Israel Travel Blog

People are often confused about how and even if Christmas is celebrated in Israel. On the one hand Israel is a Jewish country and on the other hand Israel was the setting for the nativity. Israel is home to the landmarks and locations mentioned in the Bible including those of the first Christmas. Christmas in Israel is a magical and once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Christian traveler. However Christmas celebrations in Israel are different to the ones you may be used to. While Christians celebrate the birth of Christ in December, Jews celebrate Hanukah. Often these two religious holidays coincide and visitors can enjoy the celebrations of both events.Christmas in IsraelChristmas is not an official national holiday in Israel. You won’t see streets, stores or homes decorated with Christmas decorations unless you visit one of the few Christian communities. The Israeli city with the highest number of Christian residents is Nazareth. Other Christian communities can be found in Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter; in Jaffa; Haifa; Ramla and a small community in Southern Tel Aviv. Only in the large cities will you see Christmas lights. Christians (and all other faiths) are free to worship and express their beliefs in Israel.Where to Experience Christmas in Israel?Christmas in JerusalemIf you are in Jerusalem you will find many churches in the Old City celebrating the holiday. The most important of these churches is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Throughout the Christmas season there are special religious services held in the Holy Sepulchre and other Jerusalem churches. Some of the churches present carol singing and concerts. The Christ Church in the Old City holds an annual Christmas concert. The Jerusalem YMCA hosts special Christmas events for the whole family in the week running up to Christmas Day. At the YMCA there are concerts, markets, kids’ activities and workshops. Try to catch the Armenian Christmas procession through the Old City in January (they celebrate Christmas later than most denominations). In the village-like community of Ein Kerem you can also see signs of Christmas.Christmas in NazarethChristmas is most evident in Nazareth where there is an annual Christmas Market, special celebratory events, church services, Christmas lights and a huge Christmas tree in the city center. The municipality holds a Hanukah-Christmas concert the week before Christmas in the Nazareth Industrial Park. On the day before Christmas there is a parade through the streets of Nazareth (3:30 p.m.); a firework display in the evening (5:30 p.m.)and Christmas mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation in the evening(7 p.m.).Christmas in RamlaRamla is usually overlooked by tourists but it is a city shared by Jews, Muslims and Christians. You can find churches and Christmas services in Ramla; the largest Christmas service in Ramla is at the Franciscan Parish Church of St. Joseph.Christmas in Tel AvivIf you want to party on Christmas Eve the place to be is Tel Aviv. Most pubs and nightclubs in Israel hold Christmas Eve parties even though those celebrating are almost all Jewish. As the Israelis say “any reason is a good reason to party…” In Jaffa Christmas is celebrated with a Winter Festival and Christmas Market at the Jaffa Port. A large Christmas tree is erected and you may see firework displays. The market runs from 15th December to 8th January. There are often Christmas parties and events at the Armenian Church of St. Nicholas. There is an ever-growing refugee and immigrant community in South Tel Aviv. Most of these immigrants are Christians and have small but strong church groups.Christmas in HaifaHaifa is home to Jews, Christians and Muslims. The municipality celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukah, the Christian holiday of Christmas and the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr with their Holiday of Holidays events. There is a packed schedule of special events throughout the city celebrating the different cultures and their traditions through art, theatre and music. Holiday of Holidays is held on the weekends in December. The Haifa municipality also decorates the streets with Christmas lights and erects a Christmas tree in the city center.The First Christmas in IsraelAs most Christians know about 2017 years ago Mary and Joseph made their way from Nazareth in the Galilee to Bethlehem where they had to register for a national census. Mary was pregnant at the time with the future Christ. On arrival in Bethlehem they found all available accommodation full. An inn keeper took pity on them and offered to let them stay in his manger. In those days the manger would have been a cave near the inn where animals were kept. It was here in Bethlehem that Jesus was born on the first Christmas Eve.Other New Testament locations in Israel include the sites of Jerusalem – the Mount of Olives; the Temple Mount where the Holy Jewish Temple stood; the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took bearing his cross to his crucifixion and the site of his crucifixion and burial. In Northern Israel there are more Christian sites including Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Mt. Tabor, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum and more. If you spend Christmas 2017 in Israel you can take the opportunity to see these Christian sites as well as those in Bethlehem.Christmas Israel ToursIf you are coming to Israel specifically to experience Christmas “where it happened” then the best thing to do is join an organized tour to Bethlehem. There are organized tours which include sightseeing in Jerusalem on the day before Christmas. In the evening the tour continues from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. On route you will see the setting for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. As you near Bethlehem your tour guide will point out the fields where shepherds would have watched their sheep all those years ago on the first Christmas Eve. On arrival in Bethlehem you can join Christians from around the world in Manger Square. Alongside the square is the Church of Nativity which encompasses the Holy Grotto believed to have been the “manger.” Inside the church a Midnight Mass is held and in Manger Square the service is shown on large screens.If you would rather tour the sites of Bethlehem, Jerusalem or the Galilee before or after Christmas Eve you can do that too. As Christmas is not an official national holiday in Israel there are organized tours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and even New Year’s Day. Tours to Christian sites including Bethlehem are held every day of the year except on some Jewish holidays. On a Bethlehem tour you would see the Holy Grotto in the Church of Nativity; the Church of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto. Christmas tours to Israel include Jerusalem and take you to all the Christian sites of the city.

