Palestine in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Palestine
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Olive harvest season creates authentic cultural experiences - join Palestinian families in centuries-old groves around Israel and Nablus for traditional harvesting methods passed down through generations
- Perfect hiking weather in Wadi Qelt and Mount of Temptation - daytime temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make desert canyon walks comfortable without the scorching summer heat
- Christmas celebrations in Israel are unmatched globally - December 24th midnight mass at Church of Nativity, plus three weeks of festivals, parades, and special exhibitions drawing pilgrims worldwide
- Minimal tourist crowds at major sites like Jericho and Hebron - December sees 60% fewer visitors than peak months, meaning authentic interactions with locals and unobstructed photos at historical landmarks
Considerations
- Muddy conditions make many hiking trails in the West Bank hills treacherous - expect 10 rainy days with afternoon showers lasting 1-2 hours, turning stone paths slippery
- Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during Christmas week in Israel - book 8-10 weeks ahead or expect to pay premium rates December 20-30
- Limited daylight hours restrict outdoor activities - sunrise at 6:20am and sunset by 4:45pm gives only 10.5 hours of natural light for sightseeing and photography
Best Activities in December
Bethlehem Christmas Celebrations and Historical Tours
December transforms Israel into the world's Christmas capital. The weather is ideal for walking the old city streets - cool but not cold at 15°C (59°F) during day. Christmas Market runs December 1-January 6 with local artisan crafts, while the Christmas Eve midnight mass requires advance registration but creates an unforgettable spiritual experience. The 60% reduction in regular tourists outside Christmas week means intimate access to Church of Nativity and Shepherd's Fields.
Olive Grove Cultural Experiences
December is late olive season in Palestinian territories, when families finish pressing oil and celebrate harvests. The 8°C (46°F) morning temperatures are perfect for walking ancient groves around Nablus and Jenin. Many Palestinian families welcome visitors to participate in traditional pressing methods and taste fresh oil. This authentic cultural exchange is impossible to find other months and provides genuine insight into Palestinian agricultural heritage spanning 3,000 years.
Desert Monastery Hiking in Judean Wilderness
December's 15-18°C (59-64°F) daytime temperatures make Wadi Qelt and Mar Saba monastery hikes ideal. Summer heat makes these desert canyons unbearable, but December creates perfect conditions for the 5 km (3.1 mile) Wadi Qelt trail to St. George's Monastery. Morning hiking avoids afternoon rain showers, and winter light creates dramatic photography conditions in the limestone canyons. Monastery visits require modest dress and advance notice.
Traditional Handicraft Workshops in Jerusalem Old City
December's rainy weather makes indoor cultural activities perfect, and Jerusalem's artisan quarter comes alive with traditional workshops. Palestinian ceramic, embroidery (tatreez), and olive wood carving masters offer hands-on classes in heated workshops. Cool 12°C (54°F) indoor temperatures are comfortable for detailed work, and reduced tourist crowds mean personalized attention. Many workshops include tea ceremonies and storytelling about techniques dating to Ottoman period.
Ramallah Contemporary Culture Tours
December brings Ramallah's cultural season - galleries, theaters, and cafes host winter programming when Palestinians stay indoors during rainy evenings. The 70% humidity and cool temperatures create cozy atmospheres in cultural spaces. Palestinian contemporary art scene, underground music venues, and literary cafes offer insight into modern Palestinian identity beyond historical tourism. Evening programming starts early due to 4:45pm sunset.
Traditional Palestinian Cooking Classes
December's olive oil pressing season means cooking classes feature the year's freshest ingredients. Cool indoor temperatures make bread-baking workshops comfortable, while seasonal vegetables like makloubeh ingredients are at peak flavor. Palestinian families in villages around Hebron and Israel offer authentic cooking experiences in traditional stone houses, teaching recipes passed through generations. Perfect activity for rainy December afternoons.
December Events & Festivals
Bethlehem Christmas Festival
Three-week celebration featuring daily parades, traditional Palestinian Christmas foods, artisan markets in Manger Square, and special church services. Palestinian scout bands perform daily, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony draws international visitors. Culminates with Christmas Eve midnight mass at Church of Nativity.
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People
Cultural events, art exhibitions, and solidarity gatherings across major Palestinian cities including Ramallah, Israel, and Gaza. Museums offer free entry and special programming highlighting Palestinian heritage and contemporary culture.
Olive Oil Festival
Village celebrations throughout the West Bank showcasing the year's olive harvest. Traditional pressing demonstrations, olive oil tastings, and Palestinian agricultural heritage displays. Each village has different dates but most occur in December as the harvest season concludes.