10 Things to do in Jerusalem at Christmas

Jerusalem is one of the most attractive destinations if you plan to spend Christmas in Israel. It is very close to Bethlehem and Nazareth, so you can complete the puzzle of the Nativity story. In addition, Christmas celebrations merge with Hannukah, a very special annual ritual. In the city you will find flea markets, good food, a festive atmosphere and the opportunity to witness midnight mass.

Events such as the lighting of the lights are also very special and full of charisma. Festivals are not lacking either, adding a touch of music, colour and sensations to the celebration. At this time of year, you can also take advantage of some of the best things to do in Jerusalem, as activities are made even more special by the Christmas warmth. Here are all the things you can't miss out on!

Christmas is a magical time in the East, due to local traditions and stories related to the life of Jesus. If you plan to spend Christmas Eve in Israel, you can enjoy the annual tour that offers a visit from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and usually includes a shakshuka tasting. This is the traditional Christmas dish, which features tomatoes, spices and simmered eggs. This type of experience starts at 255 euros and allows you to enjoy midnight mass, which is a Christian tradition dating back to the 5th century and involves commemorating the birth of Jesus with rites and songs of praise.

Additionally, this experience allows you to visit iconic places such as:

• Holy Sepulchre Church: located in the Old City of Jerusalem, here is located the Stone of Unction where Jesus was embalmed and Mount Calvary which is a representation of the mount of crucifixion. The church has been in the custody of a Muslim family since 1192, the best part is that entrance is free.
• Mount Olivet: is known for being a hill of prayer, which appears in several parables in the Bible. It offers views of the Old City, the Jewish cemetery and the Golden Dome.
• Bethlehem: If your tour or itinerary includes a stroll through Bethlehem, you'll head out in the evening for dinner near Manger Square. You can also wander the decorated streets and marvel at the Christmas spirit.

This is one of the best tours from Jerusalem, as it is often combined with a visit to Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born. It can also include stops at Jericho and the Jordan River. It is certainly a unique experience, and one that can only be done on Christmas Eve. It's ideal if you don't have any holiday plans, so remember to bring your passport and have valid travel insurance.

The Christmas lights in the Christian Quarter are an amazing spectacle and well worth seeing. This area hosts a variety of outdoor activities such as food fairs and flea markets. If you plan to spend at least 3 days in Jerusalem, I suggest you take advantage of the Christmas concerts in the area. They are usually held in various churches such as the Church of St. Saviour and in the acoustic hall of the Custody of the Holy Land.

Also, in this part of the city, stories are told about the origin of Christmas. While walking through the alleyways, you can take the public bus or a tourist bus to the David Tower, located less than 7 minutes away. It's a plan that will make you feel like a local, as the streets are lined with street food stalls and craft stalls.

You can also find nightly Christmas shows, or you can take the Christmas tour at the Tower of David Museum, considered one of the best museums in Jerusalem. During the tour they will explain why the trees are decorated, the symbolism of the lighting of the lights, the meaning of Santa and the tradition of presents. It gets a bit chilly at night, so I suggest you dress warmly.

If your Christmas trip coincides with Shabbat or Sabbath, or you are planning weekend activities in December, there are many options. Shabbat is a day of rest and worship, where most shops are closed and public transport does not run as smoothly. It is celebrated every week from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. It involves a variety of rituals, such as reading from the Torah (Jewish law) and performing morning prayers.

At Christmas the city is busier, but Shabbat is respected at all costs. Public transport is difficult to find, however the city's sightseeing bus tours are active in places of interest not related to Jewish monuments. You can take this option to explore other local areas, without wasting your weekend. For the day, you can take advantage of some of the best things to do in Jerusalem, such as:

• Welcoming the Sabbath at the Western Wall, where traditional chanting and rituals are performed.
• Appreciate the change in routine - as soon as the bells ring, Jews rush home, close most shops and gather as a family to share a traditional Friday dinner. They usually eat jraime, a fish dish with a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and spices.
• Tour the traditional neighbourhoods, which are touristy and offer Christmas activities such as bazaars, street markets, concerts, food stalls, entertainment shows and guided tours. The most emblematic are the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters.
• Take part in a Sabbath dinner, some hotels and hostels often offer the experience.

Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish celebration with a variety of special traditions. During these days the city is crowded with tourists, as well as Israelis arriving from all over the country. It usually starts in the first days of December. It should be noted that during these holidays, prices rise considerably.

At Hannukah you will also find Christmas events and activities, such as an excavation in the underground caves of Maccabees that studies the history of Christmas. There are also Christmas-themed workshops and celebrations in the Jewish Quarter, so make sure to include this in your itinerary. You can even join a candle-making class in the shape of a cocoa, cupcake or beer.

Enjoy Hanukalaim activities in the Old City and Roman Square

In the Old City the Hanukkah atmosphere is unique, with a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy. As you walk around the area, you'll find live entertainment, street theatre, cultural exhibits, guided tours and traditional doughnut stands. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Jerusalem at this time of year.

Most of the activities are free, so it's worth checking them out. You can take advantage of a cultural show, such as the Hasmonean Experience. This is an event in Roman Square full of challenges, games and puzzles, championships and breathtaking views. The most interesting thing is to walk on a beam and to see the making of Hasmonean pendants. Note that to get from Old City to the square, you can walk for about 7 minutes.

