A plethora of Hanukka activities

By JOANNA SHEBSON
Ein Yael Hanukka Festival (photo credit: EIN YAEL HANUKKA FESTIVAL)
Ein Yael Hanukka Festival
(photo credit: EIN YAEL HANUKKA FESTIVAL)
Hanukka is a great time to enjoy Jerusalem with your kids.
As you roam the different neighborhoods you will see hanukkiot lit in apartment windows, front gates and even on sidewalks. Here are some of our favorite events and special activities.
Special Hanukka Events
“Bringing the Light to Jerusalem”
in Jerusalem Park A morning of nature activities for families.
Saturday December 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.
“Light of Hanukka Festival” at Beit Avi Chai
An interactive children’s play that takes you on a journey back in time to another Jerusalem.
December 8 to 10 at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
NIS 40. Reservations required: (02) 621-5900
Candle-lit Scavenger Hunt in Nahlaot
Using missions and clues you will explore the Nahlaot neighborhood just as the candles are being lit.
December 9 at 5 pm.
NIS 90 adult, NIS 80 child.
Reservations scavenger@funinjerusalem.com
“Escape the Nazir – Hanukka Adventure”
You have 60 minutes to decipher the clues, help find missing Hanukka- related items and escape the room – all while trying to avoid the Nazir. NIS 90 (ages 10+) Jerusalem Puzzle Quest, reservations: puzzlequest@ funinjerusalem.com, 054-712-1656
Hanukka Happening at Susan’s House
Enjoy a family art workshop, candle lighting and sufganiot all in a festive holiday atmosphere with the teenagers from Susan’s House in Talpiot. Paint ceramics, create a bedroom sign or build a wooden spinning top. December 9, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
NIS 50 per person. Reservations: avital@kys.org.il, (02) 672-5069
Hanukka Festival at Ein Yael
Oliveoil workshop, candle-making workshop, mosaic hanukkiot workshop, petting zoo, and archery in a beautiful natural setting in the Jerusalem hills. December 7 to 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.
NIS 35 child, NIS 25 adult. 02-645-1866.
Festival of Lights Night Run
Crossroads and Janglo invite your entire family to celebrate Hanukka at the First Station for The Festival of Lights Glow-in-the-Dark 5K night run and candle lighting. December 8, 6 to 9 p.m. NIS 50 to run, free family activities.
SOV Na Sov Festival
A colorful Hanukka festival for kids (and parents) in downtown Nahalat Shiva. Enjoy arts and crafts and cooking workshops, live music, a circus, stand-up, plays, movie screenings and more (Hebrew).
Thursday and Friday, December 11 and 12. Free.
Kakadu Hanukka Festival
Meet renowned artist Reut Shachar as she welcomes you into her gallery. Hear her story and enjoy a hands-on art workshop painting wood ornaments. NIS 50 per person. December 9 to 11, 13, at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Advanced reservations required. (02) 999-8922.
The Sound of Music, Beit Hillel Production Enjoy the family musical classic performed by the Hebrew University Beit Hillel Theater Company. All the songs you love, beautiful costumes and staging performed by local students and members of the community.
December 6, 8 to 10, 13, 14. Reservations: (02) 588-3902 beithillel@ funinjerusalem.com
Museum Events
Biblical Museum of Natural History Hanukka Tours
Did you know the leopard is integral to the symbolism of Hanukka? Visit the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh to find out why! December 6 to 11. 073-213-1662.
Make Light – Bloomfield Science Museum
Visit the new and interactive exhibit exploring how we use LED, lasers and technology to create fun activities. There will be a dramatic museum tour with a Hanukka theme, and hands on building workshops.
December 8 to 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday 2 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.) (02) 654-4888.
Pyromania Light Show, Israel Museum
The Israel Museum will be hosting a Pyromania light show this Hanukka. Artistic expression through dance and lights. December 9, 10 and 13 at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 pm. NIS 60 adult, NIS 45 child. (02) 670-8811.
Bible Lands Museum
Theatrical tours, guest performances and a variety of creative and original workshops. Dr. Molecule special children’s show combines theatrical entertainment with accurate scientific facts.
December 8 to 10, 13, 14. (02) 561-1066.
For a full listing of Hanukka activities, see the Fun In Jerusalem Calendar: www.funinjerusalem.com/calendar.
The writer is founder of Fun In Jerusalem (www.funinjerusalem.com). She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three kids and loves to inspire family fun; joanna@funinjerusalem.com