Things to Do in Haifa in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Haifa
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect Mediterranean winter weather - daytime temperatures around 19°C (67°F) mean you can comfortably explore outdoor sites like the Bahá'í Gardens without the oppressive summer heat. You'll actually enjoy the 30-minute walk up Mount Carmel instead of arriving drenched in sweat.
- Hanukkah atmosphere transforms the city - December typically overlaps with the eight-day Festival of Lights, bringing special menus to restaurants, sufganiyot (jelly donuts) at every bakery, and menorah lightings in public spaces. The German Colony's cafes put candles in windows, and you'll catch that festive energy without the commercial overload of other destinations.
- Off-season pricing and availability - December sits firmly in shoulder season before the Christmas tourist rush. Hotels in the German Colony and Carmel Center typically run 20-30% cheaper than summer rates, and you can actually get dinner reservations at places like Fattoush or Douzan without booking weeks ahead.
- Rainy days are manageable - those 10 rainy days spread across the month mean brief, intense showers rather than all-day drizzle. Rain typically comes in the evening or early morning, clearing by mid-morning. Locals just duck into one of Haifa's excellent museums or cafes, then continue their day once it passes.
Considerations
- Shabbat closures hit harder in winter - with shorter daylight hours (sunset around 4:40 PM in December), Shabbat essentially wipes out a full day. Most businesses close Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, and public transport stops completely. If you're only here for 3-4 days, losing one to Shabbat is significant.
- Unpredictable rain disrupts outdoor plans - while total rainfall is technically low, those 10 rainy days mean roughly one-third of your trip could involve sudden downpours. The Bahá'í Gardens close temporarily during heavy rain for safety, and hiking trails on Mount Carmel become muddy and slippery. You'll need flexible planning.
- Limited beach weather despite mild temperatures - water temperature drops to around 19°C (66°F) in December, and that 70% humidity combined with wind off the Mediterranean makes beach time uncomfortable. The beaches at Bat Galim and Dado are nearly empty, and most beach restaurants operate on reduced hours or close entirely until spring.
Best Activities in December
Bahá'í Gardens and Terraces Walking Tours
December's mild temperatures make this the ideal month to explore the nineteen terraces cascading down Mount Carmel. Summer heat makes the exposed pathways brutal, but at 19°C (67°F) you can comfortably take the free guided tours (offered daily at noon) or walk the surrounding paths without wilting. The winter light actually enhances photography - softer angles and occasional dramatic clouds. Book the noon tour slot at least 2-3 days ahead through the official Bahá'í Gardens website, as groups are limited to 50 people. Tours last 45 minutes and require modest dress (covered shoulders and knees). The gardens occasionally close during heavy rain for safety, so check the morning of your visit.
Wadi Nisnas Food Market and Street Art Walking
This Arab-Christian neighborhood comes alive in December with holiday preparations and the aftermath of the annual Holiday of Holidays festival. The morning market (open Sunday-Friday, 7 AM-2 PM) offers the best hummus, fresh pita, and seasonal produce without summer's oppressive heat. December means pomegranates are at peak season, and you'll find vendors selling fresh juice for 10-15 ILS. The neighborhood's street art murals look particularly vibrant after winter rain cleans the dust. Spend 2-3 hours wandering, eating, and photographing. Most food stalls close for Shabbat, so plan for Sunday-Thursday visits. Typical breakfast of hummus, falafel, and coffee runs 40-60 ILS per person.
Carmel National Park Hiking Trails
December transforms Mount Carmel's hiking trails into the best conditions of the year. Summer heat makes trails dangerous (temperatures exceed 35°C/95°F), but December's 19°C (67°F) days are perfect for the moderate trails through Mediterranean forest. The 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles) Little Switzerland trail and the 6 km (3.7 miles) Oren trail offer stunning views over Haifa Bay without the crowds. After those 10 rainy days, the forest smells incredible - pine, cypress, and damp earth. Trails can get muddy 1-2 days after rain, so check conditions. Entry to the park costs 28 ILS per adult. Bring 2 liters of water per person despite cooler weather - the humidity means you'll still sweat. Most trails take 2-4 hours depending on pace.
Haifa Museum District Indoor Cultural Exploration
December's rainy days make this the perfect month to dive into Haifa's underrated museum scene. The Haifa Museum of Art, National Maritime Museum, and Mane Katz Museum cluster in a walkable area. December means you'll have galleries nearly to yourself - summer tourists skip museums for beaches. The Maritime Museum's collection of ancient shipwrecks and naval history pairs perfectly with views of the working port below. Budget 2-3 hours per museum. Combined tickets offer better value (around 50-70 ILS for multiple museums versus 40 ILS each). Most museums close on Shabbat and major holidays, so plan for Sunday-Thursday visits.
German Colony and Ben Gurion Boulevard Evening Strolls
December evenings in the German Colony hit that perfect temperature sweet spot - cool enough at 12°C (53°F) to enjoy walking, warm enough to sit at outdoor cafes with a light jacket. The Templar buildings along Ben Gurion Boulevard light up beautifully, and December's Hanukkah menorahs add extra atmosphere. This is when locals come out for dinner and drinks, creating actual street life missing in summer when everyone flees the heat. The 1 km (0.6 miles) boulevard walk from the port up toward the Bahá'í Gardens takes 20-30 minutes, with dozens of restaurants, wine bars, and cafes. Expect to spend 80-150 ILS per person for dinner, 25-40 ILS for coffee and pastries. Thursday and Friday evenings (pre-Shabbat) see the biggest crowds.
Akko Old City Day Trip
Just 20 km (12.4 miles) north of Haifa, Akko (Acre) makes a perfect December day trip. The Crusader-era underground city, Ottoman-era markets, and waterfront fortifications are all outdoor sites that become unbearable in summer heat but shine in December's mild weather. The train from Haifa takes 25 minutes and costs 13.50 ILS each way. Spend 4-6 hours exploring the old city, eating fresh fish at the port, and walking the ramparts. December means fewer tour buses and you can actually move through the narrow market lanes. The underground Crusader halls stay cool year-round but feel especially atmospheric when it's rainy outside. Entrance to the main archaeological sites costs 61 ILS for a combined ticket.
December Events & Festivals
Hanukkah Festival of Lights
Hanukkah dates shift each year on the Gregorian calendar but typically fall in December (in 2026, it runs December 5-13). Haifa's mixed Jewish-Arab population means celebrations are visible but not overwhelming. Public menorah lightings happen nightly in the German Colony and Carmel Center around sunset. Bakeries across the city sell sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and levivot (potato latkes). Some restaurants offer special Hanukkah menus. The atmosphere is festive but not commercialized like Christmas elsewhere - it's more about family gatherings and traditional foods than shopping frenzies.
Holiday of Holidays Festival Aftermath
The annual Holiday of Holidays festival typically runs in late November through early December, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid together. While the main festival events may end before mid-December, the decorations in Wadi Nisnas neighborhood and the interfaith atmosphere linger throughout the month. Street art installations remain up, and the neighborhood maintains its festive energy. Worth visiting even if you miss the actual festival dates.