Christmas markets are a must-see, offering contrasting sounds, smells, customs and sensations. In Jerusalem there are a variety of options, where you can buy gifts, sign up for a gastronomic experience, appreciate handicrafts and see the local way of life up close. They are also one of the best things to do in winter in the city, as the good atmosphere will keep you warm.

Some of the markets I recommend you visit are:

• Machaneh Yehudah Market: this is one of the most important open-air markets in the country, where you can stimulate your senses with a variety of attractions. It takes place in Jaffa Street, where you will find a bustling atmosphere with stalls of different options. Most people shop for spices, nuts, Iraqi sweets, Turkish delicacies and more.
• Christian Quarter Christmas Market: Held near the New Gate, this market offers a pleasant festive atmosphere. It usually arrives in the middle of the month in the city and is available until Christmas Eve. You can enjoy concerts, food stalls, craft shops, creative exhibitions and more.
• Al-Qattanin Market: This is the oldest market in the city, in fact it is estimated to have been built in 1336.

The lighting of the Christmas tree in the Holy Land is a very special moment. It takes place in mid-December, usually near the New Gate. To celebrate this moment, a party is held, starting with the countdown to the lighting. In addition, there may be live entertainment, fireworks shows and parades in the surrounding area.

While there is one large tree each year, smaller trees are also lit throughout the city. Additionally, you can take a trip from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to see the local tree and Christmas activities. The first days of the month also mark the beginning of the Advent season, with fascinating traditions. In fact, this is when gifts and trees are blessed at the Custodian of the Holy Land.

The Western Wall is a sacred location, where traditional rituals are performed at different times. If you plan to spend at least 3 days in Jerusalem, you can take the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful Christian-Jewish activities of the Israeli Christmas. It is the lighting of the candles of the Hanukkah candelabra, which kicks off the Hanukkah celebrations.

The candles symbolise the miracle of oil, as it is said that after the victory of the Maccabean rebellion, there was only enough oil to light the candelabrum or menorah for one day. Unexpectedly, it multiplied by 8 days and gave them time to produce more. Therefore, candles are lit for eight continuous days. It is a sacred celebration, where a respectful attitude must be maintained. The wall is usually more crowded than usual because it is a free activity, so you can also witness the tradition in other less touristy locations.

The holidays are the best time to eat delicious food. On both Hannukah and Christmas, locals prepare colourful dishes that will introduce you to the culture through the palate. Fried foods, fish and stews are the main stars of Jerusalem's tables.

Typical Hanukkah dishes

• Fried foods: kosher churros, empanadas, but above all the typical sufganiot or Hanukkah doughnuts. This is a variant filled with fruit and jelly, although you can also find coffee cream filling, chocolate, custard and other delicious flavours.
• Chicken Levivot: A mixture of fried chicken and fritter, dipped in garlic, lemon, African peppers, olive oil and spices.
• Pezzeti fritti: a kind of fried vegetable batter, which is considered a Jewish-Italian recipe.

Typical Christmas dishes

• Hummus: a chickpea spread, which you should definitely try during your stay in Israel. It is eaten all year round, but it is a must on the Christmas table.
• Doughnuts: similar to Hannukah, but available throughout the month of December. The best places to try them are usually Roladin and Holy Moses.
• Shakshuka: a classic Middle Eastern meal with tomatoes, spices and eggs cooked at low temperatures.

Hannukah merges with Christmas, offering incredibleentertainment options. The local festivals are an attraction not to be missed, as they are some of the best things to do in the city. At the end of December, just before Christmas Eve, you can enjoy the Hanukkah Festival at Ein Yael. Here you can make wax candles, bake pita, make your own oil, brew herbal tea, watch traditional performances and more. It's ideal if you're going with children, with admission prices starting at 9 euros.

The Winter Lights Festival is held every year at the Jerusalem Botanical Garden. It is notable for its light displays, as well as activities for children. This festival also costs approximately 9 euros. If you still want to experience another festival, you can attend the Kakadu Art Festival, where there are exhibits of art pieces, mostly wood-based. There are also Christmas pieces, ideal for a souvenir of Israel. Entrance fees start at 13 euros.

If you plan to spend a couple of days at Christmas, you must hike the Nativity Trail. Not only does it offer amazing views, it is also a destination off the beaten track. According to local legends, Mary and Joseph had to walk along this path to get to Bethlehem. It's not usually that crowded, so you can enjoy a private and enriching experience.

Of course, this plan is ideal for hiking and taking advantage of the outdoor activities the Holy Land has to offer. I recommend you consider it if you plan to spend at least 3 days in Jerusalem. And, if your plan is to stay and explore the Middle East for a few months, remember that legally you can only stay for 90 days. But don't worry, if you spend that time, you can still join the Armenians to continue celebrating Christmas in January and discover more about the history of this special time.

Additionally, some people choose to spend New Year's in Jerusalem, as its events reflect the cultural and religious diversity. However, Israel also celebrates the Jewish New Year in September. It is known as Rosh Hashanah and brings together religion, ancient traditions, culture and good food.