Winter in Jerusalem takes on a remarkable new scale as the Jerusalem Botanic Garden in Givat Ram prepares to open the expanded Jerusalem Winter Festival. The European winter attraction, previously showcased in major capitals across Europe and also in Israel last season, returns to the city in its new Winter Dreams ll edition, creating a night experience of light, nature and sound designed for a winter evening in Jerusalem.
Running from November 29 until January 31, 2026, the festival offers a 1.5 kilometer illuminated trail throughout the garden. Around 2 million LED lights will illuminate the lake, pathways and treetops, forming a European-style atmosphere in the heart of Jerusalem. A newly composed soundtrack accompanies the route and adds a multi-sensory layer that blends movement, timed lighting and the winter landscape of the city.
Winter events in Jerusalem
More than thirty light installations will be displayed along the trail, including a 17-meter light train, a glowing lotus lake, a laser hall inside the greenhouse, a colorful kaleidoscope path and an interactive light tunnel reacting to visitor movement. Further along, guests will pass through a glowing cave area and a vibrant animal forest with illuminated deer, flamingos, foxes and rabbits. Together, these elements create winter experiences in Jerusalem unlike any other event in Israel.
The culinary offering is led by chef Moshik Roth, presenting European-inspired winter flavors such as gourmet sausages, fish and chips, churros, roasted chestnuts, warm soups, hot cider and chocolate drinks for children. A special section will feature chef dishes illuminated under ultraviolet light, creating a culinary experience in Jerusalem that is both visual and flavorful.
A colorful winter market will also be established, inspired by European holiday fairs, where Jerusalem artists and reservist artists from around Israel will present handmade works, design items and original creations. This adds an artistic and family-friendly layer to winter activities in Jerusalem, making the garden a central evening destination for couples, families and tourists.
The garden’s CEO, Tom Amit, states that “this year the festival has grown significantly and includes new installations, striking lighting and a European aesthetic that we are bringing to Jerusalem. Our goal was to create a broader experience that combines light, nature and culinary elements.”
The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, notes that “this event positions Jerusalem alongside European cities and offers visitors an international-level experience in the heart of the city. It is an ideal complement to a winter night in Jerusalem.”
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 17:00 to 22:00, Saturday night from around 30 minutes after Shabbat until 22:00. Prices: 139 NIS full price, 119 NIS presale, 89 NIS per person in a family ticket, 99 NIS students and seniors. Children under 3 and garden members enter free. Full details appear on the festival website.
