Festivals in Israel You Must Experience as a Tourist

Israel is known for its vibrant festival scene, with many events steeped in Jewish traditions and cultural significance. From the sound of the Shofar marking religious observances to modern music, art, and food festivals, there’s something for everyone. 

Festivals in Israel attract both locals and tourists, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and lively atmosphere. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top festivals in Israel this year, providing you with a guide to the must-see events for tourists looking to experience the best of Israel’s diverse celebrations.

1. International Oud Festival

The International Oud Festival is held annually in Jerusalem and celebrates the oud’s significance in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music. Founded by Confederation House and Eli Grunfeld, it features original productions and performances by Israeli and international artists, highlighting cultural diversity and musical heritage through a professionally curated program.

Location	• Jerusalem, Israel • Venues across the city
Date & Time	• Held annually in November • Multiple evening performances
Highlights	• Live performances by local & international artists • Original productions & premieres
Specialties	• Focus on the oud and related instruments • Blend of Middle Eastern & Mediterranean music
Pro Tip	• Book tickets early—they sell out fast • Check the schedule for must-see acts

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2. Eilat Chamber Music Festival

The Eilat Chamber Music Festival is a leading annual classical music event in Eilat, Israel, with a strong focus on chamber music. Featuring renowned Israeli and international artists, it offers a diverse program including chamber and orchestral concerts, opera, dance, and gypsy music, making it one of the most distinguished music festivals in Israel and a highlight of the country’s cultural calendar.

Location	• Eilat, Israel • Various cultural venues across the city
Date & Time	• Held annually in winter (typically February) • Multi-day event
Highlights	• Performances by top Israeli & international artists • Mix of classical, opera & gypsy music
Specialties	• Emphasis on chamber music • Includes dance and orchestral programs
Pro Tip	• Combine with a Red Sea getaway • Reserve early for prime seating

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3. Purim

Purim is an annual Jewish festival commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from a planned massacre in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Celebrated with feasts, costumes, and public readings, it reflects themes of resilience, community, and joy.

Location	• Celebrated across Israel • Observed worldwide by Jewish communities
Date & Time	• Usually in March (14th of Adar) • Celebrated over one or two days
Highlights	• Reading of the Book of Esther • Costumes, parades, and street parties
Specialties	• Festive meals and gift-giving • Hamantaschen (traditional pastries)
Pro Tip	• Join public celebrations in cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem • Dress up to fully enjoy the festive spirit

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• 4. Jerusalem Marathon

The Jerusalem Marathon is an annual running event held each March, starting at the Knesset and passing through key landmarks like Mount Scopus and the Old City before finishing at Sacher Park. It combines athletic challenge with scenic and historic routes through Jerusalem.

Location	• Jerusalem, Israel • Starts at the Knesset, ends at Sacher Park
Date & Time	• Held annually in March • Morning start, various race categories
Highlights	• Scenic route through Old City & Mount Scopus • Full, half & 10K races
Specialties	• Combines sport with historic landscapes • Open to all ages & abilities
Pro Tip	• Register early—spots fill quickly • Train for hilly terrain and elevation

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5. Tel Aviv Wine Festival

The Tel Aviv Wine Festival is an annual event celebrating local and international wines in a vibrant, social setting. Held in Tel Aviv, it offers free tastings for ticket holders, along with gourmet food pairings, live music, and a festive atmosphere, making it a popular gathering for wine lovers and casual visitors alike.

Location	• Tel Aviv, Israel • Typically held at cultural or open-air venues
Date & Time	• Annually, usually in summer • Evening hours over multiple days
Highlights	• Free wine tastings with a ticket • Wide range of local & global wines
Specialties	• Culinary pairings & gourmet food stalls • Live music and entertainment
Pro Tip	• Arrive early to avoid crowds • Use public transport or ridesharing

