Israel Public Holidays 2025
Israel has 9 public holidays and 22 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Feb | Thu | Tu Bishvat (Arbor Day) | observance |
| 13 Mar | Thu | Fast of Esther | school |
| 14 Mar | Fri | Purim | school |
| 8 Apr | Tue | Aliyah Day | observance |
| 13 Apr | Sun | Passover (Pesach) | public |
| 14 Apr | Mon | Passover (intermediate days) | school |
| 19 Apr | Sat | Mimouna, Seventh day of Passover | public |
| 24 Apr | Thu | Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) | observance |
| 30 Apr | Wed | Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day (Yom HaZikaron) | observance |
| 1 May | Thu | Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) | public |
| 8 May | Thu | Herzl Day | observance |
| 9 May | Fri | Victory in Europe Day | observance |
| 16 May | Fri | Lag BaOmer | school |
| 26 May | Mon | Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim) | observance |
| 2 Jun | Mon | Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) | public |
| 13 Jul | Sun | Seventeenth of Tamuz, fast | observance |
| 25 Jul | Fri | Jabotinsky Day | observance |
| 3 Aug | Sun | Tisha B'Av, fast | observance |
| 9 Aug | Sat | Tu B'Av (Fifteenth of Av) | observance |
| 23 Sep | Tue | Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah) | public |
| 24 Sep | Wed | Rosh Hashanah (Day 2) | public |
| 25 Sep | Thu | Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedalya) | observance |
| 2 Oct | Thu | Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) | public |
| 7 Oct | Tue | Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) | public |
| 8 Oct | Wed | The week of Sukkot | school |
| 14 Oct | Tue | Simchat Torah/ Shmini Atzeret | public |
| 3 Nov | Mon | Rabin Day | observance |
| 20 Nov | Thu | Sigd | observance |
| 26 Nov | Wed | Ben-Gurion Day | observance |
| 15 Dec | Mon | Hanukkah | school |
| 30 Dec | Tue | Tenth of Tevet | observance |
About Israel's Holidays
Israel follows the Jewish calendar, so major public life revolves around religious festivals and weekly Shabbat. Many holidays change dates each year. Schools, banks, and government offices close for the main holy days and on Shabbat evenings.
There are national days that shape public life, like remembrance days and Independence Day. These mark history and service and are observed with ceremonies, sirens, and public events. They are treated seriously and often involve the whole country.
Cultural festivals such as Purim and Hanukkah are lively and family oriented. They include parades, costumes and food. Together religious, national and cultural holidays create Israel s yearly rhythm of memory, celebration and rest.
Holiday Traditions
In Israel many holidays mix religion, history, and family. People go to synagogue or community events, sing, pray, and tell stories. Streets and homes are decorated, and flags or lights often show the holiday mood.
Food plays a big role. Families cook special meals with traditional dishes passed down through generations. People share food with neighbors and invite guests. Meals can be festive and long, with songs, blessings, and storytelling around the table.
Public life changes for holidays. Schools and businesses may close, and cities hold parades, concerts, and memorial ceremonies. Friends and relatives travel to be together, making the day feel both personal and national.
Travel Tips
Visiting Israel (IL) during the holiday season means many shops, banks, and public offices close or have short hours. Museums and some tourist sites can also close on major holidays, so check opening times before you go.
Public transport and trains often run reduced schedules, and buses may stop early for certain holidays. Taxis work but can be harder to find in busy times. Airports stay open but expect crowded security lines and busy check in counters.
Plan ahead by booking trains, tours, and accommodations early. Carry cash since some places do not accept cards when closed. Allow extra travel time, keep flexible plans, and enjoy the lively markets and holiday atmosphere.