Things to do in Jerusalem in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Jerusalem. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 48—67°F (9—20°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Jerusalem during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, take a tour of the Mahane Yehuda Market to sample traditional Hanukkah foods and treats, take a walk through the beautiful neighborhoods of Jerusalem to see the festive holiday decorations, and more!

Jerusalem has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Jerusalem. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Jerusalem in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Jerusalem in December

Top experiences in December
Take a day trip to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is just a short drive from Jerusalem, and during the month of December, it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists. The Church of the Nativity is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is believed to be built over the cave where Jesus was born. Visiting the church and the surrounding area is a unique and meaningful way to experience the Christmas season in Jerusalem.
Take a tour of the Mahane Yehuda Market to sample traditional Hanukkah foods and treats
The Mahane Yehuda Market is a bustling and vibrant market in Jerusalem, and during the month of December, it is filled with the sights and smells of traditional Hanukkah foods and treats. You can take a guided tour of the market to learn about the history and traditions of Hanukkah, and sample delicious foods such as sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes).
Take a walk through the beautiful neighborhoods of Jerusalem to see the festive holiday decorations
During the month of December, the neighborhoods of Jerusalem are adorned with festive holiday decorations, including Christmas lights, Hanukkah menorahs, and traditional decorations. Taking a leisurely walk through the streets of Jerusalem to see the festive decorations is a unique and enjoyable way to experience the holiday season in the city.
Take a guided tour of the Mount of Olives to learn about its significance in Christianity and Judaism
The Mount of Olives is a sacred site in both Christianity and Judaism, and during the month of December, it is a particularly meaningful place to visit. You can take a guided tour of the Mount of Olives to learn about its history and significance, and visit the many historic churches and Jewish cemeteries that are located on the mountain.
Visit the Western Wall to witness the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah
The Western Wall is one of the holiest sites in Judaism, and during the eight nights of Hanukkah, a large menorah is lit in a special ceremony at the Wall. This is a unique and moving experience, as thousands of people gather to witness the lighting of the menorah and celebrate the holiday together.
Attend a traditional Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at the Western Wall
The Western Wall is a deeply spiritual and historic site, and during the eight nights of Hanukkah, a special candle lighting ceremony takes place at the Wall. This is a unique and moving experience, as thousands of people gather to light the menorah and celebrate the holiday together.
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Holidays in Jerusalem in December
December
  • Hanukkah (December 2631)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Jerusalem in December

Temperatures on an average day in Jerusalem in December

The average temperature in Jerusalem in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 67°F (20°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Jerusalem, August, has days with highs of 98°F (37°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 63°F (17°C) and lows of 44°F (7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Jerusalem in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
67°F
highs
48°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
11%
Chance of rain
0.034 in
Amount
11.3 mph
Wind speed
57%
Humidity
10.1 hrs
Daylight length
6:30 AM
Sunrise
4:37 PM
Sunset
69%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 67°F (20°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Jerusalem in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Jerusalem has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Jerusalem that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Jerusalem for December.
Old City
1. Old City
Historic Sites
Historic Walking Areas
Surrounded by ancient walls, the Old City is home to holy sites such as the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock Islamic shrine, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which dates to the 4th century. Shops and markets selling prayer shawls, rosaries, and ceramics fill busy alleys, while food stalls serve falafel, pita, and fresh-squeezed juice. In a medieval citadel, the Tower of David museum chronicles the city’s history.
Western Wall
2. Western Wall
4.7
(9431)
Shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Remnant of the ancient wall of the Temple courtyard, a sacred site of Jewish prayer & pilgrimage.
Yad Vashem
3. Yad Vashem
4.8
(15359)
Museum
Cultural center
Memorial complex to Holocaust victims with guided tours of a museum displaying historical exhibits.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
4. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
4.7
(24218)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Basilica dating to the 4th century that is marked by some Christians as the site of Jesus's tomb.
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
5. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
4.7
(15617)
Art museum
Museums
Art & archaeology museum with prehistoric to modern collections, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Mt of Olives
6. Mt of Olives
4.8
(1042)
Ridge
Sights & Landmarks
Historic mountain referenced in the Old & New Testaments of the Bible, now a cemetery & sacred spot.
Western Wall
7. Western Wall
4.7
(9431)
Shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Remnant of the ancient wall of the Temple courtyard, a sacred site of Jewish prayer & pilgrimage.
Gethsemane
8. Gethsemane
4.8
(14366)
Historical place
Nature & Parks
This olive garden, now adjacent to a Franciscan church, figures prominently into Christian texts.
The Garden Tomb Jerusalem
9. The Garden Tomb Jerusalem
4.8
(6011)
Garden
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient tomb & surrounding gardens believed by some to be site of resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Jewish Quarter
10. The Jewish Quarter
Neighborhoods
The hilltop Jewish Quarter is a small neighborhood known for ancient landmarks such as the Western Wall, a holy Jewish site from the 1st century. Restaurants are set near historic places of worship like the reconstructed Hurva and Ramban synagogues, while museums such as Siebenberg House showcase relics from King David's reign. Shops line the colonnaded Cardo Maximus, a street from Roman and Byzantine times.
Church of the Condemnation
11. Church of the Condemnation
4.7
(416)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Temple Mount
12. Temple Mount
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
قناة حزقين
13. قناة حزقين
4.7
(31)
River
Sights & Landmarks
Mahaneh Yehudah Market
14. Mahaneh Yehudah Market
4.6
(64135)
Market
Shopping
Iconic street market lined with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, apparel & prepared foods.
Sovev Homot Yerushalayim
15. Sovev Homot Yerushalayim
4.6
(327)
State park
National park
National park containing many important sites such as the Tower of David & Mount Zion.
Jaffa Gate hostel
16. Jaffa Gate hostel
3.7
(72)
Hostel
Sights & Landmarks
Modest dorms & private rooms in a straightforward hostel offering a TV lounge & a guest kitchen.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Jerusalem?

Get inspired for your trip to Jerusalem with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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