Hanukkah 2016 in Tel Aviv

When Hanukkah rolls around in Tel Aviv, the city comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere of street parties, concerts, sufganiyot (donuts with various fillings), special markets, events and much more.

This year, Hanukkah begins on the night of December 17 and lasts until Christmas Eve on December 24, so keep an eye out for dual celebrations. Whether you’re looking to experience the holiday from a religious or cultural perspective or take advantage of the party atmosphere – or both – there is more than enough to do in Tel Aviv on Hanukkah.

Traditional Celebrations

Beginning the first night and continuing through the rest of the holiday, there is a public menorah-lighting at Kikar Rabin and a sing-along that follows. You can also find similar events at locations throughout the city. Even if you don’t know the songs, it’s worth checking out for the experience, atmosphere and possible free sufganiyot.

Read more about the history of Hanukkah and the holiday traditions>>

Check out last year’s events:

Hanukkiah Lighting at the Great Synagogue

When: December 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Where: 110 Allenby St, Tel Aviv-Yafo

The Biggest Hanukkiah in the World

Scenic candle-lighting every night of the holiday at the Tel Aviv Port

When: December 6-14, 2015 at 5:30 pm
Where: Tel Aviv Port, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Parties and Concerts

Check back for updates on street parties throughout the city, and special events at Tel Aviv’s best bars,  clubs and music venues as they are announced. Here’s a taste from last year…

Ladies night at Tangiers

39 NIS all-you-can-drink for the ladies!

Where: 93 Yehuda Halevi Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: December 6, 2015

Hanukkah Rave

Dutch trance DJ Mark Sixma drops in on Haoman 17 for some Hanukkah mayhem

Where: Haoman 17, 88 Abarbanel Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 11:00 pm
Tickets: TBA

Hanukkah at the Block

Also known as just another Thursday at the Bock >>

The Beatles for the Whole Family

The Magical Mystery Tour Beatles tribute band invites you to celebrate Hanukkah with your favorite Beatles tunes.

Where: Zappa Tel Aviv, 25 Raoul Wallenberg, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: December 12, 2013 at 11:45 am
Tickets: Buy now!

Cultural Events

Whether you’re into art, fashion, theater and music, Hanukkah in Tel Aviv is a great time for special events. 

Families and Children

With the kids on vacation all over Israel, there is no short of family-friendly events and activities in Tel Aviv.