Archeological finds on the Golan Heights, which date as far back as the Chalcolithic Age, include Gamla, the Jewish city destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish Revolt between 67 and 70 CE, and Katzrin, the restored city of the Mishnah and Talmud period. Adjoining the historic Katzrin is the modern Katzrin, a city of over 30,000, well-known for the winery producing the prize-winning Gamla, Yarden, and Golan wines.The Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThere are two National Parks in the north each with hiking trails. Banias (Caesarea Philippi) is particularly interesting to Christian pilgrims while the excavations at Dan have uncovered the Canaanite and Israelite cities.Majdal Shams, Ein Kenya, Masada, and Bukata are the four Druze villages that came under Israeli control after the Six-Day War in 1967 and were formally annexed by a law passed in the Knesset in 1981. The law was condemned internationally and determined null and void by United Nations Security Council Resolution 497. Most of the Druze on the Golan Heights chose not to become Israeli citizens and maintain close relations with their brethren in Syria. Some of the apples from their numerous orchards are exported to Syria.In 1964 the Syrians began extensive work to prevent the water of the Snir, Hermon (Banias), and Dan rivers from reaching the Jordan River and ultimately the Kinneret.This was contra to international agreements concerning the use of water and threatened Israel’s water source which was at that time dependent on pumping water from the Kinneret.In retaliation for the Israeli attempt to thwart the Syrian efforts, Syria used the entire western ridge which overlooks Israel to fire on Israeli towns and villages in eastern Galilee and on the shores of the Kinneret. Children on the kibbutzim in range of the Syrian shelling lived in underground bomb shelters, coming out to play only close to the shelters.When the Six-Day War began in June 1967 Syria, as the ally of Egypt in the United Arab Republic, increased its bombardment of the Israeli towns and villages from the heights. Due to the strategic and topographic advantage of the Syrian positions and the ineffectiveness of the Israeli bombings Israel was reluctant to undertake a frontal attack on the Syrian bunkers. Some of these can still be seen at the Gadot Memorial Banias Nature Reserve.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Six-Day WarIt was only on the fifth day of the war that Israeli began her infantry advance, directly up the slopes under Syrian emplacements. Within sixty hours the entire plateau, the Golan Heights came under Israeli control. Hoping for a peace treaty with Syria, Israel made no move to annex the Golan Heights. In October 1973, in a surprise attack, the Syrians attempted to retake the Golan Heights and advance into Israel. When the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Syria was signed in May 1974 the Golan Heights were firmly back under Israeli control. Feeling no threat from Israel during both wars, the Druze population of the four villages remained and prospered.Israeli settlement on the Golan Heights began only after the Yom Kippur War when Syria rejected all proposals for direct negotiations with Israel. The town of Katzrin serves as the commercial and administrative center for the kibbutzim and moshavim on the heights.As mentioned above, it was only in 1981, after repeated refusals by Syria to enter into negotiations with Israel, that the Golan Heights, from which Israel had been attacked in 1948, 1964-67, and 1973, were legally annexed.Valley of Tears, Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinWhere is the Golan HeightsThe Golan Heights stretch one hundred kilometers from the Hermon Mountain in the north to the Yarmuk River, which is the border between Israel and Jordan, in the South. The western ridge looks down on the northern part of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee, hence the ‘heights’.Although there are a number of mountains and extinct volcanoes on the eastern side it was the ceasefire agreements between Israel and Syria that defined the eastern border. Damascus, the capital of Syria is about fifty kilometers to the east; Kuneitra is immediate across the demilitarized zone. Most of the area is mainly a basaltic plateau. At its widest point, passing through Katzrin, the heights are twenty-four kilometers wide.WeatherThe weather in the summer months is peasant during the day and cool in the evening. Holiday-makers can enjoy a variety of activities including cherry-picking, hikes in the many streams, and waterfalls bird watching on the cliffs of the Gamla Nature Reserve.In the winter months, there can be snow on the northern part of the heights, especially on Mount Hermon where there are facilities for skiing. To cater to the many visitors, accommodation is available in hotels, guesthouses, and at private homes offering small but luxurious bed and breakfast suites.Snow in Hermon, Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

February events include many musical highlights such as several concerts by visiting international artists and musical festivals. As Israel heads into spring the meadows of the Negev burst into color with wild flowers and Tel Aviv has one of its most important sporting events.January-February – Darom Adom Festival, Northern NegevanemonesThe annual Anemone Festival or Scarlet South Festival is celebrated between January and March in southern Israel when the forest floor becomes a carpet of red flowers. The red anemones in the parks of the Northern Negev are open to the public to hike, cycle and visit local kibbutzim. The blossoming fields are only about an hour drive from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The festival is hosted by the Sedot Shikma Besor Tourism Organization and is held in the national KKL-JNF park areas. There will be free information stations, free guided excursions, fun activities and a walk along the edge of the flower-carpeted red meadows. Although the flowers will probably be in bloom throughout the month the special festival events are held on weekends where there will be musical performances, sporting event and fun for all ages. Check the KKL-JNF website for updates about when the flowers will be in bloom. On Fridays and Saturdays in February you can get more information from the information stations at Yad Mordechai and Beit Kama Junctions from 9am to 3pm. There may be changes to scheduled events in the event of bad weather. On Saturdays additional information stations will be open at Ruhama Kibbutz, Reim Recreation Area (Beeri Forest), at the southern and northern entrance to Besor Road and at Pura Nature Reserve. At the Shokeda Community Forest there will be an 18km cycle trail. At the Ruhama Badlands Nature Reserve there will be a number of walking trails of various lengths for all the family. At the Negev Beerot Center on Kibbutz Alumim you can enjoy related movie screenings.5-6 February – Alphaville, Mann Auditorium, Tel AvivThe German group Alphaville which rose to fame in the 1980s led by lead singer Marian Gold will be performing two concerts only in Tel Aviv this February. The band is best known for hits such as Big in Japan, Jet Set, Sounds Like a Melody, Forever Young and Dance with Me. The band’s catchy synth pop has kept generations of music lovers enthralled. They will be performing their well known classics as well as more recent releases from their albums RTL2 100 Tubes Annees 80 and Catching Rays on Giants which featured the single I Die For You Today. Also included in the concert will be works created in 2015 from the albums So80s and Synth Pops.11-13 February – The Red Sea Jazz Festival, EilatJazz FestivalThe annual Eilat jazz festival features performers from Israel and around the world. Performances will take place at the Eilat King Solomon Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel and the Royal Beach Hotel. Among the artists performing this year will be Shlomo Gronich and the Non-Standard Project; David Helbock’s Random/Control featuring three musicians and twenty instruments; the a-cappella sextet SLIXS and Jane Bordeaux performing Israeli country folk music. Voodoo Jazz will perform their brand of music which is reminiscent of the jazz genre’s origins. The American organ trio Goldings, Bernstein and Stewart will be celebrating 25 years on the stage. Among the Israeli performers will be Geva Alon and Daniela Spector collaborating for a special performance of Israeli folk music. Also appearing at the festival will be Cuban pianist, Alfredo Rodriguez who has stunned the world with his virtuoso performances. The Grammy Award winning Ukrainian-born jazz pianist Ruslan Sirota will be enthralling audiences and the PaCoRa Trio will be performing their Slovak inspired jazz. Israeli musician Dida will be performing “the love stories of an Israeli vocalist in New York.”February 18 – DJs W&W, Haoman 17, Tel AvivThe Dutch trance and electro house duo of DJs, Willem van Hanegem and Ward van der Harst will be performing in Tel Aviv this February. The duo specializes in progressive house, progressive trance, Dutch house music and big room house music. They shot to fame with the release of their studio album Impact in 2011 and have since released a number of singles as lead artists and performed at events including Tomorrowland and Ultra Worldwide. One of their biggest successes was the single Bigfoot in 2014 and in 2015 they released If It Ain’t Dutch with Armin van Buuren. W&W are also known for a number of remixes including a remix of Adele’s Hello together with Kenneth G Bootleg. The two are at the forefront of the electro music industry and continue to pave the way for innovative sounds.24-25 February – Jethro Tull, Mann Auditorium, Tel AvivThis iconic British rock group formed in the 60s is led by lead vocalist Ian Anderson. Their first album Stand Up reached #1 on the British charts and they continued to create innovative music shifting from progressive rock to hard rock and mixing in some folk rock. The band has sold over 60 million albums worldwide. Rolling stone described Jethro Tull as “eccentric progressive rock.” The bands unique style and diverse musical talents make it an exciting and dynamic live show. The band will be performing in Tel Aviv as part of the “JETHRO TULL The Rock Opera performed by Ian Anderson” tour which celebrates the life of Jethro Tull, an English agricultural inventor. The show incorporates well known Jethro Tull songs plus performances by guest artists. Among the songs included in the show there will be The Witch’s Promise, Farm on the Freeway, Heavy Horses and Aqualung.26 February – Tel Aviv Marathon, Tel AvivmarathonThe Tel Aviv Marathon takes place on the streets of the city leading runners passed landmark buildings and along the stunning Tel Aviv beachfront. The race is multi-course with opportunities for runners of all levels to participate from families with kids to professional runners. Over 40,000 runners are expected to participate in the full-marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km and kids mini-marathon. In addition there will be a 42km handcycle race for people with special needs. The race kicks off at HaYarkon Park just opposite the Luna Park amusement park and follows the Yarkon River down towards the beachfront. The longer courses take runners into the old port city of Jaffa and along iconic Tel Aviv boulevards. Along the route there will be stages set up for live musical performances and several activities and celebrations for spectators.February 27-28 – Greg Dulli, Mayumana, Tel AvivJoin this much-loved American performer for “An Evening with Greg Dulli.” The singer will perform his classic songs as well as his latest numbers. Dulli caught the public’s eye with the band, Afgan Wings and went on to form The Twilight Singers. Together they released 5 albums. In 1994 he became the lead vocalist for the Backbeat Band recording the soundtrack for the Beatles biographical film Backbeat together with top artists like Mike Mills and Dave Grohl. In 2014 Dulli rejoined the Afgan Wings and they released their album “Do To the Beast.” Dulli’s performance in Tel Aviv is part of a 31 city solo tour presenting an intimate “evening with Greg Dulli.”1-28 February – Shaon Horef, JerusalemWinter Noise is a festival organized by the Youth Authority of the Jerusalem Municipality. It is a series of cultural events held in the streets of Jerusalem. On offer will be street theatre, musical performances, video art, dance performances, master classes, cookery demonstrations and workshops, exhibitions and street parties. Thousands of people are expected to participate in these fun events which are mostly free and there is no need to book ahead. The events will take place on Mondays throughout February (2nd, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th February): 2 February- Mahane Yehuda Market. The opening events of the festival at the famous Mahane Yehuda Market will include events which take place in the many cafes, stores, restaurants, galleries, studios and private homes in and around the market. Among the top events will be a toga party, swing dancing lessons on the street, video instillations projected on the buildings, musical jam sessions and a sing-along in a Russian bar. 9 February – Havatselet Complex. This Monday’s events include a workshop of Ethiopian cooking, a Moroccan party hosted by the secular yeshiva, lip-sync karaoke, a dance recital, a performance by Non Profit Band celebrating the release of their new album and a lecture on politics in the Facebook era. 16 February – Shoshan Complex. Cheer on the men taking part in the Drag Race, where men done high-heels and try to run through the streets. Other events include an evening with young Russian immigrants, an arts and crafts market, a cooking demonstration focused on mince meat and African music among other attractions. 23 February – Talpiot Industrial Area. On this special night of events you can watch the ping pong championships, see film festival screenings, hip hop performances and talk-show type interviews with leading Israeli celebs.

