It’s crazy but Chanukah 2019 is nearly here! It begins on Sunday night 22nd December until the last day on 31st December. Here are our eight ideas for you to enjoy every day of Chanukah!
1. Chanukah shows!!
Click here or here to see what shows are on this Chanukah! Some examples below!
2. Make some Doughnuts or get creative with food!
Saidels Donut Workshop
Saidels Artisan Baking Institute run a fantastic doughnut workshop which is great for all ages. Book FAST! When: December 22 – 30. 2 daily sessions: 10:00-13:00 or 14:00-17:00. Ages: 3-120. Kasher LeMehadrin. parev. Details & reservations: +972 507-202521 or 972-9-7941222
Roladin
You can also book in for the Roladin workshop if you are quick enough – this is aimed at ages 5-10 years. They don’t allow children under 5.
Pat Bamelach
Also check out Pat Bamelach workshops over the chanukah period.
Soapcake Factory
These are certainly not edible but they are beautiful and all natural – make stunning soaps at The Soap Factory!
Galita
At Galita by Tzuba you can make chocolate in the spirit of Chanukah. (Kasher Lemehadrin) or get creative at Tomo Candy, making natural and delicious candy!
Sun 29 Dec 12:00-14:00
3. Experience the Chanukah Lights during Chanukah!
Scaventures
ScaVentures will be running some fantastic Scavenger hunts during Chanukah – in the old city and elsewhere. Check their website for more details.
Old City of Jerusalem
Tours of the old city – including all the famous sites, joining in the public lighting ceremony and seeing all the beautiful chanukiot in the old city. You even get a doughnut on some tours! They have in English depending on numbers. More details can be found on the Old City website. Or call +972-2-6271333 You can also email: tours@thekotel.org
Chanukah Lighting at the Kotel
Chanukiah Lighting at the Kotel will be at 16:30 everyday (except Friday and Shabbat) – Click Here for details and times.
Night Lantern tour of Ashdod
Come on a beautiful nighttime tour of Ashdod, including Park Lachich and lighting a chanukiah. Wed 25 December – click here to book
4. Workshops
Some of LoveLoveIsrael’s most popular workshops will be running over Chanukah. What makes these so great is that many of them work for all ages and they always make for fantastic family bonding time and you always come back with something great that you have made yourselves.
Click here for LoveLoveIsrael’s full list of workshops. You need to book in advance!
Ein Yael
Ein Yael usually hold two special days of chanukah themed arts and crafts (although they have not yet updated their website with details)
5. Relive the Maccabean times!
Neot Kedumim
Visit Neot Kedumim, where you will experience the Hasmonean era with special tours and activities including the chance to dress up in Hasmonean-style costume! 24-27 Dec and Sunday 29 Dec.
Chevel Modiin – Heat it up on Chanukah Festival!
Lighting candles in the style of the Jews of Haban and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, harvesting olives, petting zoo, a journey into the monkey world, fnavigation games, making wooden dolls or clay and wax candles, stamping coins in a restored Hasmonean village, guided tours and more…And all, in Hevel Modiin- exactly the area where the Maccabees once lived and worked! Click here for details!
Bet Moreshet
Special exhibition of Chanukiot from India and Iraq – click here for more details.
6. Chessed! Volunteering experiences
Chanukah is a great opportunity to give back and to think about others less fortunate. There are many opportunities around and you can look at a list of volunteering ideas here.
Beit Hagalgalim
Special mention goes to this new eye-opening “Rolling Workshop” run by Beit Hagalgalim. Entrance fee is a donation straight towards the charity and the workshop they run really helps give you an appreciation into the incredible struggles people face doing everyday things. Over Chanukah you will eat donuts, spin the dreidel and light the Chanukiah – but in a way you haven’t experienced before. There are tours in English and Hebrew and it is suitable for all ages.
Experience first hand the magic of inclusion. The hour-long tour of the Shalva National Center will give you an insider’s glimpse into our programming. During the tour, visitors learn the story of Shalva, its vision, the challenges, and about the many varied activities within the Center. Groups: For groups over 10 participants, please schedule in advance by contacting tours@shalva.org. Individual visitors: Under 10 participants, join one of Shalva’s “Open House” Tours offered once a month. Please email tours@shalva.org for exact dates and times. You can also book a soap workshop. Tours are free of charge and given in English or Hebrew.
Crossroads – Janglo Chanukah Night Run
The Crossroads-Janglo Chanukah 5K Night Run 5K at the First Station, Jerusalem. Runners can enjoy an incredible night run for an incredible cause! Registration click here.
7. Museums
All around Israel the museums are running special events for Chanukah week!
Jerusalem Foundation nights – at a special discounted price! The events will take place at the Science Museum during the Chanukah holidays, Wednesday – Thursday, 25.12 and 26.12 from 20:00 to midnight with a variety of activities, demonstrations, tours and various events that are suitable for families and children, as well as to teens and adults.
Discounted entry for only 10 NIS! (Under 5 Free) More details here!
BibleLands Museum – Jerusalem
Celebrate chanukah with a fun play, tours, and workshops at the All Light Festival – Suitable for children ages 4-10. Tickets and more details here!
Rishon Letzion Museum
Lots of indoor fun going on at the Rishon Letzion museum! Including plays, an escape room and arts and crafts. More details here!
Discover the light at Mahuti this Chanukah! More details here! Only 25 shekel! For upto age 11.
Other museums worth checking out over Chanukah are Madatech in Haifa, Carasso Museum in beer Sheva, Technoda in Hadera, Hamachsan Shel Saba in Beit Meir, Ben Gurion’s house in the south. The Haifa museums all also have special events for Chanukah!
Police Heritage Museum
The Police Heritage Museum in Beit Shemesh is opening up its doors from 9:00 -15:00 for free with guided tours at 11:15 and 13:30. More details click here!
8. National Heritage week
Special interactive events are being run to commemorate National Heritage week over Chanukah at 13 heritage sites across Israel. From 24 December until 30 December. Click here for a full list of the events.
