Events & Festivals in Israel

A surreal winter spectacle in the desert heat of Eilat. International ice sculptors create intricate, towering artworks from tons of imported ice in a giant refrigerated pavilion. Visitors explore frozen galleries, slides, and installations, a stark contrast to the Red Sea outside.

Runners from across the globe traverse a challenging but breathtaking route past Jerusalem's iconic landmarks—the Old City walls, Mount of Olives, the Knesset, and the Sultan's Pool. Offers full marathon, half, 10K, 5K, and family runs.

A nationwide costume party celebrating the biblical Book of Esther. Major cities host massive street parties, live music, and parades (Adloyada). Tel Aviv's Florentin neighborhood and Jerusalem's Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall are epicenters of revelry.

A major week-long Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus. The first and last days are full public holidays. Expect nationwide closures, special cultural events, and many restaurants offering kosher-for-Passover menus or closing entirely.

A national party following Memorial Day. Cities hold free public concerts, fireworks displays, and street festivals. Israelis flood parks for mass barbecues (mangal). The official ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem is broadcast nationally.

The largest pride event in the Middle East, drawing hundreds of thousands. A massive, colorful parade moves through the city center to Gordon Beach, followed by a beachfront party with international DJs. A week of cultural events precedes it.

International light artists transform the Old City's ancient alleyways, walls, and monuments with stunning site-specific installations and projections. A magical nocturnal walk through history illuminated by cutting-edge technology.

An all-night cultural marathon marking Tel Aviv's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Bauhaus architecture. Museums, galleries, and shops stay open late, with free concerts, performances, and special tours across the city.

A major showcase for student films from Israel and around the world, hosted by the Tel Aviv University School of Film and Television. Features competitions, workshops, and masterclasses with industry professionals in a casual, academic atmosphere.

A premier international jazz event held in a custom air-conditioned pavilion. Features world-renowned artists alongside top Israeli performers across multiple stages. The atmosphere is relaxed and focused purely on the music.

Held in the picturesque settings of the Israel Museum's sculpture garden in Jerusalem. Dozens of Israeli wineries offer tastings. Includes gourmet food stalls, live music, and guided tasting sessions with sommeliers.

A massive celebration of craft beer held in the historic train station (First Station). Features hundreds of local and international beers, live rock music, and food trucks. Draws a young, energetic crowd.

A family-friendly event where the skies over the Mediterranean turn into a canvas of colorful kites. Workshops for kids, professional kite-flying demonstrations, and competitions. The beach becomes a picnic ground for thousands.

One of Israel's largest and most respected film festivals. Screens a diverse selection of international and Israeli features, documentaries, and shorts, often with director Q&As. The main venue is the Haifa Cinematheque.

A two-day national holiday marking the start of the Jewish High Holy Days. Synagogue services are central, but secular celebrations include festive meals with symbolic foods like apples and honey. A time of introspection and family gatherings.

A week-long biblical pilgrimage festival. Families build and eat in temporary huts (sukkah). Jerusalem sees mass prayers at the Western Wall. In Tel Aviv, many restaurants build sukkahs for dining. A holiday with a generally festive, outdoorsy feel.

Biennial festival held in the Arab-Israeli town of Abu Ghosh, famous for its churches and hummus. Focuses on vocal music—choirs, ensembles, and soloists—performing in the town's two historic churches with exceptional acoustics.

Contemporary dance performances staged against the dramatic backdrop of the Ramon Crater. Workshops, open classes, and site-specific pieces take place in unique desert locations at sunrise and sunset.

A month-long celebration in Haifa honoring the co-existence of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim residents. Features concerts, art exhibitions, guided tours, and food stalls in Wadi Nisnas and the German Colony, culminating in a large street fair.

An eight-day holiday celebrated by lighting menorahs each night. Cities install giant public menorahs. Special foods like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are everywhere. Many museums and attractions offer holiday-themed activities for children.

Major celebrations for Israel's Christian communities. Nazareth, with its large Arab-Christian population, hosts a Christmas market and festive lights. Jerusalem's Old City holds midnight mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, requiring special passes.