As is well known, Israel is a Jewish state, and therefore most of the holidays observed here are connected in one way or another with Jewish traditions. For this reason, the secular New Year is not an official holiday in Israel. There are no public holidays on December 31 or January 1. The “main” New Year for Israelis is Rosh Hashanah, which is usually celebrated in September–October (see Jewish holidays).
However, “Russian-speaking” Israelis—a term used in Israel for immigrants from the former USSR regardless of nationality—have brought with them the tradition of celebrating the New Year.
January 1 is still a regular working day in Israel, but many people who wish to celebrate with their families are often allowed to take the day off. As in the countries of the former Soviet Union, traditional dishes such as Olivier salad, herring under a fur coat, and champagne are served on festive tables. Russian-language TV channels broadcast New Year’s greetings from national leaders at midnight—these are the modern realities of “Russian” Israel. Due to time differences, New Year celebrations may even be observed more than once, as hotels often receive major Russian-language channels via cable TV. “Russian” restaurants prepare special праздничные программы (festive programs) and traditional meals for the occasion.
The opportunity to celebrate New Year in a restaurant largely depends on the city you are visiting. In the capital, Jerusalem, where a significant portion of the population is religious, it is quite difficult to find public New Year celebrations, as they are not widely encouraged, and there are very few Russian-style restaurants. In cities such as Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Haifa, and Netanya, there are many more such venues, and they usually prepare entertainment programs in advance.
In Eilat, a Red Sea resort, the atmosphere is more relaxed. Numerous restaurants—and even some hotels—host festive events on New Year’s Eve.
At the same time, December 31 is informally celebrated by Israeli youth, who have adopted from Europe the tradition of marking Saint Sylvester’s Day. For young people, it is simply another occasion to enjoy time with friends in cafés, pubs, and restaurants.
December and January are also rich in Christian holidays, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims. Catholic pilgrims are the first to arrive to celebrate Christmas on December 25, followed by Orthodox Christians from around the world celebrating Christmas on January 7. Like the Magi following the Star of Bethlehem, believers travel to Church of the Nativity, as well as to holy sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee.
For every traveler spending the New Year holidays in Israel, the experience is filled with positive emotions and unforgettable impressions. In addition to visiting world-famous holy sites, visitors discover the daily life, culture, and traditions of Israel against the backdrop of a magical holiday atmosphere—one that promises the fulfillment of wishes, the realization of dreams, and the possibility of miracles, something people of all ages look forward to, no matter where they are.