The holiday of holidays, the film festival and other events • Hanukkah 2024 in Haifa

The 2024 'Holiday of the Holidays' events in Haifa: creativity and hope after a difficult year

(haipo) - The city of Haifa, which was hit by missiles during the war, is going out, right now, to celebrate!
In these days of the ceasefire, one can celebrate with a slightly less heavy heart, at the two festivals that the city is proud of: the "Holiday of Holidays" festival and the Haifa International Film Festival, which this year combine together in a carnival of world-wide cultures, prosperity and hope.

The events of the "Holiday of the Holidays," the festival unique to Haifa, are combined in 2024 with the International Film Festival - one of the city's main cultural events for decades. In fact, this year the film festival marks its 40th year, after being postponed from Sukkot due to the security situation prevailing in the city at the time, which included alarms and rockets falling (yes, it was not long ago). Now, it can be said that Maz turned out sweet, and the connection between these two big and exciting events creates a unique opportunity under one exciting title. Haifa invites the general public to celebrate with her - like in the movies.

What would indicate resilience and hope more than celebrations of culture?

From October 2023, many changes in our schedules and in many areas of life will be imposed on all of us. Likewise, the film festival, which was originally planned for the fall, was postponed to these days - the days of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

Although the dates were set even before the ceasefire officially came into effect, it provides a temporary respite in the security situation. Haifa chooses to use this time to return to festivals and cultural activities that were not possible until now.

This year's events celebrate the connection between local and international culture and bring dozens of films, performances, plays and activities to the entire Haifa community and visitors. For many in the city, the return to the film festival and the holidays is not only a cultural experience, but a symbol of personal and public resilience.

The transition between the war and the ceasefire belongs to a period of uncertainty: although the holiday is held under a ceasefire, the security situation is unclear, and the future is unknown. The current calm is temporary - it is possible that soon the fighting will resume, but even in an era of uncertainty, the city of Haifa does not choose to stop celebrating. Events, performances and film screenings throughout the city summon moments of kindness, moments of connection and inspiration in the midst of the difficult period.

As part of the changes in 2024, the film festival in the unified version with the holidays will this year present films from around the world, including international cinema, docu-films and local works, and there will also be musical shows, street performances, workshops and more. All of this will happen in collaboration with the leading cultural institutions in the city, which have mobilized the best creative forces and organizers to carry out the events under difficult conditions.

The meeting of the holidays with the film festival also indicates the power of culture and creativity to be a source of encouragement and hope in difficult times. The holiday, which is celebrated all over the city during the days of Hanukkah, deepens the communal roots and brings the residents together in light and creativity, in the same way that each and every one of them did not give up during the last year, even when the reality was difficult and challenging.

This holiday, precisely at this time, is more than an event - it is a symbol of our endurance and ability to continue to light the way, even if the storm is not over.

The Haifa International Film Festival - 2024 will open on 31/12/24 for information and ticket purchase You can access the attached article

"Hai Pa has compiled for you all the events in Haifa to which admission is free - an opportunity to enjoy a varied pastime without burdening your pocket!"

The holidays are the most family time of the year. It reminds us of the value of family and the importance of social ties, and provides a wonderful opportunity to create exciting memories that will stay with us throughout our lives.

The family complex in Beit Hafen
A colorful and lively family complex will be built in the courtyard of Beit Hagafen, where plays, circus performances, music performances and more will take place throughout the day - all in Hebrew and Arabic. Among the outstanding shows that you can enjoy: No problem circus, Sting Experience, and the special show of Shambuki and the birds of light.

📅 When?
Saturdays, December 21 and 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.

(I.e. where?
35 Zionion Blvd., Haifa.

🎟️ Admission is free - everyone is welcome!

Santa's house - a magical experience for the whole family
The special time of the year when Santa opens his decorated and festive house has arrived! You are invited to enter his wonderful world, meet Santa face to face and tell him how good children you were this year.
✨ Important tip: You should plan your visit in advance - the queue may be long, but the experience is definitely worth the wait!

📅 When?
Saturdays, December 21 and 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m.

(I.e. where?
6 Haddad Street, Haifa.

🎟️ Entry is free - come and feel the magic!

Perla and the pralines - a colorful and funny show in the heart of the neighborhood
Limor Yitzchaik and the traveling band of clowns arrive in their special van, open the living room in the heart of the neighborhood and invite you to join the celebration! A show full of color, laughter, gypsy music and breathtaking acrobatics
📅 when and where?

• Wednesday, 25.12, between the hours of 17:00-19:00, 121 Hanasi Ave, Piano Square - Carmel Center.
• Thursday, 26.12, between the hours of 17:00-19:00, Pevzner 50, Haifa Theater Square.

🎟️ Admission is free - an experience for the whole family!

Winter workshops in Haifa museums - a special experience for the whole family

Visiting Haifa museums is always exciting, and when you add unique activities to the cold winter, the experience becomes unforgettable. Here are some recommendations for fascinating workshops that await you:

A detective tour in the dark

Have you always wondered what happens at the museum after closing? Come and discover the mysterious side of the Haifa Art Museum: searching for works of art in the dark, fascinating tasks by flashlight and creating a glowing image in the dark.
📅 When? Thursdays, December 19 and 26.
(I.e. where? Shabtai Levi 26.
💰 cost: NIS 30 per participant.
🌍 The activity is delivered in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian.

Illuminated houses workshop

In the city museum you will create a model of a Templar house inspired by the decorated houses in the German colony.
📅 When? Saturday, December 21, 11:00-12:30.
(I.e. where? 11 Ben Gurion Ave.
💰 cost: NIS 35 per participant (adult included in museum admission ticket).
🌍 The workshop will be conducted in Arabic and is suitable for all ages accompanied by an adult.

Illuminated windows

At the Hermann Struck Museum there will be a workshop for making a personal lighted window using a technique simulating stained glass.
📅 When? Friday, December 27:

• 10:30 in Hebrew
• 12:30 in Russian
  (I.e. where? Arlozorov 23.
  💰 cost: NIS 35 per participant (adult free).
  🌟 Entrance to the museum - free!
  📌 Note: On December 21, the workshop will also be held at the city museum.

The German Colony - the beating heart of the 'holiday' events
A visit to the 'Holiday' events is not complete without a stop at the German Colony on Ben Gurion Boulevard, lit up with a variety of spectacular light decorations. The highlight is Ben Gurion Square, where you will once again find the menorah, the famous fir tree and the Hillel, which symbolize the beauty of the cultural mosaic that characterizes the city of Haifa.

???? Come and experience the magic of the holidays in a festive atmosphere you won't forget!