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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Joey • traveled in March, 2025
The tour was excellent. Steve, from the tour company, was very helpful setting up our tour. Our guide Chava Haugen did an outstanding job. She explained everything very thoroughly. She explained the sites we visited from both a biblical and historical perspective.
Highlights of Israel - 8 days - M
Mark • traveled in February
My experience was very good. The guide you provided in Israel was very knowledgeable, passionate, well versed in the subjects that were discussed. It was a trip of a lifetime. I am absolutely happy that I choose your company for this trip. I would ask that you make Yariv available to as many tours as he can work. Thank you
11 Days Highlights of Israel and Jordan (Multi country) - P
Paul • traveled in January
overall the tour was good. the guides were very knowledgeable. Unfortunately my planned visit to the Golan heights was cancelled and I ended up visiting Jerusalem twice
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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
- Highlights of Israel - 8 days
- 11 Days Highlights of Israel and Jordan (Multi country)
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- Classical Israel Tour Package, 7 Days
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- Jewish Israel Tour Package, 4 Days
- Christian Jerusalem, 3 days
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+ Operator Abraham Tlalim Tours From
- US$1,155
Highlights of Israel - 8 days
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip is full on, and we could not believe just how much we got to see and learn.”
nixos, traveled in March
Manger Square in Bethlehem and Jerusalem's holy sites capture the season's essence. The Church of Nativity, Ein Karem's festive atmosphere, and holiday markets in Mahane Yehuda create memorable moments. Special Christmas dinners in Tiberias complement seasonal celebrations across Israel's significant religious sites.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Masada National Park, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Beit She’an, Tiberias, Galilee, Golan Heights, NazarethSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Consolidated Tour Operators From
- US$1,595
11 Days Highlights of Israel and Jordan (Multi country)
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very inclusive and I am happy with what turned out to be a very educational experience.”
carol, traveled in May
Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Bethlehem's Nativity Church mark the festive season. Holiday-decorated Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv and Dan Panorama Jerusalem welcome visitors. Guides rated 5/5 bring biblical Christmas stories to life while visiting sacred sites.
Duration 11 days Destinations Israel, Palestinian Territory, Jordan Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Holiday Travel Israel From
- US$3,588
Jewish Israel Tour Package, 5 Days
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent and very well organized, thanks to Oksana's prompt response.”
Arundhati, traveled in July
Jerusalem's Old City and Western Wall welcome December visitors. Winter months highlight Masada fortress and Dead Sea floating. Accommodations include rated hotels in Tel Aviv and unique kibbutz lodging, with special holiday programming across 12 December dates.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Masada National Park, Dead Sea, Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Acre, Galilee, Golan Heights Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
- US$1,119
Classical Israel Tour Package, 7 Days
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is an incredible experience that I recommend to anybody who really wants to know Israel and it's history.”
Gaisha, traveled in November
Holiday magic fills Jerusalem's Old City with Christmas celebrations, while Nazareth's Church of Annunciation glows with seasonal spirit. Bethlehem's religious sites welcome pilgrims before New Year celebrations at the Dead Sea. Winter accommodations and professional guides included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Capernaum, Tiberias, Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Golan Heights, JerusalemSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
- US$1,429
Classical Israel Tour Package, 4 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We visited so many amazing places to remember forever, and we are very happy on having chosen this tour.”
Tiago, traveled in June
Israel's festive season shines at Nazareth's Church of Annunciation and Jerusalem's sacred sites. Holiday-themed tours feature Western Wall prayers and Bethlehem experiences. Winter rates around $800 include hotel stays and entrance fees to all religious and historical landmarks.
Duration 4 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Acre, Megido, Mount Precipice, Nazareth, Kafar Kanna, GalileeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
- US$829
Nazareth, Caesarea and Golan, 3 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was nice - a simple, modern and clean hotel with a nice breakfast.”
Scott, traveled in April
Nazareth's Church of Annunciation glows during December festivities. Biblical sites include Capernaum and the Jordan River baptismal site at Yardenit. Winter tours offer comfortable kibbutz lodging and breakfast included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Acre, Nazareth, Capernaum, Tiberias, Yardenit, Golan Heights Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
- US$599
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."