The Chutzot Hayotzer Fair (Arts and Crafts Fair) is an exciting annual event held in one of the most magical places in Jerusalem – Sultan’s Pool alongside the walls of the Old City. The fair is a lot more than an exhibition or market it is also a place of entertainment for the whole family with the atmosphere of a European carnival. The event is presented by the Jerusalem Municipality. In the gorgeous setting of Sultan’s Pool artists set up stalls displaying their creations. In addition there is a lineup of top Israeli artists performing well loved songs; children’s entertainment; shows for toddlers; Israeli and international entertainers; street performers; circus performers; a beer garden; design exhibitions and artists workshops.Among the arts and crafts on display and for sale there are works by weavers, hand-made jewelry, cobblers, calligraphers, sculptors, painters and ceramic artists. Visitors can not only see the arts and crafts but they can also meet the artists and in some cases see them at work. Among the Israeli art exhibited there is stained glass, hand-made puppets, textiles, wood work, metal work and sculptures. International artists will be demonstrating their skills. There will be artists from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Salvador, Uruguay, Ecuador, Argentina, Armenia, Ghana, Germany, South Africa, India, Hungary, Zimbabwe, Turkmenistan, Madagascar, Macedonia, Mexico, China, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Russia, Bolivia and Brazil. The artists from each of these nations brings with them their own unique style and traditional arts and crafts. And of course no Israeli event is complete without some good food and drink. You’ll be able to get a great cup of coffee, cold drinks, wine or beer as well as a variety of foods.Practical Information:Where: Sultan’s Pool, Hebron Road, JerusalemWhen: 15-27 August 2016 – Sunday-Thursday 10am-5pm; Fridays and holiday eves 10am-2pmContact: 02-6457113Admission: Adults 65ILS; students, youths (13yrs-18yrs), seniors, soldiers, Jerusalem residents, groups 55ILS; children (5yrs-12yrs) 30ILS.

March holds many exciting and unique events; there are musical festivals, spiritual retreats, sporting events and the Purim Festival. Purim is one of the best times to visit Israel as there are street parties, parades and many special events.10-12 March – Healing Sound Festival in the Desert 2016, Desert AshramThis unique festival is in its 8th year, it is held in the Desert Ashram, a place of meditation, peace and spirituality in the surreal surroundings of the desert where participants can disconnect from the rat race to be “healed” by music. The 3 day festival explores the meaning and power of music through live performances, lectures and workshops. The festival includes dance performances and film screenings, poetry readings, holistic dance, yoga and drum circles. Each day the concert performances will be given in a different scale (440Hz, 432Hz and 444Hz) to see how this affects the body, soul and mind. The music will be transformed into visual geometric patterns which dance across large screens. Musical genres range from Reggae and classical music to traditional sacred music. A variety of food will be served at the event including vegan and vegetarian and accommodation will be in tents spread across the ashram. There will also be rooms available to rent for the duration of the festival. Later during the Purim festival there is another festival at the Desert Ashram, this time entitled “Imagine.”16-19 March – EPOS-International Art Film Festival 2016, Tel Aviv Museum of ArtThis all encompassing festival includes films which highlight all aspects of the arts such as the spoken word, dance, theatre, plastic arts and music. Visitors to the festival can enjoy a diverse range of presentations from Israel and abroad. The films will be screened in their original language with Hebrew subtitles. Among the 47 films being screened there is one about award winning writer Toni Morrison; the story of the first black prima ballerina, Misty Copeland; a film about the preparations for Jewish New Year; about the efforts of a group of Pakistani musicians trying to revive their traditional music and a film about choreographer Sidi Larbi. The films come from countries like Poland, China, Belgium, Norway, the USA, UK, Estonia, France, Japan and of course Israel. The subject matter is truly diverse and fascinating.18 March – Jerusalem Marathon 2016, Gan Saker, JerusalemThe annual Jerusalem Marathon takes place through the streets of the Holy City passed landmark monuments and historical sites. Anyone can join in to run the full marathon (42.2km), half-marathon, 10k run, 5km run or the family race. All of the courses start and finish in the Saker Park (Gan Saker) where there will be happenings, food stalls and musical performances. Also on offer at in the park will be fitness classes and warm-up exercises run by top Israeli sports trainers. In addition you can join in Zuma classes, aerobics and dance lessons. On sale will be athletic equipment and sports attire. Throughout the days running up to the marathon there will be a number of special events related to health and fitness. A special Sport Expo will be held from 15th-16th March from 3pm to 10pm and on the 17th at the Jerusalem Pais Arena. If you are planning on being a spectator then recommended look-out points include the Bezalel-Ben-Zvi Blvd junction, Plomer Square, MIshkenot Sha’ananim, Oranim Junction, Hamashbir Plaza on King George Street, the Jaffa Gate, Safra Square, the Railway Complex and Emek Refaim. If you want to take part in the Jerusalem Marathon you can register online.17-19 March – Rock Festival Fattal, Herods Hotel, EilatThe Fattal hotel chain’s hotels in Eilat will be taken over by an amazing festival over the weekend. This will be the festival’s fourth year when they rock the Red Sea. The 3 day festival features 7 concerts, 10 musical groups and over 2,000 people are expected to attend. It is the largest rock festival in Israel and features live performances by leading Israeli rockers. Among the performers there will be Rami Fortis, a veteran Israeli rocker also famous as one of the judges on Israel’s version of X Factor. Other talents include Riki Gal, Juda Poliker, Monica Sex, Avraham Tal, HaTikva 6, Miri Mesika and Yuval Dayan. Aviv Geffen is one of the stars of the festival and a famed judge on Israel’s The Voice. Entrance is to over 18s only.March 28 – Jerusalem Arts Festival 201620 Jerusalem Theatre, Khan Theatre, YMCA Hall, Lev Smadar Cinema, the Yellow Submarine, Ha’Kubia, Shimshon Center and other Jerusalem venues. The Culture and Art Department of the Jerusalem Municipality organizes this week long celebration of the arts; 2016 will be the 15th annual festival of this kind. The aim is to promote and nurture creativity in diverse fields of the arts and to present affordable cultural events of a high quality. The admission prices are kept low so that everyone can afford to attend and some of the events are open to the general public for free. Performances range from art exhibition, film screenings and dramatical performances to music and dance. Performances are by both professional and up-and-coming artists. There will also be outdoor performances in the Plaza of the Jerusalem Theatre and in the various neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Check out the Jerusalem Municipality website for precise dates and times of performances.23-24 March – Purim Festival and parade, Tel Aviv, Holon, Haifa, JerusalemPurim is a Jewish festival which starts on the eve of March 23 and continues into the next day; however the parties and celebrations take place throughout the preceding week. Purim celebrates an event in Jewish history when the evil Haman was prevented from carrying out a massacre of the Jewish people. This story is told in the Biblical Book of Ester. It is traditional to dress up in fancy dress, give and receive food baskets and drink until you “fall asleep from drunkenness.” So with that as the guiding principle Israelis do their best to party