Hallelujah ConcertIn the build-up to Christmas Day, enjoy a
moving performance by The Bel Canto Choir, members of one of the largest choral enterprises in Israel, the Jerusalem Oratorio.
Consisting
of 27 performers, the choir will perform American Gospel and liturgical
works by the greats: Purcell, Mozart, Mendelssohn and more. The
performance takes place in the famous
Christ Church, which is located opposite the Tower of David Museum.
Those
who speak Hebrew may also enjoy a fascinating tour in the Old City
before or after the concert that looks at the relationship between
Judaism and Christianity as well as the traditions of the different
streams of Christianity. Advance registration is necessary.
When: December 21 at 1 p.m.
Address: Christ Church, opposite the Tower of David Museum, Old City
Phone: *2884
Price: NIS 90 (NIS 75 for senior citizens); Concert only: NIS 65 (NIS 55 for senior citizens)
Austrian Hospice Christmas Concert The Austrian Hospice of the Holy Family provides the perfect backdrop for a
Christmas Concert
with its spectacular location on the Via Dolorosa and its elegant
19th-century interior. The concert promises to feature pieces from Felix
Mendelssohn, Henry Purcell and Georg F. Händel, and will combine vocals
with the obo, recorders, cello and guitar.
While
you're there, you'll want to indulge in a slice of the Viennese Café's
famed Austrian strudel, take in the breathtaking rooftop view or bask in
the serenity of the house chapel.
Christian pilgrims and others
who are interested (and not afraid of crowds) may want to time the
concert to coincide with a full tour of the Via Dolorosa.
When: December 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Address: 37 Via Dolorosa, Old City
Phone: (02) 626-5800
Price: FreeChristmas Carols at Christ ChurchIf you're up for a long night of hearty
Christmas Carols this Christmas Eve, then the event at
Christ Church
in the Old City could be for you. The program begins with four hours of
Christmas carols followed by Nine Lessons at 10:30 p.m., and even more
Carols with Eucharist.
Christ Church has a rich history and was
built by the Anglican Church based on their belief in helping Jews to
the Holy Land as part of the process of redemption. Beneath the compound
is a tunnel that dates all the way back to the Second Temple Period.
When: December 24 at 6 p.m.
Address: Christ Church, Armenian Quarter, Old City
Price: Free
Christmas Carols at YMCA
The
Jerusalem International YMCA
is known for its lovely Christmas tree and annual Christmas-themed
events that include children's plays and Christmas carols. This
Christmas eve, you may enjoy their traditional carols that will be
followed by a carillon performance by Professor Gabi Shefler at the
entrance to the building. The YMCA always attracts a mix of
nationalities and religions, and the festivities on Christmas Eve will
likely draw an interesting crowd too.
When: December 24 at 7 p.m.
Address: 26 King David Street
Phone: (02) 569-2684
Price: NIS 25 Christmas banquet, American Colony HotelIf you're
looking to indulge this Christmas, then the no-holds-barred banquet at
American Colony Hotel
in East Jerusalem is the place for you. The six-course menu (not
kosher) features, among other delicacies, goose liver, shrimp, roast
duck and the traditional “Bûche de Noël.” A glass of champagne is
included in the price so you can toast to a fabulous Christmas in
Jerusalem.
Popular with the media and consulate officials, the
grand American Colony Hotel has a distinct Arabian style, ornate
furnishings and many other special touches to make your Christmas Eve an
unforgettable one. It's recommended to book in advance.
When: December 24, 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Address: 1 Louis Vincent Street, east Jerusalem
Phone: (02) 627-9777
Price: USD 85
ITravelJerusalem.com is a new online international travel portal offering all the latest information on things to do, places to eat and places to stay in Jerusalem.