Hanukkah is just around the corner. Don’t let the planning stress you out. We’ve done the work for you!
Check out the full list of Hanukkah events and activities here.
For local families, Hanukkah is our winter vacation so it is our chance to spend quality time with our kids who are off of school for the week. At Fun In Jerusalem there are lots of way to enjoy the beautiful and unique country we live in…
You all know about all the fun stuff happening IN Jerusalem over Hanukkah, so here we’re taking a look at what’s available if you go just a little bit further outside of the capital. The Jerusalem Hills, Gush Etzion, Maale Adumim, the Dead Sea, the Modiin region, Beit Shemesh and even Ra’anana have some fabulous fun activities that we’re sure you’re going to LOVE!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Take a beautiful horseback riding trail ride with all the family at the King David Stables, in the Jerusalem Hills. Horse riding is for ages 9+. They have pony rides for younger kids too (ages 6+). You can also explore the beauty of the Dead Sea region with Dead Sea Bikes! Discover a whole new level of biking with their innovative Riders. Plus, they have a fantastic range of bikes for families, including options for little ones. Or how about teaching your kids courage and bravery and take them rappelling down Matzuk Haavot, in Gush Etzion, with Lior Ben Yashar? Hanukkah is also the perfect time to enjoy the Maale Adumim Region. In the winter the weather is always better there. Explore the area with Tour Adumim. Shelley will create a custom program for you and she’ll also accompany you if you like.
Feeling Creative?
Yael, at Artesana, (in Mevo Horon – 10 minutes from Modiin) runs a fabulous hot glass fusing workshop. Discover the magical world of glass and create an array of holiday-themed pieces and beautiful pieces of art or classic houseware that you can enjoy for years. Or take a hands-on mezuzah-making workshop at Uri Kalka’s studio in Maale Adumim, where you’ll create your own unique mezuzah case out of olive wood and learn all about this fascinating mitzvah. The Nicole Friedman Studio in Beit Shemesh, offers amazing resin workshops where you can create color-busting useable art and experience first-hand what the resin art hype is all about!
Looking for adventure?
Take an exciting off-road trip into the Jerusalem Mountains with Hidden Valley Jeeping & Trekking The team are all licensed tour guides who have lived and breathed the land all their lives! At this time of year there is the most beautiful blossom as the mountain springs overflow, the winter flowers are in bloom and you might even see incredible bird-migration. If it rains, you’ll get a flash-flood tour instead! Caliber 3 have some awesome Commando Tourism packages – for a real “only-in-Israel” experience including an IDF Shooting Adventure, 360 Shoot House, Krav Maga and an Urban Combat Simulator. Ask them about their VIP packages too.
Younger Families
Chayot Shel Shlomo, the exotic animal farm in Nokdim, Gush Etzion, have over 100 species of exotic animals from around the world, including iguanas, large turtles, anaconda snakes, tarantulas, birds, parrots, peacocks, chinchila, and more! And they’ve got a new creepy crawlies exhibition too. At Galita, treat yourselves to a Mehadrin, mouthwatering, chocolate-making workshop for all the family. It’s right next to Kiftzuba where kids enjoy gymboree and climbing playzones, as well as fun rides, bumper cars, a roller coaster, game arcade and more. The park is a great place for family fun! It’s recommended for kids up to age 14.
Learn Something New
Treat Yourself – You Deserve It!
