old City
Walk through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and admire the beautiful menorahs which can be seen in the windows of homes.
Kotel Menorah Lighting in Jerusalem
The menorah at the Kotel (Western Wall) will be lit every night at 16:30 in an iconic public ceremony in the presence of leading rabbis and dignitaries. It is a very interesting time to visit the Kotel.
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, story time, and much more! The Israel Museum, Derech Ruppin
Guided Tour at Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum, leads special tours on Hanukkah, which include stories about brave Jewish people who defied opression by celebrating Hanukkah in secret during the Holocaust.
Spend a day of the Hanukkah festival on a tour of the Old City and Yad Vashem to aknowledge the holiday in a meaningful way.
The Tower of David
The 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 of the museum. Herzl Museum, Herzl Blvd
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. Beit Avi Chai, King George St 44.
Bloomfield Science Museum
Celebrate the festive holiday at the science museum. They have special activities happening for the whole family like tours, science and art workshops, a 3D movie screening, and a children’s show. Bloomfield Science Museum, Sderot HaMuze’onim 3.
Ein Yael Museum
Come to the Ein Yael Oil Festival during Hanukkah. Make olive oil the old-fashioned way alongside different activities.
For more events happening around Israel, check out Hanukkah events in Israel, Hanukkah events in Tel Aviv, and Hanukkah in the north of Israel.
Make sure to book your spot on this special Hanukkah tour of Jerusalem while there are still spots available!
