The best Christmas shows in Israel are the Israel Ballet's Nutcracker, usually staged in December, the Jerusalem YMCA's Christmas Eve concert of carols and carillon bells, Christmas concerts at Jerusalem's Church of the Redeemer and Christ Church, the Austrian Hospice's Advent music, and carols at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Tchaikovsky's Christmas ballet from Israel's classical company.
The Israel Ballet has staged The Nutcracker in December in many seasons, with performances in Tel Aviv and on tour to Jerusalem and Haifa.
Check whether it's in the 2026 programme.
Good to know: Book family matinees early.
Choirs, orchestra and carillon bells on Christmas Eve.
The Jerusalem International YMCA's Christmas Eve concert brings choirs, musicians and its 36-bell carillon together in its historic auditorium.
It sells out every year.
Good to know: Buy tickets as soon as they're released.
Carol services in the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East.
Christ Church, just inside Jaffa Gate, holds carol services and Christmas services in English through December.
Warm and welcoming to visitors.
Good to know: Check its website for 2026 service times.
Organ and choral concerts in the Lutheran church by the Holy Sepulchre.
The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, hosts Advent and Christmas concerts and services, with fine acoustics and an organ.
Climb its bell tower for Old City views.
Good to know: The bell tower is one of the best viewpoints in the Old City.
Advent music and Viennese cake inside the Old City.
The Austrian Hospice, a pilgrim guesthouse on the Via Dolorosa, marks Advent and Christmas with services and festive events, and its café serves apple strudel.
Its rooftop has a famous view over the Old City.
Good to know: Go up to the rooftop for a view of the Dome of the Rock.
The Israel Ballet has staged The Nutcracker in December in many seasons, touring Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Check its 2026 programme.
The YMCA's Christmas Eve concert, Christ Church by Jaffa Gate, the Church of the Redeemer and many Old City churches hold carol services and concerts in December.
Church carol services are usually free; ballet and the YMCA concert are ticketed.
The Nutcracker and the YMCA's Christmas concert are both family favourites.