until they drop during the Purim festival. This includes many fancy dress parties in bars and night clubs as well as official Purim parades in the larger cities. The most famous and elaborate of these parades takes place in Holon, a city close to Tel Aviv. Other major parades take place in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. The parade dates and times can change due to the weather but they usually take place at about 11am. Watch municipal websites for the announcement of final dates. In addition there is an official Tel Aviv Purim street party held in Tel Aviv starting from when the parade (Adloyada) comes to an end. The party usually hosts leading DJs and live performances. All those attending are welcome to get into the mood and come dressed in fancy dress. Most of the other major cities also hold street parties at the end of the parade.25 March – Zombie Walk, Tel Aviv, 9pmFor the fifth consecutive year Tel Aviv will be holding a Zombie Walk as part of its Purim celebrations. Purim is associated with dressing up in fancy dress so the Zombie Walk was thought up to bring out the creative zombies! Locals and visitors can dress up, put on dramatic make-up, add accessories and turn themselves into zombies to join in the walk through the streets of Tel Aviv. The zombie invasion through the streets of Tel Aviv will start on the corner of King George Street and Ben Tsiyon Blvd, Tel Aviv.28-31 March – Sounds Festival 2016, Jerusalem Old City.This annual festival is in its fifth year; it aims to give a glimpse into the world of traditional Old City music by offering performances of authentic music unique to each of the Old City’s four Quarters. The performances by ensemble groups and musical bands will take place on temporary stages set up along the roads and in the courtyards in each of the Old City Quarters. The music performed on each stage will be traditionally connected to the location where it is performed. The music will be of a wide variety creating a magical atmosphere in the Old City. In the Armenian Quarter you will be able to hear authentic Armenia festival music; in the Muslim Quarter hear Middle Eastern music related to the Islamic traditions and in the Christian Quarter there will be Christian liturgical pieces performed. In the Jewish Quarter you will be able to see performances of traditional Hasidic music and modern Jewish music. Visitors can stroll through the streets of the Old City from Quarter to Quarter enjoying the performances for free. The stages will be placed along a circular route starting at the Jaffa Gate and leading visitors through all four of the city’s Quarters until they arrive back at the Jaffa Gate.

During the summer there are always several free events and attractions organized for Israeli families and kids that are on school vacation. There is no reason why tourists shouldn’t join in and take advantage of these great activities – for free!Secondhand Market, Tel AvivThe summertime secondhand market can be found if you follow the Lahat Promenade along Tel Aviv’s coast towards Jaffa. Just as you reach the entrance to Jaffa you’ll find Charles Clore Park. Here there is a secondhand market where stalls are set up and you can buy almost anything for next to nothing. Not only is there plenty to buy but as part of the market there is also free entertainment, live music, stand-up comedy performances, dance, fashion shows, circus acts and food stalls. There are special performances geared towards kids with famous characters from kid’s TV programs.Fairy Tale, Tel AvivAt twilight time when you want to unwind and relax after a long day shopping and sightseeing what better than to sit the kids down in front of a good show and hang out in the park. Each Wednesday there is a children’s play performed (for free) in the peaceful setting of this Tel Aviv park.Yafui Magic, Ed Koch Tennis CourtsThis special evening is geared towards kids although parents are welcome. One of Israel’s top children’s entertainers will keep the crowd happy with performances of much-loved Israeli songs. Expect bright costumes, dance, music, lots of laughs and appearances by well known children’s TV characters.Street Ball, Tel AvivThe Israel Basketball Association is organizing an all night event at basketball courts across the city. There will be competitions, games and demonstrations where everyone can join in. In addition the areas around the courts will hold some activities, food stalls and more – all night long. This is perfect for older kids and teens.Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall, JerusalemJoin locals in welcoming the Shabbat as the sun goes down at the holiest Jewish place of worship, the Western Wall (Kotel or Wailing Wall). You can observe or join in with those chanting the traditional prayers. There is singing, chanting of prayers and dancing by Jews from diverse backgrounds. See the traditional clothing of some of the sectors of the ultra-religious Jews and listen to the different melodies used by different Jewish sectors.BeachesIt goes without saying that you can enjoy the gorgeous Israeli beaches for free during the summer. Visit the beaches along the Mediterranean coast, those in Eilat on the Red Sea or on the Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee.Israeli ParksThere are many parks in Israel but a few stand out as being extra special. In Tel Aviv you have the Yarkon Park with the Yarkon River wending its way through the green lawn. Here there are several attractions including peddle boat and row boat hire, bicycles to hire, a climbing wall, paths, playgrounds and picnic areas. In Raanana (about 20 minutes north of Tel Aviv) there is a great park with a small zoo, a special playground for children with physical disabilities, a skate park, café, lake and playgrounds. In Herzalia (opposite the Sheva Kochavim/Seven Stars Mall) there is a park with a huge climbing apparatus. You can climb up ladders, cross rope bridges and slide down enclosed tubes. There is a café nearby, a regular playground, BBQ areas and a gorgeous wild marsh area with a boardwalk leading through it. This section has been left in its natural state. In Jerusalem the Teddy Park has a great way for kids to cool off, a flat surface will fountains that squirt up as kids run in and out of the water. During the day the fountain “show” takes place at 10am, noon and 4pm and in the evening at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm the water is accompanied by sound and lights.Fountain ShowsThere are several dancing fountains in Israel where music and the movement of the fountains have been synchronized with colored lights and laser effects creating an overall spectacle. The state-of-the-art presentations are all free and performed several times a night.Tel Aviv PortThe port area is great at any time of year but especially in the summer when there are street entertainers, balloon artists and special events. On the northeastern side of the Port boardwalk is a concert venue which stages children’s shows every Tuesday at 6pm for free. In addition there is a huge sandpit and a carousel. On Fridays from 10am-5pm there is Friday Live a special happening with live musical performances, a designer market, art exhibits and an organic food markets.Front Stage Festival, JerusalemThroughout the summer on Friday nights the downtown area of Jerusalem turns into a live concert venue complete with art exhibitions, food stalls, dancing and performances by famous Israeli bands and singers. The event starts at noon and everyone is welcome for free. See the Jerusalem Municipality website for more details.Israel Museum, JerusalemOk this one is not completely free as adults need to pay an entrance fee but throughout July kids enter for free on Tuesdays and entrance is free for kids every day throughout August. At the museum there is a lot to see; families will enjoy the Children’s’ Wing where there are regular activities for families especially in the summer. There is also the sculpture garden, modern art, classic art, Judaica and the Shrine of the Book holding the Dead Sea Scrolls.

