Your ultimate guide to the Festival of Lights across Jerusalem and surroundings, with something special for every age group and interest.
For the Little Ones
1. White Pool Wonderland
🗓️ Daily through Hanukkah, 12PM - 9PM (Fri: 10AM-3PM)
💰 Under 4: NIS 35/hour | Ages 2-9: NIS 45/hour
📱 02-999-8888
*Pro tip: Bring socks! They're required for entry.
At Beit Shemesh's newest attraction, toddlers can dive into a sea of 220,000 white balls, with special areas designed for the smallest adventurers. Daily treasure hunts add extra excitement!
2. Kiftzuba Amusement Park (Jerusalem Area)
🗓️ Dec 27 (10AM - 4PM) & Dec 28 (10AM - 5PM)
💰 Ages 1-14: NIS 94 | Family ticket (5 people): NIS 378
📱 02-534-7952
Perfect for tiny thrill-seekers with age-appropriate rides and a fantastic indoor play zone.
For Creative Kids (Ages 7-12)
3. Glass-Blown Dreidel Workshop
🗓️ Private workshops available throughout Hanukkah
💰 NIS 680 per couple, NIS 220 each additional participant
📱 054-789-1234
Create your own glass dreidel with professional artist Yael at the Jerusalem House of Quality.
4. Galita Chocolate Workshop
🗓️ Daily workshops
💰 NIS 120 per person
📱 02-534-7650
Get deliciously messy making holiday treats at Kibbutz Tzuva's famous chocolate factory.
For Adventure Seekers (Ages 13+)
5. Maccabean Laser Tag Battle
🗓️ Daily bookings available
💰 From NIS 100 per person (minimum group rate applies)
📱 08-925-3222
Recreate ancient battles with modern technology at Latrun's state-of-the-art facility.
6. Jerusalem Ropes Course
🗓️ Daily at Ammunition Hill
💰 Group rates available upon request
Challenge yourself with zip-lines and climbing walls while learning about Jerusalem's history.
For Culture Lovers (All Ages)
7. Winter Lights Festival
🗓️ Through January 31, 5PM - 9:30PM (Sat: 6PM - 9:30PM, closed Fridays)
💰 Adults: NIS 139 | Family ticket: NIS 89 per person
📱 02-679-4012
Experience the magical 700-meter illuminated trail at the Botanical Gardens.
8. Musical Old City Tour with Yonina
🗓️ Dec 27 (10:30AM - 12:30PM) & Dec 29 (2PM - 4PM)
💰 Adults: NIS 117 | Children (2-10): NIS 70
Join the beloved musical duo for a unique blend of history, music, and storytelling.
For Foodies
9. Mahane Yehuda Sufganiyot Tour
🗓️ Throughout Hanukkah, 2PM - 6PM
💰 NIS 1,500 for up to 6 people (including tastings)
📱 052-679-9799
Sample the market's best doughnuts while discovering hidden gems with local expert Debra.
For History Buffs
10. Lights in the Old City Tour
🗓️ Dec 25 – Jan 1
💰 NIS 69
Explore ancient alleyways while learning about Hanukkah's historical roots.
For Art Enthusiasts
11. Rave Mosaic Workshop
🗓️ By reservation
💰 NIS 200 per person (2.5-hour session)
📱 02-625-1139
Create beautiful glass artwork in the Artists' Colony.
For Nature Lovers
12. Jerusalem Mountains Jeep Tour
🗓️ Private bookings available
💰 Two hours: NIS 1,100 per jeep
📱 050-557-8891
Escape the city for breathtaking winter landscapes and potential flash flood viewing!
For Spiritual Seekers
13. Western Wall Candle Lighting
🗓️ Dec 25 – Jan 2, 4:30PM (Friday 3:30PM, Saturday 7:30PM)
💰 Free
📱 02-627-1333
Experience the holiday's spiritual heart at Judaism's holiest site.
For Sports Enthusiasts
14. The Bloc Climbing Gym
🗓️ Various times (check schedule)
💰 Morning ticket: NIS 45 | Evening/weekend: NIS 65
📱 02-673-1155
300 square meters of climbing challenges for all skill levels.
For Music Lovers
15. First Station Hanukkah Celebrations
🗓️ Dec 25 – Jan 1, 6PM nightly
💰 Free
Featuring the Solomon Brothers concert (Dec 29, 5PM - 7PM), free sufganiyot, and community candle lighting.
16. Time Elevator Jerusalem
🗓️ Sun-Thu 10AM - 5:20PM, Fri 10AM - 2PM
💰 NIS 54
📍 Mamilla Mall
📱 02-624-8381
Best for: Ages 5+
Pro Tips:
- Book in advance - many activities sell out quickly
- Check weather forecasts for outdoor activities
- Consider buying family tickets for better value
- Most venues offer special rates for soldiers and students
- Always call ahead to confirm holiday hours
Need more info? Call Jerusalem's tourist information center: 02-627-1422
JPost contributed to this article.
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