Hanukkah 2025 is just around the corner and Jerusalem is gearing up to celebrate this great holiday with local families and tourists. Don’t let the planning stress you out. We’ve done the work for you!
Check out the full list of Hanukkah events and activities here. More events will be added as we get closer.
Here are some fun family highlights, to give you a taster of what’s on offer.
Glass Blowing Dreidel Workshop
If you are looking for a really exciting experience then making glass dreidels at the special Hanukkah Glass Blowing and Flame workshop is just for you! Learn about the art of Glass Blowing and Flame Working from Yael, a Bezalel graduate. Yael will introduce you to the science and art of the craft and then gives you a hands-on experience to create your own pieces of art. This is a really unique workshop that both kids and adults can enjoy together. Reservations – [email protected]
Candle-lighting at the Kotel
It is an annual tradition to watch the candle lighting ceremony at the Kotel, the site closest to the Hanukkah miracle. The candles will be lit in a magnificent menorah made entirely of bronze casting, more than 2 meters high and about 2 meters wide, weighing about one ton.
Hanukkah Tours in and around Jerusalem
Take a magical “Hanukkiah & Sufganiyot Tour” with Debra. Choose from Nachlaot, Geula or the Old City. Tour begins with sampling delicious sufganiyot (donuts) while touring Jerusalem’s beloved shuk Machane Yehuda. [email protected]
Join The Museum Guy, Nachliel, as he guides you through some of the best-loved museum exhibitions in Jerusalem that tell the Hanukkah story. Nachliel has his own unique and engaging style. Private family tours can be arranged as well for ages 6+.
Unique Tours
If you’re searching for a unique experience and still struggling to find that special Hanukkah gift for a loved-one, then book a visit to the Yvel Jewelry Factory and Visitors Center and factory store. It’s the perfect place to learn about jewelry making with pearls & precious stones.
Take a tour of the factory, watch the artists while they work and learn more about the Megemaria Program and the Ethiopian immigrants who are learning the trade of jewelry making. Walk through a replica of an Ethiopian craft village with a student of the program and learn more about Ethiopian culture and their incredible journey to Israel. This is a great activity to do with your teenagers. [email protected]
Holiday Art Ideas
Kiyor Ceramics in the Shuk – Handbuild and decorate your own menorahs, dreidels, and more using stamps, carving tools, natural textures like leaves, and painting techniques. If you prefer to paint pottery they have many unique pieces you can choose from.
Want to find a good way for your kids to use their phones? Take them on Nili’s Photography Workshop and learn the art of taking pictures in unique Jerusalem locations. Nili covers a variety of photography topics such as light and shadow, color, composition and framing, catering topics to your level and interests. [email protected]
Looking for art workshops that will teach you a new skill? Rave Mosaics in the Artist’s Colony, Creative Crafts offers Resin, Candle Making, Glass Fusing and Mosaic Workshops in the Gush or book a session on Emek Refaim at Hadara Ceramic Studio
Learn the art of woodworking with local wood at The Workshop Gush Etzion with Mandy. Have you ever done a Resin Workshop? Nurture your creative side at Nicole Friedman Studio! Come experience first-hand what the resin art hype is all about.
Uri Kalfa offers a Mezuzah Wood Workshop in Maale Adumim for families. Learn about the history and significance of the Mezuzah. Each participant will hand carve and decorate their very own Mezuzah case.
More Family Ideas
For local families, Hanukkah is our winter vacation so it is our chance to spend quality time with our kids who are off of school for the week. At Fun In Jerusalem there are lots of way to enjoy the beautiful and unique country we live in…
Adventure & Fun
Take a horseback riding trail ride in the Jerusalem Hills at King David Stables.
Hosting a Hanukka Party – Looking for an Activity?
Invite Debbie for an evening of Improv & laughter. Laughter Games Workshops are customized for your group! The workshop works for a diverse group of people – funny enough for secular Israelis or religious enough for Bais Yaacov.
Featured Image: Tower of David
