16 brilliant Hanukkah adventures in Jerusalem 

Your ultimate guide to the Festival of Lights across Jerusalem and surroundings, with something special for every age group and interest.

For the Little Ones

1. White Pool Wonderland

🗓️ Daily through Hanukkah, 12PM - 9PM (Fri: 10AM-3PM)

💰 Under 4: NIS 35/hour | Ages 2-9: NIS 45/hour

📱 02-999-8888

*Pro tip: Bring socks! They're required for entry.

At Beit Shemesh's newest attraction, toddlers can dive into a sea of 220,000 white balls, with special areas designed for the smallest adventurers. Daily treasure hunts add extra excitement!

2. Kiftzuba Amusement Park (Jerusalem Area)

🗓️ Dec 27 (10AM - 4PM) & Dec 28 (10AM - 5PM)

💰 Ages 1-14: NIS 94 | Family ticket (5 people): NIS 378

📱 02-534-7952

Perfect for tiny thrill-seekers with age-appropriate rides and a fantastic indoor play zone.

For Creative Kids (Ages 7-12)

3. Glass-Blown Dreidel Workshop

🗓️ Private workshops available throughout Hanukkah

💰 NIS 680 per couple, NIS 220 each additional participant

📱 054-789-1234

Create your own glass dreidel with professional artist Yael at the Jerusalem House of Quality.

4. Galita Chocolate Workshop

🗓️ Daily workshops

💰 NIS 120 per person

📱 02-534-7650

Get deliciously messy making holiday treats at Kibbutz Tzuva's famous chocolate factory.

For Adventure Seekers (Ages 13+)

5. Maccabean Laser Tag Battle

🗓️ Daily bookings available

💰 From NIS 100 per person (minimum group rate applies)

📱 08-925-3222

Recreate ancient battles with modern technology at Latrun's state-of-the-art facility.

6. Jerusalem Ropes Course

🗓️ Daily at Ammunition Hill

💰 Group rates available upon request

Challenge yourself with zip-lines and climbing walls while learning about Jerusalem's history.

For Culture Lovers (All Ages)

7. Winter Lights Festival

🗓️ Through January 31, 5PM - 9:30PM (Sat: 6PM - 9:30PM, closed Fridays)

💰 Adults: NIS 139 | Family ticket: NIS 89 per person

📱 02-679-4012

Experience the magical 700-meter illuminated trail at the Botanical Gardens.

8. Musical Old City Tour with Yonina

🗓️ Dec 27 (10:30AM - 12:30PM) & Dec 29 (2PM - 4PM)

💰 Adults: NIS 117 | Children (2-10): NIS 70

Join the beloved musical duo for a unique blend of history, music, and storytelling.

For Foodies

9. Mahane Yehuda Sufganiyot Tour

🗓️ Throughout Hanukkah, 2PM - 6PM

💰 NIS 1,500 for up to 6 people (including tastings)

📱 052-679-9799

Sample the market's best doughnuts while discovering hidden gems with local expert Debra.

For History Buffs

10. Lights in the Old City Tour

🗓️ Dec 25 – Jan 1

💰 NIS 69

Explore ancient alleyways while learning about Hanukkah's historical roots.

For Art Enthusiasts

11. Rave Mosaic Workshop

🗓️ By reservation

💰 NIS 200 per person (2.5-hour session)

📱 02-625-1139

Create beautiful glass artwork in the Artists' Colony.

For Nature Lovers

12. Jerusalem Mountains Jeep Tour

🗓️ Private bookings available

💰 Two hours: NIS 1,100 per jeep

📱 050-557-8891

Escape the city for breathtaking winter landscapes and potential flash flood viewing!

For Spiritual Seekers

13. Western Wall Candle Lighting

🗓️ Dec 25 – Jan 2, 4:30PM (Friday 3:30PM, Saturday 7:30PM)

💰 Free

📱 02-627-1333

Experience the holiday's spiritual heart at Judaism's holiest site.

For Sports Enthusiasts

14. The Bloc Climbing Gym

🗓️ Various times (check schedule)

💰 Morning ticket: NIS 45 | Evening/weekend: NIS 65

📱 02-673-1155

300 square meters of climbing challenges for all skill levels.

For Music Lovers

15. First Station Hanukkah Celebrations

🗓️ Dec 25 – Jan 1, 6PM nightly

💰 Free

Featuring the Solomon Brothers concert (Dec 29, 5PM - 7PM), free sufganiyot, and community candle lighting.

16. Time Elevator Jerusalem

🗓️ Sun-Thu 10AM - 5:20PM, Fri 10AM - 2PM

💰 NIS 54

📍 Mamilla Mall

📱 02-624-8381

Best for: Ages 5+

Pro Tips:

- Book in advance - many activities sell out quickly

- Check weather forecasts for outdoor activities

- Consider buying family tickets for better value

- Most venues offer special rates for soldiers and students

- Always call ahead to confirm holiday hours

Need more info? Call Jerusalem's tourist information center: 02-627-1422

JPost contributed to this article.