You do not have to travel abroad: all the Christmas markets that take place in Israel
Dreaming of shopping at Christmas Market?
When abroad is less of an option this year, try Miilya, Fasuta, Nazareth, Haifa, Eilabun or Jaffa. And before or after you do a market, expect an abundance of performances, parades, events and shows, and even a "Christmas run". Special project
Eyal Shapira
06/12/2021
Monday, 06 December 2021, 08:34 Updated: 09:59
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Christmas tree in Clock Square in Jaffa (Photo: Ilan Sapira)
If you were planning on a Christmas market in one of the European capitals, there is a situation that you had to cancel.
The new variant, you know.
On the other hand, it turns out that with a little imagination, even a visit to the Christmas markets held in Israel, will sometimes feel like abroad, especially in the Christian villages in the Galilee and cities like Nazareth, Haifa and Jerusalem. Get everything you need to know to make a market. .
More on Walla!
Jingle Bless: The best Christmas markets this year for Israelis
To the full article
Fasuta: mulled wine and sticky shows
To experience the Christmas atmosphere in a particularly authentic way, it is recommended to encrypt the Galilee, the region closest to the European winter we have. At Christmas time, the beating heart of the village of Fasuta in the Western Galilee, will be the Church of Mr. Elias, built in the early 20th century. From here it is also easy and convenient to go for a pleasant walk in the core of the ancient village, which has taken on a special holiday atmosphere.
This year, decided here to brand the Christmas event called Christmassuta (the combination of the words Christmas and Fasuta). The events will take place on 17.12 (24: 00-16: 00), 18.12 (24: 00-12: 00) and 19.12 (24: 00-12: 00). In the church area, authentic food stalls will be waiting for you, as well as special sweets and traditional holiday drinks, such as mulled wine, just like in the Christmas markets in Europe. In addition, there will be stalls selling clothes, holiday decorations and more, as well as a special gallery that will display the works of three local painters and wood carving artists. The Christmas market will be accompanied by street musicians, music shows, children's shows, sticking shows and more.
There is also no need to find parking here: all visitors are directed to a central parking lot, from which shuttles depart for the event centers.
All activities are free.
Do not give up:
On Saturday, 18.12 at 14:30, there will be a special show called "The Nativity Train" - where on four adjacent stages will be performed at the same time special shows for children.
The Christmas tree in Fassuta has already been lit (Photo: Walla !, Ziv Reinstein)
Come visit.
Old Mr. Elias Church in Fassuta (Photo: Walla !, Ziv Reinstein)
Miilya: A winter festival in the holiday atmosphere
For three days (December 18-16), the tenth "Winter Festival - Western Galilee" will be held. It offers a wealth of cultural, music and culinary activities, including workshops, tours, performances and more. As part of the festival, the villages of Mi'ilya and Fasuta will take on a special holiday atmosphere, and tours will be offered in which you will get to know the villagers and enjoy the Christmas lights, fir trees and of course - shopping.
And regardless of the festival, the village of Miilya offers annual celebrations and a colorful Christmas market. The market will take place for two days (19-18.12) from 10:00 in the morning until the evening. It will have various stalls, fir trees, shows and other events. The market will be held near the church in the core of the village.
It is also worth noting that in the heart of the village stands the "King's Fortress" (Chateau de Roe), a 12th-century Crusader fortress that served as a road fortress. Also in the village: Greek-Catholic church, ancient cloth house, archeological sites and plenty of restaurants.
Do not give up:
If you are in the business of sports, it is recommended to combine the celebrations with the Christmas Run of Miilya (Christmas Run) which will take place in the alleys of the village, which will take place on December 17 with the sign of bringing hearts together (registration via https://www.realtiming.co.il).
To know more:
https://winterfestival.westgalil.org.il/
"Fortress of the King" Church (Photo: Omri Avidar)
Christmas in the villages of Tarshiha from the Western Galilee (Photo: Walla !, Ziv Reinstein)
Eilabun: A food market and a huge holiday procession
Unlike Fasuta and Mi'ilya, Eilabun's Christmas celebrations are less familiar to the average Israeli traveler. Therefore, this is the opportunity to come and visit the small and special Galilee village. In the village, which was founded in the 19th century by Arab-Christians, probably residents of nearby Deir Hanna, there is a Catholic church established in 1879, where German priests worked. This church, located in the heart of the village, is also the focus of Christmas events in the village, which this year take place in a particularly expanded and festive format.
