Christmas & New Year Tours in Israel
Around Nazareth, the old lanes twist between stone houses and small churches. The Fauzi Azar Mansion sits in the centre of the old quarter, and the path toward Cana passes through fields and low hills. Capernaum rests beside the Sea of Galilee, tied to many familiar stories. The area feels calm and reflective, especially at that time of year.
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Amazing and the tour guide was a+ in his knowledge of history, culture exceptional value !
Holy Land Discovery - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic ItineraryMy experience was very good, we got to see a lot from Israel, Tiberias's to the sea of the Galilee, from Petra to Jordaan and from Nazareth to Bethlehem. But only one day the old city so I will advice you to stay a few days longer after the tour to take your time for the old city. I choose to come a few days earlier because of the covid-19 test I wanted to be sure, I got the results back on time. I got the results back the same evening. My only comment is that there was not enough time to buy souvenirs at the different locations. I hope you take your time at the Jordaan river store to shop because there you will find a lot of choices for Christians items like anointing oils etc. Also by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre there is a store by the Church for believers it will be nice to be able to shop there. So if you really want time to buy Christians and Judaïca souvenirs you can better do that before or after the tour. This is a tour where you get a lot of information and get to see a lot of different locations but it is pressed for time when wanting to really shop. You only get extra time in two stores which are a bit pricey and may not be what you are looking for. For the none shoppers this tour is perfect you really get to say a lot and that is the real reason you came to Israel after all.
Journey of the Holy Land - 8 daysOur tour guide Ron was extremely knowledgeable and able to provide information from ancient times to present. Hotels were great and tour was even better that expected.
Holyland Trip of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & Dead Sea - 5 Days
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10 best Christmas & New Year Israel tour packages
Compiled by
NinaIsrael travel expert at TourRadar
- Jesus Trail on Budget 5-Day Hike from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee
- Jewish Heritage Tour - 10 Days
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- Israel and Egypt 10 days
- Israel 9 days Deluxe
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- Mini Jewish Tour Package, 6 Day
Follow the path Jesus walked on this 5-day journey starting in Nazareth, where you'll see the White Mosque, Basilica of the Annunciation, and St. Gabriel's Church. Head to Cana, site of Christ's first miracle, then trace an ancient Roman road to Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee. Stay at Kibbutz Lavi with kosher meals included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Nazareth, Kafar Kanna, Lavi, Capernaum Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Abraham Tlalim Tours From
- US$952
Jewish Heritage Tour - 10 Days
“It was an excellent tour! The guide was terrific with knowledge and deep love of country.”
Linda, traveled in June
Duration 10 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Caesarea National Park, Netanya, Herzliya, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Safed, Golan HeightsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $3,580
20% off- US$2,864
Holyland Trip of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & Dead Sea - 5 Days
“It was a great experience.”
JUNE, traveled in August
December in Israel unveils Bethlehem's Church of Nativity and Jerusalem's sacred sites. Festively decorated Grand Court Jerusalem and Dan Panorama Tel Aviv welcome guests. Manger Square and Old City markets overflow with holiday spirit.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Masada National Park, Ein Gedi Reserve, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jerusalem Old City, Mount of Olives Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $1,410
20% off- US$1,128
The Holy Land transforms during Christmas, with visits to Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity and Jerusalem's Garden of Gethsemane. Special dinners await at premium hotels while festively decorated Old City markets buzz with holiday spirit.
Duration 8 days Destinations Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Bethlehem, Jerusalem Old City, Mount Zion, Mount of Olives, Beit She’an, Golan Heights, Tiberias, GalileeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Holiday Travel Israel From
20% off- US$2,522
Israel and Egypt 10 days
“It was a mind-blowing trip to the amazing destinations in Israel and Egypt. The tour was also awesome.”
Katherine, traveled in March
Nazareth's Church of Annunciation, Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre, and Bethlehem's sacred sites glow during the holidays. Special festivities unfold in Jerusalem and Cairo, with seasonal celebrations and festive accommodations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, Jerusalem Old City, Ein Kerem, Nazareth, Tiberias, Capernaum, Golan Heights, GalileeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Booking Tours From
20% off- US$2,029
Israel 9 days Deluxe
“The people in Israel are extremely friendly and nice! I would recommend every traveler to take this tour.”
Виктор, traveled in August
The holiday season transforms Bethlehem's Church of Nativity with festive spirit. Sacred sites abound in Jerusalem's Old City, Nazareth, and Caesarea's Roman ruins. Eight nights' accommodation with breakfast and licensed guide services included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Acre, Mount Precipice, Nazareth, Capernaum, Tiberias, YardenitSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Booking Tours From
20% off- US$2,185
Duration 8 days Destinations Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem Old City, Mount Zion, Bethlehem, Ein Kerem, Massada, Dead Sea, Haifa, AcreSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
20% off- US$5,839
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Israel
What special Christmas activities are included in Israel tours during the holiday season?
December tours in Israel center around key religious and cultural events. Visitors can attend midnight mass at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity and join Christmas Eve gatherings in Jerusalem's Old City. The holiday schedule includes services at the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Several hotels like the Crowne Plaza Jerusalem and Dan Panorama put on holiday dinners and New Year's events. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas Eve experience in Bethlehem was magical and unforgettable with the whole city lit up in celebration."
What is the weather like in Israel during Christmas and New Year?
Winter brings mild temperatures to Israel. Jerusalem sees temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F) with some rainy days while Tel Aviv stays warmer at 15-20°C (59-68°F). The Dead Sea area maintains pleasant conditions around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Evening temperatures drop enough to need warm clothing particularly in Jerusalem. Most hotels including the David Citadel provide good heating for winter visitors.
Which cities offer the best Christmas and New Year celebrations in Israel?
The main holiday celebrations take place in Jerusalem and Bethlehem while Tel Aviv leads the New Year's festivities. Jerusalem's YMCA holds its annual Christmas tree lighting which draws locals and tourists. Tel Aviv's Dan Panorama hotel hosts New Year's parties. Nazareth adds local character with holiday markets throughout December. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The contrast between Jerusalem's spiritual Christmas celebrations and Tel Aviv's modern New Year parties made for an incredible holiday experience."
How much does a Christmas & New Year tour in Israel typically cost?
An 8-10 day holiday tour costs between USD 2500-3500 per person. This covers stays at quality hotels like the Dan Panorama guided tours Christmas Eve dinner in Bethlehem and New Year's events. Higher-end options start at USD 4000. Border crossing fees (about USD 65) and optional activities are extra.
What are the accommodation options during the Christmas & New Year period?
Hotels range from upscale choices like the Carlton Tel Aviv and American Colony Jerusalem to solid mid-range options such as the Prima Galilee and Leonardo Jerusalem. Prima hotels decorate for the season and serve holiday meals. The American Colony puts on a New Year's gala. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The Christmas atmosphere at the American Colony Hotel was exceptional with beautiful decorations and special holiday menus."
Are there special religious services available during Christmas in Israel?
Religious services run throughout the season. Key events include midnight mass at Bethlehem's Church of Nativity Christmas services at Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre and various denominational gatherings. Notre Dame Center Jerusalem provides Catholic masses in several languages. Tour companies like Click Tours help with transportation. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The midnight mass in Bethlehem was a deeply moving experience well-organized by our tour company."