What’s on in Israel in November 2022

As October draws to an end, Israel enters its more ‘wintery’ season, though anyone coming on holiday from North America or northern Europe will most likely find the weather to be quite clement. Whilst it’s not quite warm enough to swim in the Mediterranean, there are still going to be lots of sunny days - particularly in Eilat, on the Red Sea.

A tourist on the observation deck in Jerusalem looks at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Photo by Dawid Matyszczyk on Unsplash

What are the events in Israel in November?

Actually, November can be a fine time to visit Israel - it’s less crowded and accommodation is more readily available and a little less costly. When it’s not raining (which is much of the time) you can walk on the beaches in Tel Aviv, spend time walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem's Old City, attend cultural events in Israel, or rent a car and head north to Galilee and the Golan.

For desert lovers, it’s also a good time of the year to hike - you won’t be wiped out by the scorching temperatures (just remember that it gets very chilly down in the Negev at night). So if you’ve got a penchant for rappelling down the side of the crater at Mitzpe Ramon, hiking in wadis such as Ein Avdat, or exploring Timna National Park and its ancient copper mines, November is the right time for it. In the meantime, if you’re looking for special events in Israel this November 2022, here are a few ideas from us. Enjoy!

1. Tel Aviv Run Night - 2nd November

This ten-kilometre race around the White City is a good chance for any runner to dust off their Nikes and hit the ground running. Open to men, women and children over the age of 14, the organisers style it as an ‘adrenaline-filled urban run in Tel Aviv’ and this isn’t far off the mark.

Once you’ve registered (which is essential) you’ll get a kit (including a special t-shirt) and you can cover your 10k in your own time, whilst thousands of spectators will cheer you on. And afterwards, if you’re not too tired, you can go out to celebrate - there are many excellent restaurants in Tel Aviv.

People running in the city. Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

2. Red Sea Jazz Festival - 10th to 12th November

For any jazz lover, the Red Sea Jazz Festival - held in Eilat (close to the Israel-Jordanian border, and from there just a two-hour drive to the ancient city of Petra) can’t be missed. For three days, the city will host musicians from both Israel and around the world - this year, it’s featuring the Anat Cohen Quartetinho, Jacob Collier, the Ariel Bart Quintet, Third World Love and quite a few more.

Eilat’s a great place to escape to, not just for jazz but also for sunbathing (temperatures are a toasty 25 degrees or so on November days), diving, jet skiing, or just hanging out with happy mammals at the city’s famous Dolphin Reef.

3. Achinoam Nini (‘Noa) at the Jerusalem Theatre

The amazing Israeli singer Achinoam Nini - known professionally as Noa - is back and if you manage to pick up a ticket to her concert at the Jerusalem Theatre, consider yourself lucky. Noa has been singing since the 1990s but really put herself on the map with her Eurovision Song Contest entry in 2009, entitled ‘There Must Be Another Way’.

She’s performed across the world at venues as spectacular as Rome’s Colosseum, Carnegie Hall and at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Mixing and matching languages and musical styles, to hear her mellifluous tones is a real treat. And if you’re going to be in Jerusalem for the concert, then why not do some exploring beforehand, at the Israel Museum, in the Old City or wandering in the Ein Kerem neighbourhood?

Dome of the Rock, over the skyline of the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

4. Take a trip to the Golan Heights

There’s nothing ‘in particular’ going on in the Golan this November but do you really need a reason to travel there? Stunning scenery, beautiful national parks and nature reserves and chestnuts on the ground (it’s the season) make it a great getaway, whether you want to stay a couple of days or hunker down.

Nestled in Merom Golan is a fantastic hotel, named after the area, where you’ll get all of your creature comforts as well as extraordinary views of Mount Hermon, and the chance to wander in ancient forests and explore vineyards, orchards and boutique artisan stores in the area.

They even have an authentic ‘cowboy restaurant’ named ‘Ha Bokrim’ where you can eat meat that really is farm to table - their farm!  All of the animals are reared there and the restaurant also showcases wines local to the region.

View from above on the border between Israel and Syria, Mount Bental. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

5. Visit Oded Hirsch’s ‘Inventing the Wheel’ exhibition at the Haifa Museum of Art

Running until the end of 2022, at the Haifa Museum of Art, Oded Hirsch is a man who likes to invent problems and challenges - and then solve them. His solutions (and scenarios) are sometimes absurd and often hilarious - and give the viewer food for thought. For instance, why is it necessary to pull a tractor out from the ground in which it is buried and then bring it to the museum? 

Hirsch might argue that it is the action itself. This exhibition boasts video, sculptural and photographic work and is primarily based on people working - digging, carrying, and sweating by their brows. In an age where everything is high-tech, Hirsch argues that the actions of these labourers are real. Haifa is also a fine city to wander around, view the Bahai Gardens, wander around the old neighbourhood of Wadi NisNas or visit the Mount Carmel National Park.

6. Enjoy the ‘Photo Is:Rael International Photography Exhibition’ - 23rd November to 3rd December

Back for its 10th year. This fine exhibition - which is being held in Tel Aviv - will be showcasing some of the finest photographers, both in Israel and around the world. Taking place over 10 days, it’s not just exhibitions you can see - there will also be dance, video, art and musical performances.

This year’s theme is ‘Action’ - who knows what this will entail? The exhibition is being held at the Einav Centre and City Garden, and there are activities for the entire family as well as guided tours, led by Shichi Aman. Interested in day tours around Israel? Then don't hesitate to book a tour with Bein Harim!

Bahai Gardens, Haifa. Photo credit: © Shutterstock