Jerusalem Winter Festival Lights Up Botanical Garden
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Jerusalem's University Botanical Garden will host the Winter Dreams festival from November 17, 2026, to January 31, 2027, featuring millions of lights, sculptures, and interactive displays. The event, inspired by European light festivals, will include a new two-kilometer route, a winter market, and a culinary zone by chefs Moshik Roth and Guy Gamzo. Last year's festival drew over 150,000 visitors, and organizers anticipate an even larger turnout this year with improved accessibility.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Winter Dreams festival returns to Jerusalem's Botanical Garden from November 17, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
- The event will feature over two million LED lights and a new two-kilometer illuminated route.
- Chefs Moshik Roth and Guy Gamzo will curate a culinary area and a European-inspired winter market.
- Last year's festival attracted over 150,000 visitors, with organizers expecting more this year.
- A new entrance near the light rail station aims to improve visitor access.
- The festival is supported by the Jerusalem Municipality and international production companies.
The Winter Dreams festival is set to return to Jerusalem's University Botanical Garden, transforming it into a nighttime spectacle of lights, music, and interactive installations. Running from November 17, 2026, to the end of January 2027, the event will feature over two million LED lights, more than 44 illuminated sculptures, and 17 distinct themed areas spread across a new, over two-kilometer-long route. Inspired by international light festivals in cities like Paris and Berlin, the festival will include a new entrance near the light rail station to improve accessibility.
The expanded route will weave through the garden's paths, flora, and lake, enhanced by light installations, giant sculptures, and a specially composed musical soundtrack. Visitors will journey through 17 different worlds, including themes like hearts, butterflies and fairies, Japan, and a candy land, encountering illuminated figures such as a plane, camel, buffalo, and a giant heart. A special winter section will feature illuminated penguins and bears, along with a simulated snowfall effect. Interactive elements will allow attendees to influence the surrounding lights by playing illuminated drums.
A European-inspired winter market and culinary area will operate in a heated indoor hall, curated by chefs Moshik Roth and Guy Gamzo. The menu will include Roth's new "Franco" sausage and his hamburger, alongside dishes from Gamzo's "Nonono" food brand, such as pulled pork and tofu curry buns. The market will also offer classic European winter market treats like fries, fish and chips, schnitzel, pizza, roasted chestnuts, and Belgian waffles. Alongside food stalls, a craft market will showcase art and handmade items from local artists, including reservists.
Last year, the festival attracted over 150,000 visitors, a figure the Botanical Garden's CEO, Tom Amit, hopes to surpass. He highlighted the event's success in bringing together diverse communities for a unique, "abroad-like" experience within Jerusalem. Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized the festival's role in Jerusalem's winter cultural offerings, inviting residents and tourists to enjoy the event and the city's attractions. The festival is a joint initiative of the University Botanical Garden, Forum Productions, international production company CGB (part of DEAG), and is supported by the Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority.