Israel Christmas in Israel Christmas Markets

The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Israel (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 6 picks

The best Christmas markets in Israel are the Nazareth Christmas Market at Mary's Well Square, the stalls of Haifa's Holiday of Holidays in Wadi Nisnas, the YMCA Christmas bazaar and the New Gate markets in Jerusalem, the village market in Mi'ilya in the Galilee, and Jaffa's flea market for year-round gifts. Most run on weekends through December.

1. Nazareth Christmas Market — Mary's Well Square, Nazareth

Israel's biggest Christmas market, in the town where Jesus grew up.

₪ Budget

Every December, stalls of crafts, decorations, olive wood and street food fill the square around Mary's Well and the streets toward the Basilica of the Annunciation, beneath a giant Christmas tree.

Exact 2026 dates are announced late in the year; the busiest days are the weekends before Christmas.

Good to know: Leave the car at the edge of town and walk in — traffic on market nights is gridlocked.

Google Maps

2. Holiday of Holidays market in Wadi Nisnas — Wadi Nisnas, Haifa

Haifa's festival of Christmas, Hanukkah and other December holidays.

Free–₪

Haifa's Holiday of Holidays (Hag HaHagim) fills the Arab neighbourhood of Wadi Nisnas with food stalls, crafts, art installations and Christmas decorations on December weekends, celebrating the city's mix of faiths.

Beit HaGefen, the Arab-Jewish cultural centre, organises much of the programme; check its 2026 dates.

Good to know: Walk on to the German Colony's Christmas lights afterwards — it's ten minutes away.

Google Maps Website

3. YMCA Christmas bazaar — King David Street, Jerusalem

A festive bazaar in Jerusalem's landmark YMCA building.

₪ Budget

The Jerusalem International YMCA holds a Christmas bazaar in early December, with handmade gifts, decorations and food from local communities, alongside its tree lighting.

Check the YMCA's website for the 2026 date.

Good to know: Climb the YMCA tower for one of the best views of the Old City.

Google Maps Website

4. New Gate Christmas markets — Christian Quarter, Jerusalem Old City

Christmas stalls inside the Old City walls.

₪ Budget

In the weeks before Christmas, the area inside the New Gate and the courtyard of the Collège des Frères host Christmas stalls, a tree and festive lights in the Christian Quarter.

2026 dates and times are announced in December.

Good to know: Combine with the Christmas Eve procession from Jaffa Gate on December 24.

Google Maps

5. Mi'ilya Christmas market — Mi'ilya, Western Galilee

A village Christmas market in a hilltop Christian village.

₪ Budget

The Christian village of Mi'ilya, near Ma'alot-Tarshiha, decorates its streets around its Crusader castle and holds a lively Christmas market that draws visitors from across Israel.

It's held on December weekends; check the 2026 dates locally.

Good to know: Come before dark to see the village, then stay for the lights.

Google Maps

6. Jaffa Flea Market — Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Year-round vintage and antiques for unusual Christmas gifts.

₪–₪₪

Jaffa's Shuk HaPishpeshim sells antiques, vintage clothing, lamps and curiosities, with boutiques and cafés in the surrounding streets.

It's busiest on Friday mornings, and much of it closes on Saturdays.

Good to know: Bargain politely, and go early on Friday for the best finds.

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

Are there Christmas markets in Israel?

Yes. Israel's Christian communities hold Christmas markets each December, the biggest in Nazareth, Haifa and Jerusalem's Old City, plus Galilee villages such as Mi'ilya. They are smaller and more local than European markets.

When are Israel's Christmas markets in 2026?

Most run on weekends from early to late December. Exact 2026 dates are usually announced in late November, so check with the local municipality or organiser before you go.

What's the weather like at Christmas in Israel?

Mild and sometimes rainy: around 15–19°C by day in Tel Aviv and Haifa, cooler in Jerusalem and Nazareth, where evenings can drop below 10°C. Bring a warm layer.

Can I visit Bethlehem at Christmas from Israel?

Bethlehem is in the West Bank, under the Palestinian Authority, about 10km from Jerusalem. Tourists usually cross with an organised tour or a licensed Palestinian taxi. Check your government's travel advice and the checkpoint situation before you go.

1. Nazareth Christmas Market — Mary's Well Square, Nazareth

2. Holiday of Holidays market in Wadi Nisnas — Wadi Nisnas, Haifa

3. YMCA Christmas bazaar — King David Street, Jerusalem

4. New Gate Christmas markets — Christian Quarter, Jerusalem Old City

5. Mi'ilya Christmas market — Mi'ilya, Western Galilee

6. Jaffa Flea Market — Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Frequently asked questions

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