Experience a Galilean Winter

What is there to do in the Galilee in winter?
Film festivals, holiday celebrations, Hanukkah and Christmas, sports and music events for the whole family, birdwatching and flower excursion - these are all experiences of the Galilean winter. The Galilee offers a selection of winter experiences during the best time of year to visit .
The Galilee Development Authority invites you to spend the coming winter in the Galilee, a beautiful and special part of Israel, and enjoy nature and flower touring, flowing springs, diverse agriculture, heritage, history and art.

We sat for a talk with Gila Yakovy Gurevich, director of tourism and culture at the Galilee Development Authority, and asked for some tips on the most worthwhile winter activities in Northern Israel.
"When I go hiking with my family at our favorite Galilee spots, I like to go back to the same places we visited during the summer,” she said. "It’s a wonderful experience to return with the kids for different seasons and experience with them how the same area can look completely different each and every season. So even if you hiked in the Golan Heights or the valleys during the summer months, it’s worth going back during the winter season as well. To enjoy the same place garbed in a completely different seasonal attire is a uniquely Galilean experience.”

Are there recommended activities or attractions in the north during winter?
There are tons of winter activities! Nature lovers can experience a variety of blooming flowers in different areas. It is recommended to follow the Nature and Parks Authority sites, the Jewish National Fund, or Facebook groups that provide updated regional flowering information from across the Galilee, such as ‘Nature Israel .’
When the rainy season begins, I highly suggest heading out to watch the flow of active streams and waterfalls in the Galilee (make sure the locations are permitted and safe). There are wonderful trails that you can hike to experience natural greenery, even if it has rained a day or a few hours before. Take advantage of the many nature and heritage sites spread throughout the Galilee, Golan, and valleys, such as the Nature and Parks Authority, the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, the Jewish National Fund, and more.
Bird watching is an experience in itself that attracts thousands of hikers throughout the Galilee every day. Winter is a great season to check out Emek HaMaayanot,
the Hula Valley, and the entire Western Galilee region, where you can join guided tours or hike independently.

When the snow arrives, Mount Hermon is one of the great attractions of the north, and should definitely not be missed.

In addition to nature, is there anything interesting to see in the northern villages and cities?
Absolutely! You can go on independent or guided tour of the alleys and streets of the ancient cities of Safed, Acre, Nazareth, and Tiberias, visit the old markets of Afula, Beit She`an, Araba, and others. Also, there are many cities that feature charming urban nature such as Park HaZahav, the Geological Park in Kiryat Shmona, and KKL-JNF forests in Nof HaGalil (Upper Nazareth). Don’t forget the beautiful beaches of Nahariya and Acre, quarries that have been converted into beautiful parks, such as in Carmiel, and much more.
We recommended that you dress warmly and catch the winter sunset at the beach areas of Nahariya, Achziv, and Acre and from the peaks of the Golan Heights, and the Upper and Lower Galilee. With a bit of luck, you may also see incredible rainbows against the backdrop of the Golan or Gilboa Mountains.

What if it’s raining, or just too cold outside? Are there any indoor entertainment options?
People who want to go out but still stay warm have plenty of options to visit. This includes dozens of art museums such as the Bar-David Museum in Kibbutz Baram, nature museums like the Ussishkin House in Kibbutz Dan, history and heritage sites like the Koach Fortress, the historic Nahalal Police Station, the Circassian Heritage Centers in Kfar Kama and Rehaniya , and much more.

Those seeking indoor sporting activities can check out the Rojum indoor climbing wall in Kiryat Shmona, the Canada Center in Metula, and more. And of course, in the winter season there is also a variety of extreme sports, in addition to competitive sporting activities .

And of course, we must not forget the incredible music of the Galilee! There are plenty of live performances from a variety of fascinating genres, and festivals in the north take place even during the winter season. These range from classical concerts in the alleys of Acre, to the cultural arenas of Carmiel, Jezreel Valley, Megiddo area, Hatzor HaGlilit, and Nahariya, to live shows by talented local Galilean bands and singers. These performances take place in the Acre Fortress, pubs in the Upper Galilee, kibbutzim in the Jezreel Valley, and many other locations.

There are also many options of workshops from a variety of sectors. Have you ever considered taking a vegan cosmetic manufacturing workshop? And of course, there are culinary workshops for the whole family, like an ice cream workshop at Buza in Sasa. You’ll find chocolate workshops at De Karina in the Golan Heights, Shulman near Kibbutz HaGoshrim, and Galita in Degania. Adults can take part in baking and cooking workshops, such as "Who’s the Chef?" at Yesod HaMaala, Druze food workshops in many villages, and more. Naturally, there are various creative workshops in the spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas that coincide this year during the holidays.

Are there special activities for Hanukkah and Christmas?
What would a Galilean winter be without Hanukkah and Christmas festivals? This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Christmas and Hanukkah holidays - which sometimes actually overlap. The beautiful and diverse holiday decorations adorn dozens of towns throughout the Galilee. Christmas is celebrated in Nazareth, Fassuta, Kfar Yassif, Gush Halav, and Mi`ilya with cultural and holiday events, processions, Christmas fairs, performances, and local delicacies. In Nazareth there is also a delightful music festival during this time.

In many towns, you can find Hanukkah lighting events, family-oriented festivals, children`s performances, live music, creative Hanukkah food workshops, and assorted other holiday activities.

I highly recommend walking through the Old City of Zefad as the Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony takes place. It’s quite an experience, being there when the alleys and windows are lit up with a variety of menorahs as Hanukkah songs emanate from the homes and local artists serenade the alleys with their guitars and other instruments. Make sure to arrive at least half an hour before the candles are lit, to enjoy the twilight hours in the magical alleys of Safed.

What about lodging?
In my opinion, a mere day trip to the Galilee is exhausting, and simply not enough in any season. If you’re already here... stay a while! The area is so broad and diverse and there is so much to do and experience, even in winter. I’d recommend staying for at least a few nights to enjoy some real quality time, trips, and experiences - whether mid-week, or over a weekend.

Regarding accommodations, the Galilee offers options suitable to every budget, from a range of diverse hotels to rural accommodation and quality bed & breakfast establishments in the area. These include kibbutz guesthouses and hostels in the Western Galilee, bed & breakfasts in the Upper Galilee (with fireplaces!), and campsites designed specifically for the cold winter months. Each of these lodging options gives you and your family the perfect start to the Galilean day and the experiences that accompany it. Visit our website for more recommendations on Galilean recreation and entertainment of all kinds, for any sort of group!