April is a great time to visit Israel, not only is the weather perfect but there are many events and religious holidays. Here are the top events, holidays and happenings in Israel in April 2015.April 3-10 – Passover, across the countryPassoverThe Jewish Passover holiday lasts for 8 days. The first day of Passover is kept like a religious Shabbat – it is a non-working day, stores and places of entertainment are closed. Most Jewish Israeli’s spend this first day with their families. During the rest of Passover everything is open and Israeli kids have a school holiday. Some companies work half-day throughout the Passover week. The one difference which visitors will notice is that bread and products made with flour are almost completely unavailable. Many restaurants now make bread and rolls without flour during Passover and in Arab cities and some remote stores you will still be able to get bread. At the end of the week-long Passover holiday there is another one-day religious holiday observed like a Shabbat. As you can see from the following list there are many events, activities and festivals during Passover so it is a great time to visit Israel. With all Jewish holidays remember that the holiday begins at sundown the night before and continues until sundown on the day of the holiday. So for example this year Passover begins at sundown on 3rd April and continues until sundown on the 4th April.April 2-5 – Easter, JerusalemIf you are in Jerusalem on March 29th then you can join in the procession which goes from the Mount of Olives, through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Priests and Christians from around the world carry palm fronds, sing, pray and chant as they make the procession. Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) is on the 2nd April, traditionally the Patriarch of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre washes the feet of his priests mirroring the actions of Jesus as he washed his disciples’ feet. There are special prayer services in many churches especially in the Old City of Jerusalem.On Good Friday (3rd April) you can join in the procession of people who follow the Via Dolorosa through the Old City. This is the route Jesus took carrying his cross towards his crucifixion. The procession ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is unique and once-in-a-life-time experience for Christians visiting the Holy Land. Easter Sunday on the 5th April is marked with the Catholic Easter Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Protestants hold a service at the Garden Tomb early in the morning and watch the sunrise. At noon the Ceremony of the Holy Fire is held in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, church bells ring, candles are lit and there is a spiritual atmosphere throughout the Christian Quarter of the Old City.April 6-8 – Stone in the Galilee Sculpture SymposiumStone in the Galilee Sculpture SymposiumIf you want to get out of the city and see a little of Israel’s magnificent countryside then take a trip to Ma’a lot Tarshiha. Ma’a lot Tarshiha lies inland from Nahariya. It is a city established in the 1960s by merging the Arab town of Tarshiha with the Jewish town of Ma’a lot. On the edge of the city is the beautiful man-made Lake Monfort with landscaped gardens surrounding it. At this annual symposium sculptors from Israel and abroad create sculptures from large blocks of Galilee stone. The creations are displayed near the lake. Each year there is a theme to the symposium and this year it is “Futuristic Stone Sculptures.” After seeing the sculptures you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There will be arts and crafts stalls, food on sale, activities for families and much more. For more details see the Ma’a lot Tarshiha website – maltar.org.il.April 5-8 – Ein Gev Music FestivalThis annual Hebrew song festival has been held for more than 70 consecutive years at the Ein Gev Kibbutz on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The festival features live musical performances by well known, and lesser known singers. The music is mainly Israeli music and choral singing. In addition to the musical portion of the festival there will be activities in the port area, children’s shows and mini-train rides around the kibbutz. The kibbutz is one of the most beautiful in the area and has many facilities for visitors including a restaurant, camping and guesthouse.April 10 – MimounaWhen Passover is finished as the sun goes down on the 10th April religious Jews who have abstained from eating bread or other foods containing flour for an entire week celebrate with the Mimouna! Mimouna is a Moroccan tradition with singing, dancing, traditional Moroccan costumes and lots of delicious food. Each city organizes a Mimouna in tents, parks or halls but perhaps the most impressive place to join in the Mimouna is at Gan Sacher, Jerusalem. The evening starts with the Moroccan women kneading dough, then they prepare the traditional mofletta, fried crepe-like dough that is then smothered with honey. Although it is essentially a Moroccan tradition today Israelis from all ethnic groups join in. Some people hold a Mimouna party in their homes and it is traditional to leave the front door open and welcome in all guests without invitation.April 7-11 – Zorba the Buddha Festival, Ashram DesertThis 5 day festival includes workshops, parties, concerts and a gathering of fun and peace loving people. The motto of the festival is “Think Less, Feel More!” The festival is a celebration of the whole being. The festival will be divided into several areas. The in the main area you can explore meditation with live music, see performances and take yoga classes. Other areas of the festival include breathing rebirthing workshops, Osho workshops, alternative therapies including tribal fusion and hi Kong. There will be theatre, role playing, yoga, healing circles, Shamanism workshops, music for the soul, health workshops, acrobalance, Sangha and much more. Entrance to the festival is for those over 21 years looking for silence, meditation and peace. The Ashram is in the Shitim settlement on route 40. For more information call 052-5443349 or visit the Ashram website.April 16 – Holocaust Memorial DayHolocaust Day is a normal working day and your travel plans won’t be disturbed too much by this day. There are ceremonies and the laying of wreaths at certain memorials throughout the country but kids go to school and adults go to work. Like all Jewish holidays Holocaust Memorial Day starts the night before at sundown on the 15th April and ends at sundown on the 16th April. At 10am on the 16th an air-raid siren is sounded across the country and everyone, no matter where they are or what they are doing, stops and stands still for a minute in memory of those lost in the Holocaust.April 5-9 – Holon Design WeekA variety of events and exhibitions will be held for the whole family at the Design Museum Holon. This will be the 5th year that the event has been held. There will be two new exhibitions on display as well as a selection of the museum collection. In addition to the exhibitions at the museums there will be design exhibition in the municipal galleries around the city. At the Israel Center for Digital Art in Holon there will be a sound exhibition and the Israel Cartoon Museum will also be launching a new exhibition. During Design Week there will be activities at the Holon Institute of Technology as at the Mediatheque Complex Holon. During Design Week entrance to the Design Museum will be reduced to 20ILS for adults and kids up to 18 years old enter for free. For more details about events and exhibitions contact the Holon Design Museum at +972 7 32151515 or at info@dmh.org.il.April 23– Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut)Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut), across countryIf you like to party then this is one of the best days of the year to visit Israel. In each city the municipalities set up public stages and there are live performances. The streets are decorated and there are food stalls, entertainment, bright lights and lots of fun. In the larger cities nightclubs hold special parties all night long and the next day if you are not sleeping off a hang-over there are more activities. The parties are from sundown on the 22nd April.

