Get in the Chrismukkah spirit this December with our list of festive things to do in Israel
Chrismukkah in a nut(cracker) shell is a magical holiday that combines Christmas and Hanukkah into one super holiday. It's time to throw back those candy cane shot glasses filled with Manischewitz, light up those Hanukkah bushes, and assemble those Jew-gerbread houses because we've got the goods on the best of Israel's Chrismukkah.
Sure, there are hanukkiahs in just about every other house and Tiv Tam right now, but did you know that the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood's street grid was originally designed in the shape of a menorah? This year, the Night Light Festival will pay homage to its menorah-shaped streets by illuminating the culturally diverse neighborhood with over a dozen performances, light installations, parties, food and art offerings...and all for free!
Dec 14-16, 18:00-23:00. Free entrance.
'The Holiday of Holidays' is Haifa's annual celebration of religious and cultural diversity, including Jewish, Christian and Muslim holiday events. This Chrismukkah month, the festival is pulling out all the stops with balloon shows, circus acts, children's activities, marching bands, food stalls, museum exhibitions, live bands and more!
Check out their website for event details: haifahag.com
Why wait until December 25th to enjoy the magic? Tel Aviv's older sister lets her spirit shine this holiday season. Bring the whole family to the Jaffa Clock Tower for the festive annual Christmas tree lighting.
Dec 17, 18:00. Free entrance.
A monumental 6-foot-tall LED hanukkiah is making a splash down at the Tel Aviv port. Check it out for your chance to post your selfie live on one of the eight crazy nights of Hanukkah.
Dec 12-20, 16:00-23:00. Free entrance.
Sometimes it's nice to get out of the house and spice things up with a public candle lighting–something that Tel Aviv is certainly not lacking. Head over to one of four locations–Rabin Square, Sarona, Hatachana Complex or Habima Square–to view some of the most impressive candle lightings of the year. As they say, bigger is better.
Dec. 12-20. Every weekday of Hanukkah 18:00, Fri 15:35, Sat 19:30. Free entrance.
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