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6. Passover Festival

Passover (Pesach) is a major Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. Observed for seven or eight days, it includes rituals, special foods, and the retelling of the Exodus story during the Seder meal. The holiday emphasizes themes of freedom and renewal.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities • Special observance in Israel
Date & Time	• Annually in March or April • Observed for 7–8 days
Highlights	• The Seder meal with symbolic foods • Retelling of the Exodus story
Specialties	• Matzah (unleavened bread) • Four cups of wine during the Seder
Pro Tip	• Prepare the Seder plate with traditional items • Avoid leavened bread (chametz) during the holiday

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7. Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Yom Ha’Atzmaut, or Israel Independence Day, is a national holiday celebrating the founding of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. It’s a day for Israelis and Jews worldwide to reflect on the country’s establishment and its significance in Jewish history. The holiday includes celebrations, parades, and national pride.

Location	• Israel celebrated nationwide • Observed by Jewish communities globally
Date & Time	• Annually on the 5th of Iyar (usually in April or May) • Full day celebration
Highlights	• Parades, fireworks, and public celebrations • National pride and reflection
Specialties	• BBQs and outdoor gatherings • Ceremonial events and flag displays
Pro Tip	• Join local

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8. Lag Ba’Omer

Lag Ba’Omer, celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer count, marks a joyful break in the semi-mourning period between Passover and Shavuot. It is observed with celebrations including weddings, bonfires, and haircuts, symbolizing happiness and the end of mourning. The holiday holds both historical and spiritual significance in Jewish tradition.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities • Popular in Israel
Date & Time	• Observed on the 33rd day of the Omer (usually in April or May) • Full-day celebration
Highlights	• Bonfires, weddings, and festive gatherings • Haircuts and other celebratory rituals
Specialties	• Symbolic break from mourning • Outdoor activities and picnics
Pro Tip	• Attend bonfire events for a communal experience • Plan family outings for a joyful day

9. Shavuot

Shavuot, or the “Feast of Weeks,” is a Jewish holiday commemorating the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. It marks the conclusion of the seven-week Omer count and was historically an agricultural festival celebrating the wheat harvest. The holiday is observed with prayers, studying the Torah, and consuming dairy foods.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities • Prominent in Israel
Date & Time	• Observed 50 days after Passover (usually in May or June) • 2-day festival
Highlights	• Commemoration of the Ten Commandments • Torah study and prayer
Specialties	• Eating dairy foods like cheesecake • Agricultural significance (wheat harvest)
Pro Tip	• Attend an all-night study session (Tikkun Leil Shavuot) • Prepare dairy dishes for the festive meal

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10. Tel Aviv Pride Week

Tel Aviv Pride Week is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride, held annually in June. The highlight is the Tel Aviv Pride Parade, the largest LGBTQ+ event in Asia, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants. The week features a range of events, parties, and cultural activities, making Tel Aviv a top destination for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

Location	• Tel Aviv, Israel • Celebrated across the city
Date & Time	• Held annually, typically in the second week of June • Week-long event
Highlights	• Tel Aviv Pride Parade (largest in Asia) • Numerous LGBTQ+ events and parties
Specialties	• Celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture • Concerts, beach parties, and cultural gatherings
Pro Tip	• Book accommodation early, as the city gets busy • Join the parade for the full experience

11. Jerusalem Film Festival

The Jerusalem Film Festival is Israel’s premier film event, held annually in Jerusalem. Over ten days each summer, it showcases over 200 films from 60 countries, featuring screenings, special events, panels, and workshops. It attracts filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the world, fostering industry connections and cultural exchange.

Location	• Jerusalem, Israel • Venues include the Jerusalem Cinematheque
Date & Time	• Held annually every summer • Duration: 10 days
Highlights	• Over 200 films from 60 countries • Panels, workshops, and filmmaker meetings
Specialties	• Focus on international cinema • Industry networking and professional events
Pro Tip	• Attend special events to meet filmmakers • Purchase tickets in advance for popular screenings

12. Klezmer Festival (Safed)

The Klezmer Festival in Safed (Tzfat) is an annual celebration of Klezmer music, held in the city’s Old Town. The festival features open-air stages in parks and squares, offering a mix of Klezmer and other traditional Jewish music. It attracts both local and international visitors, making it a significant cultural event.

