Things to Do in Jerusalem in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Jerusalem
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Fewer crowds at major sites - December sits in the shoulder season between the autumn Jewish holidays and Passover spring rush, meaning you'll actually have space to contemplate at the Western Wall and won't spend half your day queuing at Yad Vashem. Hotels drop prices 20-30% compared to October.
- Christmas atmosphere is genuinely special - Regardless of your beliefs, experiencing Christmas Eve in Bethlehem (just 20 minutes from Jerusalem) or attending midnight mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre creates memories that justify the trip alone. The Old City gets decorated, and there's an energy you won't find any other time of year.
- Perfect hiking weather in the Judean Desert - Those 14°C (58°F) highs are ideal for Ein Gedi or Masada hikes that would be brutal in summer. The desert gets occasional winter blooms after December rains, and you can actually hike midday without risking heat exhaustion.
- Hanukkah usually falls in December - In 2026, Hanukkah runs December 14-22, meaning you'll see menorahs in windows across the city, special sufganiyot (jelly donuts) in every bakery, and public menorah lightings at the Western Wall each evening around 4:30pm. It's a genuinely festive time that most tourists miss.
Considerations
- Rain will disrupt your plans - With 10 rainy days and Jerusalem's hilly terrain, you're dealing with slippery limestone streets in the Old City and occasional flooding in lower areas. Unlike tropical rain that comes and goes, Jerusalem's December rain can settle in for hours or even full days, making outdoor exploration miserable.
- It's actually cold, especially at night - Tourists consistently underestimate this. Jerusalem sits at 754 m (2,474 ft) elevation, and when it's 8°C (47°F) with 70% humidity and wind whipping through stone alleyways, it feels properly cold. Many budget hotels have inadequate heating, and you'll see locals in proper winter coats.
- Shorter daylight hours limit your time - Sunset comes around 4:40pm in December, and since many sites close 30-60 minutes before dark, you're essentially done by 4pm. That's a short window for sightseeing, especially when you factor in late winter sunrises around 6:30am and the fact that most attractions don't open until 9am.
Best Activities in December
Old City Walking Tours
December weather is ideal for spending 3-4 hours navigating the narrow streets of the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian Quarters. The cooler temperatures mean you're not wilting by noon, and the occasional rain actually adds atmosphere to the ancient stone architecture. The Christmas decorations in the Christian Quarter create photo opportunities you won't get other months. Start early (9am) to avoid the tour bus rush that arrives around 10:30am, and the lower winter crowds mean you can actually pause in the Via Dolorosa without being pushed along.
Dead Sea Day Trips
The 40-minute drive from Jerusalem takes you from chilly highland weather to the Dead Sea's 427 m (1,401 ft) below sea level, where December temperatures sit around 20-22°C (68-72°F) - genuinely comfortable for floating and beach time. Summer here is unbearable at 40°C (104°F), making winter the smart season. The Ein Gedi nature reserve nearby has waterfalls that actually flow in December after the rains, unlike the trickles you get in summer. You'll want to leave Jerusalem by 8am to maximize daylight, since you're losing the sun by 4:30pm.
Mahane Yehuda Market Food Experiences
The shuk (market) is covered in many sections, making it perfect for rainy December days. Winter is actually peak season for Israeli produce - you'll find the best citrus, pomegranates, and root vegetables. The market transforms Thursday nights and Fridays before Shabbat into an absolute scene with locals shopping for the weekend. December means Hanukkah treats everywhere - sufganiyot, latkes (potato pancakes), and special holiday pastries. The evening bar scene in the market (Thursday-Saturday nights) is packed with locals, giving you actual Jerusalem nightlife rather than tourist experiences.
Bethlehem and Nativity Church Visits
December is obviously THE month for Bethlehem, particularly around Christmas Eve (December 24) when the city hosts its famous midnight mass and celebrations. Even if you visit earlier in the month, the atmosphere is festive with decorations throughout Manger Square. The Church of the Nativity, one of Christianity's oldest churches, gets packed but December crowds are manageable except December 23-25. The separation barrier and checkpoint crossing is straightforward for tourists but adds 30-45 minutes to your journey. Bethlehem sits at similar elevation to Jerusalem, so expect the same cool, damp weather.
Israel Museum and Indoor Cultural Sites
December's unpredictable rain makes indoor days essential, and Jerusalem has world-class museums that deserve full mornings or afternoons. The Israel Museum houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and has extensive archaeology collections that give context to everything you're seeing around the city. Yad Vashem (Holocaust memorial) requires 3-4 hours and is mostly indoors. The Tower of David Museum near Jaffa Gate offers covered areas and the night spectacular light show runs year-round at 7pm (perfect timing after sites close). These aren't just backup plans - they're essential Jerusalem experiences that happen to work perfectly when weather turns.
Masada Sunrise Hikes
The famous Snake Path hike up Masada is genuinely pleasant in December - you're climbing in cool morning air around 10-12°C (50-54°F) rather than the summer insanity of hiking in darkness to avoid 35°C (95°F) heat. Sunrise in December comes around 6:30am, meaning you can start the 45-minute climb at 5:45am without headlamps. The desert winter light is spectacular, and you'll often see Judean Desert flowers blooming after December rains. The site opens at 5am for sunrise hikers. Worth noting that rain makes the path slippery and occasionally closes it, so check conditions the day before.
December Events & Festivals
Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)
In 2026, Hanukkah runs December 14-22. The Western Wall hosts nightly public menorah lightings around 4:30pm with crowds gathering for the blessings and songs. Every neighborhood has its own menorah lighting ceremonies. Bakeries across the city sell sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and levivot (latkes). It's not a major tourist event like Christmas, but it creates a genuinely festive atmosphere throughout Jewish Jerusalem. Hotels often host menorah lightings for guests. Worth experiencing at least one evening lighting at the Western Wall plaza.
Christmas Celebrations in Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Christmas Eve (December 24) in Bethlehem draws thousands for midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity, broadcast globally. Manger Square hosts celebrations, processions, and a massive tree lighting. In Jerusalem's Old City, various denominations celebrate on different dates - Catholic and Protestant on December 25, Orthodox on January 7. The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and Anglican Christ Church host services. The atmosphere throughout the Christian Quarter in late December is special even if you're not attending services, with decorations, carolers, and festive energy.
Jerusalem Light Festival
Typically held in early December (usually first week), this week-long festival projects light installations onto Old City walls and buildings. Artists from around the world create displays, and the Old City stays open late with extended hours for viewing. It's free to attend and draws both tourists and locals. The exact 2026 dates aren't confirmed as of now, but it traditionally runs for 5-7 nights in early December. Check closer to your travel dates, but if it aligns with your visit, plan at least one evening to explore the installations.