With summer just around the corner the arts and cultural scene in Israel heats up. June brings with it festivals, music, gay pride, dance, opera and international star performers.3-11 June – Light in Jerusalem, Old City JerusalemLight in JerusalemThe Old City of Jerusalem is lit up along four routes through the meandering cobble streets. Each route is lit in a different color and as visitors pass along the routes there are performances of music, art work from around the world, video presentations, instillations and 3D displays.3-14 June – Opera Festival at MasadaFor the 5th consecutive year there will be an amazing opera performance at the foot of Mount Masada. You can enjoy Puccini’s La Tosca or Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana each with the cliffs of Masada as the backdrop. The large-scale open-air performances make use of huge sets, elaborate lighting, multimedia and a large cast of performers.5-6 June, Goovestock Festival, Ramat NegevThis will be the first Groovestock Festival, it will include top Israeli pop and Middle Eastern performing artists. The unique environment, in the heart of the Negev Desert will add an amazing atmosphere to the event. Together with artists like Dudu Tassa, the Eccentrics and Shai Tsbari there will be top DJs.10 June – Art Garfunkel, Bloomfield Stadium, Tel AvivArt GarfunkelIconic performing artist Art Garfunkel will be in Israel without his legendary partner Paul Simon but he will be performing the duos unforgettable hits like Bridge over Troubled Water, Mrs. Robinson and Mother Mary. The 6 time Grammy award winner’s concert will also feature songs from Garfunkel’s solo career.12-13 June – Sunbeat Global Beats Festival, Galil HaElionJoin hundreds of Israelis in a weekend of non-stop music, dancing and parties. The Global Beats movement takes you on a musical journey through the cultures of Europe, Africa and the Americas. Music from clubs and communities across the globe including Morocco, Berlin and the Greece. On the festival stage the traditional sounds of many cultures will join together. There will be live performances as well as DJs. The festival will be held in the picturesque surroundings of the Galilee.12 June – gay prideTel Aviv, Meir Park Tel AvivTel Aviv has become one of the hottest gay travel destinations in the world and the top event of the year is the Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade. Pride week kicks off with speeches, activity booths and musical performances (including the Gay Youth Band of Tel Aviv) at the Gan Meir Gay Center. From here the parade sets out through the streets of Tel Aviv with parade floats, costumed dancers, music and lots of fun. The parade reaches Gordan Beach where the party really gets going. The beach party continues into the evening with top DJs providing the music.19-24 June – Tel Aviv Student Film Festival 2015Students of the Tel Aviv University film and television school present both local and international student films which compete for prizes. In addition to the screenings there will be workshops, master classes, lectures and panel discussions with guests from the film industry.24 June – Damian Marley, Rishon LeZionThe son of Bob Marley is becoming a legend in his own right performing reggae around the world. Jr. Gong, as he is also known, has won 3 Grammy awards and his single Welcome to Jamrock received accolades from Rolling Stone Magazine.24-27 June,Opera Festival L’Elisir D‘Amore,JerusalemThis festival features a performance of Donizetti’s operatic comedy L’Elisir ‘Amore as well as several other concerts which will be held throughout the city. Venues will include the Biblical Lands Museum, the Israel Museum, and the Museum of Italian Jewish Art. There will be concerts geared towards children, liturgical music, chamber music, and more.25 June – White Night Tel AvivThe annual White Night celebration is when the whole city stays awake until dawn. Restaurants, cafes, and stores open until the early hours and the municipality organizes live musical performances, dance performances, poetry readings, workshops, and special events throughout the night. Many of the events are free and others have a minimal fee. Some of the White Night events are indoors and many are outdoors. End the White Night with yoga on the beach as the sun comes up.27 June – Dire Straits, Hall 2 Tel Aviv FairgroundsFormer member of the original iconic ban, Chris White will perform one concert in Israel. White will perform with six top musicians’ songs from the heyday of Dire Straits like Romeo and Juliet, Money for Nothing, and Brothers in Arms.

August is Israel’s hottest month both for the weather and the cultural events. Israeli kids are on summer vacation and attractions and special events work overtime providing entertainment to the many locals and international visitors looking for ways to spend time during the long summer days and nights.4-8 August – Animix Festival, Tel AvivThis is an international festival celebrating animation, caricatures and comics. The event will include screenings, workshops, market stalls, kid’s activities and meet-and-greet events with leading animation artists and producers.The Antlers4 August – The Antlers, Barbie Club Tel Avivthe American electro-rock band will be performing in Israel as part of their international concert tour to promote their album “Familiars.”5 August – Luna, Barbie club Tel AvivFans of 90s indie rock band Luna can see Dean Wareham and his group once again united on one stage. Among their hits they will be performing Tiger Lily and Moon Palace.Contact Point 6 August – , The Israel MuseumThis event opens up the galleries of the Israel Museum at night from 8pm to 2am. You can enjoy a mix of art in the galleries and outdoors in the museum grounds. There will be dancers, singers, musicians and leaders in the entertainment industry providing entertainment for the museum visitors. The aim of this event is to create a contact point between the visitors and the arts and to encourage them to question the regular museum experience.7 July-31 August – TrickArt, Exhibition Grounds Tel AvivA unique and fun art exhibition will give kids and adults a chance to step into the art using optical illusions and interactive exhibits.9 July-29 August – LEGO ParkTel Aviv Exhibition Grounds, 9am-7pm (and until 4:30pm on Fridays) – The LEGO Park is a LEGO themed park with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, XBOX stations, a Star Wars themed attraction, bumper cars and other amusement park rides as well as loads of LEGO for kids to build their own creations.03-15 August – Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts FairSultan’s Pool, Jerusalem, 6pm-11pm except Friday – Hutzot Hayotzer is a market of arts-and-crafts created by artists from more than 30 countries. The works are displayed in a unique venue and visitors can enjoy free live performances and food stalls.Perseids Meteor Shower, NegevTake a trip to the south into the darkness of the desert or simply find a place undisturbed by urban lights and settle back to watch one of the annual meteor showers. This is one of the easiest meteor shows to see with the naked eye. The shower lasts from 17 July to 24 August but reaches its peak on the 9-13 August.15-31 August – Festival of PuppetTrain Theatre, Khan Theatre, Gerard Behar Center, The First Station and Beit Shmuel – This will be the 24th annual festival celebrating puppet theatre from around the world. Performances are suitable for kids and adults from 2 years old but are best suited to those 2-6 years old. In addition to the productions in several Jerusalem venues there will be free street performances and happenings in front of the Train Theatre which is the main festival venue.17-20 August – Jerusalem Wine FestivalJerusalem – Visitors can attend an outdoor wine tasting event held in the Art Garden of the Israel Museum. While enjoying the gardens and art you can taste around 60 wines, snack on some delicious foods and enjoy live entertainment.18-20 August – Klezmer Festival, SafedThis will be the 28th annual celebration of traditional Jewish soul music. Performers come from across the globe to perform on one stage while other festival attractions include arts-and-crafts markets, kid’s activities and tours of the city.18 August – Mariah Carey in Concert, Rishon LeZionMariah was in Israel on vacation in June but this time she is coming back to perform for the first time in the Holy Land. The star has had 18 Billboard #1 hits, won 5 Grammys and many other awards. Her concert in Israel is not part of a world tour as she is currently the resident artist at Las Vegas’ Caesars palace. The stunning venue is relatively new and can seat 10,000 in the audience.20 August-5 September – Mamma Mia!, Tel Aviv Opera HouseHailed as the “world’s most successful musical” this production is making a return visit to Tel Aviv following its sold-out run. The performance will be in English and includes all the well-loved songs of ABBA.26-27 August – Beer Festival,Jerusalem6pm-11:55pm – At this fun outdoor festival visitors pay a 40ILS cover charge and can enjoy about 150 international and local beers from well known brand name breweries to craft beers. In addition to the beer there will be food stalls and live entertainment including some of Israel’s top artists.Saturday nights in August – Jaffa Nights, The streets of Old Jaffa are closed to traffic and it becomes a huge festival with street performances, market stalls, arts-and-crafts and parties until dawn.