Location	• Safed (Tzfat), Israel • Held in the Old Town
Date & Time	• Held annually, typically in August • Multi-day event
Highlights	• Klezmer music and traditional Jewish tunes • Open-air performances in parks and squares
Specialties	• Mix of Klezmer and other Jewish music genres • Cultural and artistic atmosphere
Pro Tip	• Explore the Old Town for an immersive experience • Arrive early to secure good viewing spots

13. Tu B’Av

Tu B’Av, celebrated on the 15th of Av, is a minor Jewish holiday often referred to as the Jewish day of love. In modern Israel, it resembles Valentine’s Day, with couples exchanging gifts, flowers, and enjoying romantic outings. It is also considered a fortunate day for weddings and celebrations of love.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities • Popular in Israel
Date & Time	• 15th of Av (usually in July or August) • A single-day celebration
Highlights	• Couples exchange gifts and flowers • Romantic dinners and nights out
Specialties	• A day for love and joy • Considered a favorable day for weddings
Pro Tip	• Plan a special evening for your partner • Celebrate with a romantic getaway

14. Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, celebrates the creation of the world and offers a chance for a fresh start. It is a holy day when Jewish people refrain from work, focusing instead on reflecting on the past year, seeking forgiveness, and making amends. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities
Date & Time	• 15th of Tishrei • A two-day celebration
Highlights	• Reflection on the past year and seeking forgiveness • Blowing the shofar (ram’s horn)
Specialties	• Eating apples dipped in honey for a sweet year • Special prayers and services
Pro Tip	• Avoid work to fully observe the holiday • Prepare a festive meal with symbolic foods

15. Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement,” is Judaism’s holiest day, observed on the 10th of Tishri (usually in September or October). It is a day for introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God and others. Marked by fasting, prayer, and various restrictions, Yom Kippur stands out as one of the most significant traditional festivals of Israel, emphasizing spiritual renewal and reflection.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities
Date & Time	• 10th of Tishrei (usually in September or October) • Observed for 25 hours
Highlights	• Fasting and extensive prayer • Seeking forgiveness from God and others
Specialties	• Kol Nidre prayer on the eve of Yom Kippur • No work or physical pleasures
Pro Tip	• Prepare for the fast in advance • Attend synagogue services for full observance

16. Hanukkah

Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight nights, typically in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish revolt against the Syrian-Greek oppressors in the 2nd century BCE. Known for lighting the menorah each night, Hanukkah is one of the most famous celebrations in Israel, blending history, tradition, and family festivities.

Location	• Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities
Date & Time	• 25th of Kislev (usually in December) • Eight-night celebration
Highlights	• Lighting the menorah (one candle each night) • Traditional prayers and blessings
Specialties	• Eating foods fried in oil (e.g., latkes, sufganiyot) • Playing the dreidel game
Pro Tip	• Share the menorah lighting with family • Enjoy festive foods and treats

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FAQs

What festivals are popular in Israel?

Some popular festivals include Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover, Sukkot, and Purim.

Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in Israel?

The best festivals include the Jerusalem Film Festival, Tel Aviv Pride, Eilat Chamber Music Festival, and Passover.

What is the best time to visit Israel?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant weather and numerous festivals.

What is the traditional dance of Israel?

The traditional dance is the Hora, performed in circles, often during celebrations.

What is the culture of Israel?

Israel’s culture is a blend of Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences, with a focus on tradition, family, and innovation.

What is the main festival of Israel?

The main festival is Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and reflection in Jewish tradition.

What are the seasonal festivals in Israel?

Israel hosts different festivals in every season, from flower festivals in spring to cultural and religious celebrations in summer, fall, and winter.

Are festivals in Israel tourist-friendly?

Yes, many festivals are tourist-friendly, with English signage, guided experiences, and inclusive public events.

When is the best time to attend festivals in Israel?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) are the best times due to pleasant weather and a rich mix of festivals.

How can you celebrate festivals in Israel?

Join public celebrations, try local foods, and participate respectfully in customs—plan for ticketed or popular events.