Winter Joy: Fun Things To Do in Israel's Cold Weather

When it snows in the Hermon, Israelis get into a frenzy - getting up before sunrise, loading up all the kids, plus jackets-hats-boots-plastic bags before heading off in the hope (often thwarted) that they will be among the first to arrive and not get stuck in traffic. There is nothing they won’t do to witness this sprinkle of white magic over the treetops and mountainsides that fills the heart with excitement. This year, this spectacular sight is more impressive than ever with the new cable cars dotting the skyline, as they carry visitors 2,040 meters up in 42 heated closed carriages that reach the top in five minutes. Snow sleds and sky riders, and a unique levitation facility are available as well.

Along the way: The Nahal Sa’ar waterfall plunges down from a height of 20 meters to a pool that flows into a stream. Head to the observation deck, or walk down the path for optimal views.

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About 500 million migratory birds pass through the Hula Valley annually, some stop to drink and stock up on food for the rest of the journey while others settle in the Agamon and hunt the surrounding fields. The Agamon is an important birding site recently renewed as an international visitors' center. It was founded by the Jewish National Fund and raised NIS 130 million with the help of Stephen Harper, the former Canadian Prime Minister, a staunch supporter of the project. The impressive center is spread across three floors and offers many features and activities: nature movie screenings, an experiential station that simulates a crane’s flight through virtual reality glasses, and a globe showcasing the worldwide migratory paths. Visitors can experience the Agamon area on foot, drive by it on golf carts or on their bicycle, and explore its many lookout points.

Where to stay? Hotel Galilion is a two-story hotel complex boasting 120 rooms with gardens and balconies, a spa with a Turkish hammam, seasonal pools, a wine room, a conference room, an outdoor wall with nature film screenings, the Agamon Market, a brewery and even a hot air balloon that rises up to 120 meters. 'Fly into Nature', the winter hospitality package, includes a sunrise or sunset tour of one of the birds' favorite hidden itineraries, a tour of the visitors' center and a ride in a hot air balloon.

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There’s no better way to warm up in the wintertime than with a NIS 2,400 glass of whiskey. This stellar glass of whiskey is but one of the many special whiskeys on offer at the Whiskey Bar & Museum in Sarona, Tel Aviv. In a uniquely designed space in the depths of the earth, where the Templars built underground tunnels in the early 19th century, lies the Whiskey Bar & Museum. It is one of the largest complexes dedicated to whiskey in the world. It has a dining-bar, a museum, and a wall with 1,002 types of whiskey from 13 different countries. This rare collection is ranked fifth in the world and until recently included a bottle dated 1940 that was sold to a collector for NIS 330,000. The complex is sprawled across three floors, two of which are underground. The museum lies on the 2nd floor, beside a dining bar, where special nights and events take place. A trendy night bar and a smoking room are set in the old wine well. On the first floor you'll find galleries and whiskey workshops, and at street level you'll find the exclusive Walter Whiskey & Cigar bar and boutique, designed as a typical English lounge featuring an antique cigar cabinet.

You can ask: for a tour of the whole complex and learn about the history of whiskey and the age and origin of the bottles stored there. You're invited to taste from any bottle on display, and the whiskey of your choice, (from NIS 9 per serving) will be poured into a Glencairn glass, which perfectly exalts the taste and aroma. And since drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, a fantastic dining menu awaits is available at the bar, which also functions as a kosher restaurant. A DJ performs on Thursdays, and live music is played every Saturday.

Cramim is a gourmet chef’s restaurant in the heart of Moshav Sgula. A long-standing and highly valued culinary institution, it has been delighting diners for the last 17 years. Chef Sahar Raphael is the mastermind behind it all. His menu is composed of classic dishes with touches of Mediterranean influence. The raw materials are of the freshest and highest quality. The vegetables all come from Moshav Sgula greenhouses, and the olive oil comes straight from the fields of olive trees a few meters away. The gourmet dishes that Sahar presents in his rich menu are inspired by a combination of his travels across the globe and his mother’s cooking. With its enchanting atmosphere, cozy, rustic design, pleasant lighting and beautiful location, Cramim is an absolute must for any hungry traveler in search of a unique dining experience that will warm both body and soul.

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The Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel has the winning formula for a perfect winter holiday. The ‘Pastoral Sounds’ music and culture package is celebrating 18 winters and offers a weekend of events and the opportunity to enjoy the magical Galilee landscapes. In February, two special musical weekends will be held – one called ‘Israeli soundtrack’ (13.2-15.2) with performances by various artists, including a special tribute show to the poet and songwriter Rachel Shapira, and a weekend of opera in collaboration with the Israeli Opera, with the participation of the Israeli Opera Soloists (27.2-29.2). A series of fascinating lectures and stories, as well as numerous events and cultural performances around the concept of pastoralism in music will be held at the hotel.

Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel is located on the banks of the Jordan River, in the heart of the Hula Valley. It features 193 rooms of different sizes and designs and is surrounded by flowers and greenery. It has a beautiful spa offering luxurious treatments, and many hiking trails. As part of the ‘Pastoral Sounds’ series, February weekends will be filled with exciting musical events

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The celebration of red anemones in bloom in the northern Negev has been a major event for the past 15 years, attracting travelers year after year. As part of the Darom Adom (Red South) Festival, a series of cultural, artistic and horticultural events will take place along the forest trails, at agricultural and historic sites, between the Shikma and HaBesor streams. Events will include the traditional anemone march (8.2), farm, agricultural and historical tours, guided tours of the various fields in bloom, readings and performances by actors amongst the fields of flowers, anemone races (14.2), bike trails for families in the Gvar’am Forest (14-15.2), and culinary gatherings. There will also be “Red Tuesdays” where various events will be held for the benefit of Shabbat keepers, and for those who prefer to travel during the week. As part of ‘Darom Adom Live’, there will be a variety of performances on Thursdays through Saturdays with the best artists in Israel including Idan Raichel, Ishay Ribo, Balkan Beat Box, Dikla and more. During February weekends,

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This year, Israel's southern city has launched the Winter Sun Festival, which includes 35(!) festivals - street theater, graffiti, street art, music (electronic, Greek, chamber, jazz, and guitar), photography, fashion, desert nature, sports, and food - to be held through April. The International Jazz Festival (20-22.2) which is held every year, will include the “Red Sea Guitar” festival (13-15.2) with a variety of guitar performances. Both festivals will be held at the Isrotel Agamim Hotel and will include performances, master classes, and jam sessions that will go on through the night. In addition to the festivals, nature walks and culinary routes in the city have been launched, which have been compiled into a booklet distributed at the airport, hotels and tourist centers.

Recommended routes include a trip in the desert landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints, and spectacular sunsets at Nahal Gishron in the Eilat Mountains Reserve, snorkeling among fish and coral in lesser-known beaches, food and entertainment at local restaurants and bars, and more. Another, more challenging way to sample nature is with a group of friends through ‘desert eco tours’ which offer jeep tours in the spectacular streams of the rivers in the area.

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Every Saturday morning in February, guided tours of the Park Hama’ayanot will take travelers on a club car, accompanied by a guide, for a lovely stroll through the open landscapes. The journey between agricultural fields, fish ponds, and clear springs is accompanied by fascinating stories about the water resources, the park and the place, bird-watching and the typical vegetation of the season, including a visit to the Kibbutzim Stream, En Shoqeq, and the mill pool. During the tour, visitors can stop at one of the springs – the brave can jump into the water at a temperature of 25 degrees all year round. The tour is two hours and NIS 59 per person (from two years).

Every Saturday of February, at 11 am. More details at 04-6488060, 050-2122564