Many international stars are scheduled to perform in Israel this May. In addition we have several fun Jewish holidays and annual festivals.2 May – Robbie Williams, Park HaYarkonRobbie WilliamsBritish pop rock star Robbie Williams will be performing his multiple hits like Angels, Come Undone and She’s the One. The concert will be part of the singer’s European tour Let Me Entertain You and will be his first appearance in Israel.4-9 May – Felicja Blumental Music Festival, Tel AvivThis annual festival combines choral, orchestral and chamber classical music together with film, theatre and folk music. The festival is named in honor of Polish pianist and composer Felicja Blumental. The festival has launched many successful local careers and this year includes performers from Portugal, Italy, the Ukraine and Israel.6 May – Lag B’Omer, across the countryOn the night of the 6th May Israelis take to the parks, streets, fields and any available open space to light bonfires. The celebration of this Jewish holiday usually involves BBQ and staying up late sitting around the bonfire. Visitors to Israel can enjoy strolling from fire to fire and joining in the festive atmosphere.7 – 16 May – DocAviv, Cinematheque Tel AvivTel-Aviv the CinematequeThe Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival aims to promote documentary films in Israel. The main venue is the Tel Aviv Cinematheque but there will also be outdoor screenings at the Tel Aviv port and in public areas. In addition to the 90 film screenings the festival will be hosting film professionals for discussion panels, master classes and lectures.7 May – Lauryn Hill, Rishon LeZion Park Live AmphitheatreLauryn Hill,Famed hip hop singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill is best known from her performance as part of The Fugees. The Grammy award winning artist is famed for songs like Doo Wop (That Thing) and Everything is Everything. At her Tel Aviv concert she will perform songs from her solo career as well as classic The Fugees songs like Killing Me Softly.8 – 19 May – Tsar’s Bride, Tel Aviv Performing Arts CenterThe Novaya Opera Company from Moscow will be returning to Israel to perform Nikolai Rimsky Korsakov’s The Tsar’s Bride. This classic opera is full of passionate love, jealousy, betrayal and murder.16 May – Jerusalem Day, across the countryThis holiday commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem after the Six Day War in 1967. Celebrations include state ceremonies, memorial services, prayers at the Wailing Wall and you will encounter street parties, street decorations and special events in honor of the county’s capital. Although celebrated throughout the country a bigger deal is made of the event in Jerusalem.19 May – Dionne Warwick, Menorah Mivtachim Tel AvivDionne WarwickThe legendary soul singer will perform some of her greatest hits like Walk on By and I’ll Say a Little Prayer for You. 74 year old Warwick has collaborated with Stevie Wonder (That’s What Friends are For), Gladys Knight, Elton John and more recently with Ziggy Marley, Ne-Yo and CeeLo. This iconic artist is also a 5 times Grammy winner and known for her riveting stage performances.19-21 May – Backstreet Boys, Raanana AmphitheatreThe 90s pop idols of this boy band include A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell. All the Boys will be on the stage of Raanana’s beautiful amphitheatre this month. They will sing their best loved hits like I Want It That Way, Larger than Life, Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely and Shape of my Heart.20 – 24 May – Midburn Festival, Negev Desert2015 will be the second year of this unique festival held in the Negev Desert. A temporary communal settlement is set up in the desert. The festival provides a creative and artistic platform for all participants to express themselves. There will be music, dancing, spiritual activities, yoga, meditation, extreme sports, activities for families, art, food and camping. There are no visitors or spectators only participants.23-24 May – Shavuot, throughout the countryThis Jewish holiday commemorated the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and it is also a harvest festival. The holiday is celebrated with parties, family meals and the eating of dairy products and fresh produce. There will be delicious cheese cakes and pastries in the bakeries and special yogurts and cheeses offered in cafes. It is traditional to study all night on the 23rd May and you can find all-night English Torah classes in Jerusalem. There is a special prayer service at the Wailing Wall as the sunrises on the 24th May which can be very emotional.23 May – Israel Festival, JerusalemProfessional Israeli and international artists will perform in a number of unique venues throughout Jerusalem. The venues are chosen for their aesthetic value and can include Sultan’s Pool, the Old Station, Israel Museum, the YMCA, Jerusalem Theatre and the International Convention Center. In addition to the paid events there are many free performances in public areas like the Old Station (First Station). Here you can see street performers and live musical performances for free.28 May – One Republic, Park HaYarkonPop rock band One Republic will perform one concert only in Israel this May. They will play hits like Apologize, Good Life and Counting Stars. The band includes lead vocalist Ryan Tedder and Zach Filikins on guitar. Their visit to Israel is part of the band’s world tour to promote their latest album.29-31 May – Jazz Festival, Tel AvivA wide spectrum of jazz styles by local and international artists will be performed at this annual festival. Musicians and singers are both professional and new comers, traditional and modern. Performances include Daniel Zamir playing songs from Fiddler on the Roof, Corey Wilkes Quartet, Chihiro Yamanaka, the Andalusian Orchestra, Nicola Stilo, Gary Bartz Quartet, Ethiopian Jazz and Roy Cambell and Ehran Duo. Free jazz performances can be seen in the Cinematheque Plaza on Wednesday and Thursday evening and Friday afternoon.

Tel-Aviv is a hot travel destination all year round but in the summer the city’s dynamic cultural and social calendar goes even further to wow visitors and locals. Among the many art exhibitions, visiting performing artists and sites of the city there are a few unique and interesting events worth checking out in Tel-Aviv this summer.Tel-Aviv Water FightOnce a year locals and visitors jump into the fountains in Rabin Square and use the water to fill up their water guns and buckets, then the water fight begins! Everyone gets soaking wet having a massive, public water fight. Some people dress up in funny costumes like water warriors, fighting a war – but with water. The event is open to everyone and is pure fun!Open-Air Movies ,Banana BeachThroughout Israel’s hottest month everyone is invited to sit back and enjoy the screening of famous and well loved movies on Banana Beach. You can have a drink, enjoy a meal or bring a picnic and see classics movies. The movies start at sundown.Pishpeshuk , Jaffa MarketThe Jaffa flea market is a great place to explore anytime but during the summer the stalls stay open every Thursday night until midnight. In addition to the fun of shopping in the middle of the night there will be live musical performances, street theatre, booths set up for activities and arts and crafts.Hummus Festival ,HaYarkon Park,Israel’s favorite food, humus, is celebrated in this festival organized by one of the most prominent hummus manufacturers. There will be lots of variations on this classic dish and other food stalls as well. Hummus restaurants from around the country set up stalls offering their take on the classic legume. In addition there will be entertainment, Middle Easter music and even belly dancing.Hot Events this Summer in JerusalemIn addition to all the amazing sites in Jerusalem there are several events which happen only in the summer. With the vacation season coming up here is a rundown of some of the hottest events in Jerusalem for summer 2014.Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts FairThe cultural diversity of Israel is evident at this annual event “Chutzot Hayotzer” when the arts and crafts of hundreds of artists are on display. You’ll see unique hand-made items created out of a wide range of materials by Israeli and international craftsmen. In addition to the arts and crafts there will be live musical performances each evening at 21:00, an international culinary fair and an artistic lighting display.Jerusalem Formula Peace Road Show , Jaffa GateSee race cars whizzing through the streets of Jerusalem passed the Cinematheque, Sultan’s Pool, Tower of David, Mamilla Mall, Liberty Bell Park and the Old Train Station. Beautiful cars like Ferraris and Mercedes race cars will speed by and there will be stunt driving demonstrations by Ferrari Challenger cars. In addition there will be a superbike race. Although you can watch the cars for free avid race car fans might want to buy tickets for the grandstands for the best views.International Festival of Puppet theatreThe 23rd Jerusalem Puppet Festival takes place this summer; it hosts puppeteers from Israel and around the world. The five day event includes all styles of puppetry and will appeal to kids and adults alike. Performances take place in four different venues in the city. In addition there will be multi-disciplinary cabarets in the courtyard in the evening.Jerusalem Beer Festival , Independence ParkCome and enjoy a cool beer in the hot Israeli summer. The festival will have over 100 different types of beer on offer as well as live musical performances. This will be the 10th annual Jerusalem Beer Festival. Some of the beer labels will be exclusively for this festival and there will be boutique breweries offering free tastings as well as paid tastings of more established brands.

