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 - L
lawrence • traveled in February
Tour was very good. Hotel in Jerusalem was old dirty and in dire need of upgrade. Also didn't feel safe walking around hotel. Hotel in TEL Aviv was excellent. The tour guides were all nice and informative
Jewish Israel Tour Package, 8 Days - S
Scott • traveled in April
We took the 3 day tour which turned out to be 3 one day tours that they run each day out of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. On the 3 day tour you stay overnight near Gallillee and join the tour busses as they come North . On our trip everyone except us was doing single day tours. The accommodation was nice - a simple , modern and clean hotel with a nice breakfast. The individual tours were good with good guides - you can read about them under reviews of the one day tours. I would have rated this 5 star were it not for communication problems about the 3 day tours - We would have ended up back in Tel Aviv both days if we hadn’t reminded the guides - in fact we were most of the way back one day and they had to put us in a taxi . On the last day we were expecting a bus to pick us up but instead a taxi arrived an hour earlier and we had to rush to get ready and held up the tour. If you take the 3 day tour just make sure you confirm all drop offs and pick ups twice! Otherwise I recommend it.
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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)
- Classical Israel Tour Package, 5 Days
- Mini Jewish Tour Package, 6 Day
- Jewish Israel Tour Package, 8 Days
- Nazareth, Caesarea and Golan, 3 Days
- Jewish Tour, 3 Days
- Jewish Israel Tour Package, 4 Days
- Classical Israel Tour Package, 4 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$925
Highlights of Israel - 8 days
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Israel is a beautiful country! It's an architecture and the history is second to none.”
Zbigniew, traveled in April
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“It was a great experience.”
Maria, traveled in July
Duration 11 days Destinations Israel, Palestinian Territory, Jordan Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Holiday Travel Israel From $3,588
15% Off- US$3,050You save $538
Classical Israel Tour Package, 5 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great places to visit. Good tour guides.”
Wesley, traveled in April
Sacred sites in Nazareth, including the Church of Annunciation, glow during the festive season. Jerusalem's Old City captivates visitors during holidays, while Bethlehem's religious landmarks and winter views from Mount Scopus inspire. Comfortable accommodations provided in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada National Park, Dead Sea, Nazareth, Galilee, Tiberias, Capernaum, Caesarea, Rosh HanikraSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
15% Off- US$1,099
Mini Jewish Tour Package, 6 Day
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Had a fantastic tour. Bein Hareim tours were really flexible and facilitated a change we asked for.”
Liesl, traveled in March
Celebrate the holiday season exploring Israel's most sacred sites, from Jerusalem's Old City to Masada's ancient fortress. This 6-day journey combines Christmas atmosphere with Jewish heritage, featuring stays in Tourist to Luxury Class hotels and a special kibbutz overnight. Perfect for history lovers aged 4-85, with daily hotel breakfasts included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Jerusalem, Masada National Park, Dead Sea, Galilee, Golan Heights, Caesarea, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
15% Off- US$1,344
Jewish Israel Tour Package, 8 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation very good and tour very good value.”
David, traveled in April
Sacred sites and festive markets in Jerusalem capture the holiday spirit. The Western Wall and City of David welcome visitors, while seasonal activities abound. Seven nights' accommodation split between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem hotels, with special December departures.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tel Aviv, Golan Heights, Galilee, Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Masada National Park, Dead Sea, Jerusalem Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Bein Harim Tourism Services From
15% Off- US$1,579
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
15% Off- US$579
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."