UPDATED for 2013
If you’re looking to explore some of Jerusalem’s amazing art and culture, December is your month! The annual Hamshushalayim in Jerusalem runs for the next four weekends (November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21).
What the heck is Hamshushalayim** I hear you ask? Well, now in its 8th year, Hamshushalayim is a unique series of events throughout December at some of Jerusalem’s biggest sites, and best part is, most of these events are FREE! Almost all of Jerusalem’s cultural and tourist sites take part, and most are open til the wee hours of the morning…
Here is the full program of events, as per the Jerusalem Municipality (in Hebrew only, unfortunately).
Some of the highlights to watch out for in the four main locations (the museums, the city center, the Old City and Ein Kerem):
- Outdoor events, theater, music and dance shows, and guided night tours in the Old City – plus the amazing Botanical Gardens Light Show.
- FREE entry to most sites from 21:00, including the Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, the Museum of Underground Prisoners, and the Science Museum.
- Culinary specials in many Jerusalem restaurants, including warm, tasty soups and a special Hamshushalayim menu.
- 50% off the first night if you stay for two at one of Jerusalem’s hotels during the Hamshushalayim weekends. It might be an idea to confirm the hotel is part of the Hamshushalayim program before booking!
** Hamshushalayim comes from a play on words of Hamshush (a common army abbreviation for a long weekend – Hamishee (Thursday), ShiShee (Friday), and Shabbat (Saturday)) and Yerushalayim (the Hebrew pronunciation of Jerusalem). Just so you know :-)