The Best Ways To Spend New Years Eve In Israel

New Year’s Eve, or ‘Silvester’ as it’s called by locals, is not a national holiday in Israel. Indeed, the Jewish New Year (Rosh HaShana)takes precedence and is celebrated in September or October (it varies each year). Nevertheless, in recent years the tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve has made its way into mainstream Israeli society, and ‘Silvester parties’ can be found in bars and clubs throughout the country.

1. Wine and dine at the stunning Efendi Hotel, Akko

Hotel

The Efendi Hotel is one of Israel’s most gorgeous boutique hotels, situated in the heart of the Old City of Akko in the country’s north. They are hosting a wine and dine event on New Year’s Eve in partnership with Stern Winery, a boutique family-owned winery from Israel’s Galilee region, which will include wine tasting and appetisers on the roof, before heading down to their very own wine cellar for more wine and a special meal prepared by Uri Buri, a legendary figure in Israel’s culinary scene.

Just an hour away by train from Tel Aviv, a night of quality wine and wonderful food in this special spot sounds like some way to see out 2017. Tickets are 300 shekels a person (around US$85).

2. Go on a pub crawl in Tel Aviv

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Israeli

Abraham Hostel, one of the most famous and highly rated hostels in Israel with branches in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, are hosting a pub crawl, starting in the bar inside their lively hostel just off the central Rothschild Boulevard. This is sure to be a lively night with a diverse crowd: they are promising free entry to at least four bars and clubs, with free shots on arrival and no waiting in line. Their 119 shekel (around US$35) asking price seems well worth it!

Go to a street party in Tel Aviv

A New Year’s Eve street party is scheduled to take place on Rothschild Boulevard, one of the main streets in Tel Aviv lined with bars, restaurants, and clubs. Details will be announced soon, so head over to the event’s Facebook page for further information.

3. Party at Jaffa's cultural hub

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Israeli

Beit Kandinof is a bar-restaurant and all round creative hub in the heart of Jaffa that showcases local artwork, exhibitions, private art studios and art workshops. On New Year’s Eve, they promise an extravaganza that includes a two-hour open bar, video art, a superstar DJ, pole dancers, tattoo artists, and many more surprises. Early bird tickets are currently 100 shekels (US$28), while tickets on the door will be 200 (US$57).

4. Go to a concert at Barby in Tel Aviv

Music Venue

One of Israel’s top musicians, Dudu Tassa, is performing at Barby, an intimate and well-established concert venue in south Tel Aviv. Tassa, who supported Radiohead’s U.S tour in 2017, is an Israeli-Iraqi-Yemeni Jew born in Tel Aviv with a unique sound that incorporates rock and Middle Eastern vibes. Whether you’re a fan of his music or simply want to experience a live concert in Israel alongside locals, this could be a very enjoyable way to spend your Silvester. Tickets are reasonably priced at 115 shekels ($33) and you can buy them on Barby’s website.

5. Boogie the night away to this Beatles tribute at Elma Luxury Hotel & Arts Complex

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel

Israel’s leading tribute band, A Magical Mystery Tour, is performing ‘Beatlemania’ at Elma Hotel in Zihron Ya’akov, northern Israel, featuring all The Beatles’ greatest songs. Elma is offering a special New Year’s Eve package that includes one night’s accommodation on the evening of December 31, a festive dinner for two at Elma’s resident chef’s restaurant Oratorio, and two tickets to the show. For those willing to splash the cash (packages start at 1,890 shekels, around US$535), this would be some way to spend Silvester.

6. Get your swing on at The Zone

Music Venue

The Zone is one of the best venues for live and alternative music in Tel Aviv. They are promising an unforgettable night of live jazz and wild dancing, which has become a New Year’s Eve tradition at this establishment. If you’re in the mood to dance your way into 2018 with great music and a lively crowd then this is the event for you!

7. Party at Beit Caliph in Jaffa

Building

Caliph is a beautiful establishment in Jaffa that overlooks the coastline, and is often used as a wedding venue. For Silvester, Tel Aviv’s top promoters are bringing a huge party to this elegant spot that will include three different genres of music: mainstream, hip hop and techno. This is sure to be a special event and tickets must be purchased in advance.

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