Top 5: New Year's Eve events in Jerusalem

Known as Sylvester, New Year's Eve is generally an excuse for a party at one of the many bars or clubs in the capital.

By ITRAVELJERUSALEM.COM TEAM
Toy Bar (photo credit: Courtesy)
Toy Bar
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Party at Hatzaatzua
If you're looking for a memorable night of clubbing in Jerusalem, you can't go wrong at Hatzaatzua (The Toy Bar). One of the most famed bars and dance venues in the city, Hatzaatzuais known for its great music and vibrant atmosphere.
This New Year's Eve, Hatzaatzua 's top floor, which also serves as its main bar area, will feature R&B music and the main dance floor, located on the bar’s lower level, will feature the best in electronic dance music. To get in the festive spirit, excellent discounts will be available on bottles of Cava wine, Champagne and several other alcoholic beverages. Make sure to arrive early as this party is likely to drawcrowds.
Time: From 10 p.m.Phone: (02) 623-6666Address: 6 DhuNuwas St, JerusalemPrice: FreeDinner at American Colony Hotel
If setting a grand tone for 2013 is important, the sumptuous six-course banquet (not kosher) at the American Colony Hotel in east Jerusalem is the obvious choice; think goose lobster, pheasant pigeon consommé and other gastronomic dishes.
The dinner takes place in the Hotel's Arabesque restaurant and ends at the reasonable hour of 11 p.m. leaving you plenty of time to head to one of the parties in town for a drink and dance. Or, you may prefer to rub shoulders with the media set and usher in 2013 in the refined ambience of the Hotel's Cellar Bar. Reservations are required in advance.
Time: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.Phone: (02) 627-9777Address: 1 Louis Vincent St, JerusalemPrice:180 USD per personNew Year's Eve at Uganda
To get a feel for the hip Indie scene in Jerusalem and for a slightly more alternative New Year's Eve celebration, a trip to bar/ club Uganda is in order. Decorated with indie comics and records, Uganda is a favorite with young and liberal students in the center of town.
The New Year's Eve line-up includes a DJ as well as live alternative punk, rock, electronica, hip hop, and music by avant-garde band Modern Tapes, who are known for having created music in a bomb shelter for one year.
Time: 9 p.m.Phone: (02) 623-6087 Address: 6 Aristobulus St, JerusalemPrice: NIS 20
The Sixties at Zappa
For a little nostalgia and fun, head to top live music venue the Zappa for a performance by the esteemed cover band The Sixties. The Sixties have almost three decades of experience in Israel and abroad and have a wide repertoire, from the early 60's with Elvis and Paul Anka covers, to the early 70's, with renditions of a selection of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix favorites.Doors open at 20:45 and the concert begins at 22:30.The ticket price includes a glass of champagne to get you in a festive mood.  Time: Doors open at 8:45 p.m. and the concert begins at 10:30 p.m.Phone: *9080Address; 28 Derech Hebron, JerusalemPrice: NIS 110 (NIS 100 for students and soldiers)
Hataklit
If you’re looking for something intimate as well as lively, Hataklit (The Record) in downtown Jerusalem is the place to go. The brainchild of three Jerusalemites in the music industry, Hataklit is all about good music and this New Year's Eve DJ Avi will be behind the decks playing current hits as well as songs from the past few decades.
You'll want to bundle up warmly if you plan to hang out outdoors at one of the tables that sprawl out onto the sidewalk, and will want to arrive early to secure your spot.
Time: 9 p.m.Phone: (02) 624-4073Address: 7 HeleniHamalka St, JerusalemPrice: Free
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