Things to do in Israel in December 2018
While the days may draw shorter, there is still a great selection of things to do in Israel in December. With cultural events continuing throughout the month, and festivities for Jews for Hanukkah, and Christians for Christmas, as well as New Year’s Eve in Israel which is becoming bigger every year, December 2018 in Israel offers a great selection of events and festivals for all tastes, ranging from major cultural festivals to folk music festivals, and comedy tours, to concerts.
December 2018 Events in Israel
Sufganiyot, a traditional food for Hanukkah which will be seen across Israel during December, by Avital Pinnick on Flickr
Throughout December – Holiday of Holidays. This event in Haifa offers festivities to celebrate the major festivals of its Jewish, Christian, and Muslim residents, in Hanukkah, Christmas, and Ramadan. Almost every day of the month, and especially at weekends, there are concerts, exhibitions, tours, shows, and conferences.
Also throughout the month of December, the Jewish Film Festival will take place in Jerusalem showcasing a wide variety of films covering many ideas and perspectives regarding culture, food, art, music and lifestyle and the interconnectivity of Judaism in Israel and in the Diaspora.
December 2-10 Hanukkah in Israel takes place for eight nights. The foods and symbols of Hanukkah will be visible across the country, and whilst not a national holiday in which businesses shut down, it is a time of festivity.
December 2 – Light up TLV, a free event that is fun for all ages commemorating the first night of Hanukkah. The event will take place in Gan Ha’atzmaut with plenty of sufganiyot (donuts), music, fun for kids and much more!
December 4-5 – Israeli pop singer Omer Adam will perform two shows.
December 5 – A-WA will perform at the Barby. Yemenite Israeli sisters made famous with hits like “Habib Galbi” will perform their hip-hop electric music set.
December 7-8 – Some great Jazz from Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen featuring Big Vicious at the Zappa Club.
December 9-10 – Children’s Chanukah Arts & Crafts in Jerusalem, including a unique arts and crafts program and sufganiyot.
December 20 – Paradise Lost will perform in Tel Aviv, their 8th time performing in Israel.
December 24 – Christmas Eve Tour. Go back to where it all began with a one-day or two-day Christmas Eve tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
December 25 – Christmas in the Holy Land. Christmas in the Holy Land is a magical experience for any Christian.
December 31 – New Year’s Eve in Israel, also known as Sylvester, is becoming increasingly popular every year, with parties taking place across the country, especially in Tel Aviv. (2018-2019 events will be updated as they become available)