The events begin on December 10, with the lighting of Christmas tree lights that are about 15 meters high, a fireworks and music show, as well as a colorful Christmas market. On December 11-10 and December 18-16, from 11:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the festivities will continue and the market will offer an abundance of authentic and international food stalls (including sushi ...), shopping stalls for clothing and holiday decorations and a main stage with musical performances - From Christmas songs to a tribute to the nation of Kultoum. In addition, there will be shows for children, street musicians and more. All activities are free.
Do not give up:
On December 22 (from 16:00 and into the evening) there will be a huge holiday procession, with 500 artists and musicians, Santa Claus figures, special lighting and more.
The Church in Eilabun (Photo: Walla! NEWS system, Lior Gorno)
Haifa: The holiday of the holidays
The "Holiday of the Holidays" festival in Haifa has already gained sworn fans from all over the country, who come every year to the weekend events in December.
The festival, held in Beit Hagefen, throughout Wadi Nisnas and in the German Mashuva, marks its 28th year and includes guided tours, workshops, exhibitions, dance performances and performances, performances for children and more.
The activities are free or at a nominal cost.
The festival is held on the weekends of December: 11-9 and 18-16.
And of course, how is it possible without the Christmas market: in the last week of the month, the traditional Christmas fair is held, this time also on Yaffa Nof Street in Haifa.
Do not give up:
Christmas procession in Haifa - a musical and festive procession of local scout movements.
The exhibition passes through Wadi Nisnas and ends at "Santa's House."
December 18, 2:30 p.m.
Free.
To know more:
https://www.haifahag.com
Haifa Holiday Festival (Photo: Reuven Cohen, Haifa Municipality Spokeswoman)
Santa Claus in Wadi Nisnas (Photo: Moore Alenkawa)
Nazareth: processions and a light show
You said Christmas in Israel - you said Nazareth. As is well known, every year the city offers a variety of celebrations, Christmas markets and special events that attract many visitors. Especially in light of the fact that last year many events were canceled, it is time to ascend to the city where Jesus grew up and was educated, and is considered one of the most important in the Christian world. What awaits you on the holiday? Christmas markets, musical performances, colorful processions and a particularly tall Christmas tree.
Among the events: the 38th Christmas procession in the sign of peace and brotherhood, along Paul VI Street, including fireworks over the Church of the Annunciation (24.12 from 14:30. Details: 054-4439880), Christmas Market at the Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth, with local cuisine, a variety of stalls , Lighting decorations and shows in the spirit of the holiday (19-16.12 from 17:00, 24.12 from 19:00. Paid for non-hotel guests, 04-650-8000), Christmas Market of the Orthodox Council in the Al Motran parking lot (19-16.12), And plenty of shows and events at the city's churches, to be held every December.
Do not give up:
Christmas lights and sounds show - New Year's Eve above Don Bosco-Salsian Church.
The show: colorful rays of light in the city sky, world music and fireworks at midnight.
24.12 Hourly from 21:00.
You can watch the event for free.
To know more:
https://www.visit-naz.co.il/christmas21/
Christmas Market at the Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth (Photo: Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth)
Christmas tree in HaMaayan Square in Nazareth (Photo: Government Tourism Company)
Jaffa: Illuminate the city
Every year in Jaffa, Hanukkah and Christmas are celebrated in a multicultural way, and so will this year.
Among the events, which will take place until the beginning of January: a spectacular installation of a giant menorah in Clock Square, giant cameras and photo booths of winter scenes at the flea market and more.
But we are here for the Christmas market, the Christmas Market, which will take place on December 11-10 at 22: 00-10: 00 in the Neve Golan pool.
The event will include live performances in Arabic and activities for the whole family.
Do not give up:
installations of crystal snowballs in the plaza of the Stay Hotel in Jaffa.
Each ball has a statue of the holiday symbols, and can be activated to make snowflakes fly.
The exhibits run until January 7th.
To know more:
https://bit.ly/3CJa72K
Illuminate Jaffa.
Clock Square (Photo: Ilan Sapira)
Spinning top performance.
Christmas and Hanukkah in Jaffa (Photo: Ilan Sapira)
Jerusalem: Holiday atmosphere in the Christian Quarter
Naturally, during the holidays, Jerusalem, which plays a crucial role in the history of Jesus' life, takes on a festive atmosphere every year.
All this, of course, in the Christian Quarter, which is all superbly decorated and beautifully lit, with everything dotted here and there by Christmas trees and Santa Claus dolls.
There are usually churches in the district, where various events are held next to them.
In addition, a Christmas Circle Market is also expected to be held here.
As of this writing, the official information about this has not yet been published, and it is advisable to check its existence and location before arrival.
Do not give up:
in the Old City it is recommended to experience the midnight masses and other holiday ceremonies.
So in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, in the Church of Messiah, in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and more.
To know more:
https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/he/article/christmas-in-jerusalem/
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