Top December 2017 Events in Israel

1-2 December - Khan Nahal Arava Festival, Hazeva

This is a music festival  featuring a wide range of indie styles. Expect a weekend of exciting events, workshops, shows, stalls and happenings in the desert.

2 December – Foreigner in Concert, Menora Mivtachim Arena, Tel Aviv

The iconic rock band formed in the 70s and fronted by Kelly Hansen and original Foreigner member Mick Jones will perform their famous hits like “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The concert is part of the band’s The Flame Still Burns tour.

2-6 December – Jerusalem Dance Showcase, Machol Shalem, Canada House Jerusalem

Performers from around the world will be presenting newly choreographed pieces of contemporary dance.

4-6 December – Bryan Adams in Concert, Menora Mivtachim Arena, Tel Aviv and Pais Arena Jerusalem

Award winning veteran musician, songwriter and singer Bryan Adams will perform his greatest hits like “Have you Ever Really Loved a Woman?” the Canadian star will be in Israel as part of his Get Up Tour.

13-16 December – Tslilim BaMidbar (Sounds in the Desert), Ramat haNegev

This music festival will take place for the 20^th year bringing Israeli music of all genres to a stunning location in the desert. The music ranges from classical to folk and includes performances by young composers and seasoned artists.

12-20 December – Hanukkah

Hanukah is the Jewish festival of lights celebrating an historic victory against persecution. Hanukah (or Chanukah) lasts for eight days and is an official Israeli school holiday. The holiday brings with it many special events and parties. Start by attending the candle lighting ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City at sundown on the 12^th December. You can also see the candles being lit at the Western Wall every night at sundown during the eight day holiday.

Throughout Hanukah you’ll see the traditional candles in the windows of homes and businesses. Symbols of the holiday include light and oil so expect to see many lanterns and candelabras as well as oil-fried foods on sale. The most traditional Hanukah food is a sufgania or doughnut. You’ll find doughnuts on sale across the country during Hanukah. There are special Hanukah tours of Jerusalem and Beni Brak’s religious neighborhoods to see the Hanukah “menorah” or candelabra lit on the window sills of homes.

24 December - Christmas Eve

 If you are a Christian traveler then it is best to spend Christmas in Jaffa, Jerusalem, Haifa or Nazareth where there largest Christian populations live. A Christmas Market is held in Nazareth in the weeks leading up to Christmas. There are special Christmas Eve tours to Bethlehem where you can join in the Midnight Mass. In Jerusalem visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christmas religious ceremonies.  If you are secular then Tel Aviv is a great place to party over the Christmas period.

25 December - Christmas Day

As Israel is a Jewish country there is no national holiday over Christmas so shops and attractions stay open. It will seem like a completely regular day unless you spend time in one of the Christian community. Find churches and the largest Christian communities in Jaffa, Nazareth, Haifa and Jerusalem.

31 December - New Year’s Eve

Just like in other parts of the world New Year’s Eve is celebrated in Israel but not on such a grand scale. There is no national holiday on January 1^st and no official New Year events organized by the municipalities. However all bars, pubs and nightclubs as well as restaurants hold special events and parties on New Year’s Eve. One of hottest party spots in the country for New Year celebrations is Tel Aviv.

1-31 December – Holiday of Holidays, Haifa

Each year Haifa hosts a month long celebration of Hanukah, Id al-Adha and Christmas. Haifa is a city of multi-cultures and the city is a symbol of harmonious co-existence. The holidays are celebrated through theatrical performances, concerts, workshops, street performances, free movies, walking tours, a Santa Claus parade, an antique fair and art exhibitions. Events take place in Wadi Nisnas, an Arab neighborhood in Haifa; in the German Colony; at Beit Hagefen Gallery and other locations in the city.

1-31 December – Hullegeb Israel-Ethiopian Arts Festival, Jerusalem Conference House

This annual festival features art, music, dance and performances by Ethiopian artists. Israel has a strong Ethiopian community with a vibrant culture.