As Israel has fallen in and out of international political favor over the years the number of international performers willing to perform in Israel has had its ups and downs. Thankfully at the moment, more than ever before, international stars are signing up to perform in Israel to thousands of enthusiastic fans. There is an impressive lineup of artists planned for 2014 and several still undecided.Justin Bieber – 14 May, HaYarkon Park, Tel-AvivConsistently voted a top favorite among teens, the Biebs will be performing in Israel for the second time (the first time was in 2011) to screaming young female fans.Manowar – 21 May, 2014, Hanger 11, Tel-AvivHeavy metal fans are going to be head banging to the sounds of this legendary American band known for their very loud concerts. The band has a cult following including Israeli fans.Justin Timberlake – 28 May, 2014, HaYarkon ParkTimberlake is a multi-talented performer who began his journey to stardom in the boy band N’Sync, he has since had multiple hits as a solo artist like “Sexy Back” and “Rock Your Body.” He has won 6 Grammy Awards and released his 3rd album in 2013; he is also a consummate producer and actor. Timberlake will perform here as part of his 20/20 Experience World Tour.pixies – 17 June, 2014, Bloomfield Stadium, Tel-AvivThis American rock band is recognized for their contribution to alt-rock, the audience can expect to hear the band’s hits like “Hey” and “Here Comes your Man.”Soundgarden – 18 June, 2014, Bloomfield Stadium, Tel-AvivThis iconic group will be performing one concert in Israel headed by their lead soloist Chris Cornell. The band played a major role in the grunge genre and won a Grammy for their songs “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.”Neil Young – 17 July, 2014, Park HaYarkon, Tel-AvivYoung is a veteran rocker who has been performing for over 50 years, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice as a solo artists and as a member of the band Buffalo Springfield. The singer of classics like “Heart of Gold” will be performing with the band Crazy Horse.Still unconfirmed….Lady Gaga is due to perform for the second time in Israel. The iconic singer will be on her global tour promoting her recently released album, ARTPOP.Miley Cyrus might perform in Israel in May or June as part of her Bangerz Tour. Hannah Montana is all grown up and causing controversy wherever she goes. With her signature tongue poking pose, having invented the “twerking” move and having lit up a joint at an awards ceremony who knows what could happen on the stage of her proposed concert in Israel! Provocative actions aside she is a talented performer who has had 9 Top Ten Billboard 100 Hits.Beyonce was in negotiations to perform in Israel in 2014 as part of her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour but at the moment the negotiations have been frozen until March. As it takes quite a while to plan and execute such a massive show the chances are that we won’t be seeing Beyonce until the end of 2014 or 2015.There could be other surprise performances of big international stars in Israel this year, for example the Rolling Stones, One Direction on their Where We Are Tour and maybe even Bruce Springsteen who is currently on his High Hopes Tour.

During Israel’s summer season which lasts from June to the end of August there are a number of festivals and special events which are worth attending. Here are a few of the highlights of Israeli summer events and festivals.June 27 White Night International FestivalTel aviv white night 2013Spend the night in Tel-Aviv when the restaurants stay open all night and there are late night performances both in cinemas and on the streets. Craft markets and musical performances pop up on the streets of Tel-Aviv throughout the night and the main event is the International Marathon of Jazz and Avant-garde Music which is held in the Einav Culture Center.June 5-13 Jerusalem Light festivalThe streets and walls of the Old City are brought to life by displays of light sculptures, light designs, light statues, instillations, projected images and live performances. Entrance is free and visitors can wander the streets admiring the light displays,July 23-25 Karmiel Dance FestivalA huge gathering of over 10,000 dancers perform in 80 events in the town of Karmiel. Together with the performances there are audience participation dances, workshops, public folk dances where anyone can join in and other events like a market, food stalls etc. Over 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual festival in 2013.August 5-8 Israeli Wine Tasting festivalHeld at the Jerusalem museum the entrance fee gets you a wine glass for unlimited tasting, cheese tasting and entry to the museum galleries. The event takes place in the museum gardens and is accompanied by live jazz performances. The price is approximately 80NIS.August 15-28 International Arts and Crafts FestivalArtists and craft makers from around the world gather here to display and sell their creations. The event takes place just outside the Jerusalem Old City walls in the Jerusalem Arts and Crafts Art Amphitheater while concerts play in the nearby Sultan’s Pool. The festival takes place in the evening from 6pm to 11pm and is closed on Friday.August 6-8 International Klezmer Festivalklezmer festivalThis uniquely Jewish form of music is celebrated for the 23rd year in several venues throughout the country, the best known being in Safed where 45 performers showcase “Jewish soul music”. In Safed 8 stages are set up throughout the city and other events are held like craft fairs, tours and kid’s shows. Klezmer music is from the Hassidic tradition of Eastern Europe and groups of musicians play classical instruments to a unique rhythm. Entrance to all performances is free.August 22-23 Jerusalem Beer FestivalJerusalem is not just a holy city it is also a great city for the young who want a good party, for example the annual beer festival offers a chance to sample beers from around the world and enjoy the street party atmosphere. Both craft beers and mainstream beers are served from stands set up in the Old Train Station compound. There are food stands, live performances and stalls selling souvenirs and crafts. The beerfest takes place from 6pm until midnight and entry costs 30NIS which doesn’t include beer.August 22-25 Red Sea Jazz FestivalIf you happen to be in Eilat during this period you can attend this annual festival now in its 26th year. Each night there are about 8 concerts and during the day master classes, workshops and jam sessions. Artists are national and international and perform a range of jazz styles from Blues to Latin jazz in three Eilat venues. The exact dates for the 2013 festival have not yet been published.

HanukahHanukah is the Jewish festival of lights when each home displays an eight pronged candelabra in the window and lights an additional candle each night. The festival commemorates the events of the 2nd century and the Maccabean revolt against the Greeks, when the Jewish Temple was destroyed and only a small jar of oil remained to light the temple “menorah” or candelabra. A miracle occurred and the oil lasted for 8 nights until more oil could be found. If you’re in Israel during Hanukah 2013 you can take a walk through the streets of Jerusalem to see the flickering lights of the Hanukah menorah in each window. Nachlaot and the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem are two of the oldest neighborhoods where you can see the traditional oil and wick candles in glass cases (to protect them from the wind) in each doorway, window or courtyard.Christmas Tree DecoratingAlthough Christmas is not as evident in Israel as in the western countries it is after all the birth place of Jesus and as such the small Christian community goes all out to make the festive season memorable. In the lobby of the beautiful YMCA building in central Jerusalem the general public are invited to join in decorating Christmas trees. The trees are Arizona cypress trees donated by the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund. On Christmas Eve (December 24th) at 7pm, you can also attend a Christmas carol family service (in English), share light refreshments and take communion (if you choose) at the YMCA. For more Christmas carol singing and a multilingual Christmas Midnight Mass visit the Pontifical Institute (Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center) at 11:30pm on December 24th.Humor and SatireThe best artists in Israel were asked to create sculptures that reflect happiness, laughter and joy. Their brief was to reinvent laughter and illustrate it is a spectacular way. This is as yet the largest outdoor exhibit in the country featuring 210 sculptures by 63 artists which will be displayed in rotation.