The Jerusalem University Botanical Garden, in collaboration with the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority is proud to present this magical, warm winter event.
During the month of December, starting on the 12th (the third candle of Hanukkah) until 31st, the botanical garden will become a European market full of lights, aromas, flavors and experiences.
The botanical garden, which is the largest in the Middle East, has prepared a special trail for the festival, which is about 700 meters long, covering an area of 14 dunams. Visitors will enjoy a breathtaking lighting display projected on to the trees, shrubs and lake. They will also meet with costumed actors who will be there to greet them and share the festivities. Roasted chestnuts, potatoes in sauces, French crepes, sausages, hot chocolate, hot tea, donuts and more, all according to the instructions of the purple note.
It should be noted that the University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram in Jerusalem opened its doors to the public in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and with the purple badge. The garden covers an area of about 120 dunams, and can accommodate many hundreds of families at the same time whilst still observing the social distance guidelines of the Ministry of Health. The botanical garden has taken care of the disinfection of public areas and public services, the numbers of visitors are controlled and the safe conduct of the public during their visit is monitored, all in accordance to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health. Admission is subject to early registration on the Botanical Garden website.
The Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage, Rafi Peretz, said, “I am excited to be a partner in the reopening of the Botanical Garden, with the aim of bringing tourism back to Jerusalem – this has been one of the goals I have prioritized during this complex period. The opening of the botanical garden is a great opportunity to go out and spend time in the open air, in a safe and controlled way and enjoy the family. I call on the public to come to Jerusalem, to fall in love again with the landscapes, to strengthen the small businesses, all while maintaining the guidelines, and looking after our families and ourselves. ”
The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, stated that “the University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram will hold a spectacular winter event next month, full of lights, colors, sounds and smells, which deepen the connection to nature. The botanical garden is spread over a huge area of tens of dunams. “Winter Lights at the Botanical Garden” is an event that suits the whole family and provides a fun and refreshing experience in a magical landscape full of colors and smells that you will only find in Jerusalem. I invite all residents of the country to come to the capital and enjoy the variety of experiences our city has to offer.”
Visitors are required to follow these guidelines: Visitors will be asked to move around the garden while maintaining a distance between families and avoid crowds of over 20 people. Each visitor must wear a mask (exemptions only according to the applicable guidelines)
The University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram is a gem of nature in the heart of Jerusalem. The garden operates as an educational and research center and contains a diverse collection of plants from around the world in a geographical display. The kindergarten is a center for entertainment, tourism and cultural events as well as a center for education, training and research. This is the largest botanical garden in Israel, covering an area of 120 dunams, with the largest collection of living plants in Israel and the Middle East. The garden grows more than 6,400 species and varieties of plants from around the world, displayed in six geographical plots (South Africa, Europe, North America, Australia, Southwest and Central Asia and the Mediterranean). The garden plots mimic the plant landscapes of each area and feature spectacular fall and flowering shows every year. These days in the Asian part you can enjoy the wild ancestors of the fruit trees including pears and apples. Enjoy the flowers of the month, a variety of exciting autumn flowers, including saffron, egg yolks, daffodils and cyclamen.
Hours of operation: Sunday-Thursday and Saturday between 17: 00-21: 00. Last entry at 20:00
Entrance Fee:
•  For an adult – 40 NIS.
•  For a child (from age 5-12) 25 NIS.
•  Soldier – 25 NIS.
•  Children up to age 5- free.
•  Botanical Garden Subscriptions: Free.
Admission is paid at the Gardens box office, subject to early registration on the website only. No entry will be allowed without prior reservation.

For more details: Jerusalem University Botanical Garden. 02-6794012 on the garden’s website and Facebook page