The first Maccabean Run, workshops in the spirit of the holiday at the Hasmonean Heritage museum, a photographers' conference, a children's concert and other fun events during the holiday throughout the city.
Modi'in Maccabim Reut, the city of the Hasmoneans, will illuminate the city with a variety of festive and fun events.
The holiday events will kick off on Sunday, 14.12.25 at 17:30 at the Hasmonean Heritage Museum with the traditional candle lighting ceremony in the presence of Mayor Haim Bibas and with the participation of the Yovel School Choir and the Light Jugglers.
The first event of its kind to launch the holiday is the Maccabean Run, a cross-country race that will take place on Friday 19.12.25. The run will take place in the open air, among the paths and green landscapes of the Ben Shemen Forest, combining the spirit of the holiday with a unique sporting activity at the historic site of the Maccabees.
Participants can choose from three distances: 3 km, 5 km and 10 km, suited to runners of all ages and abilities. Families, children, running groups and experienced runners will be able to take part in a festive running experience that takes place between the Monks' Valley and the Maccabean graves, in the heart of the place where the heroic story of the Hasmonean Revolt began.
At the end of the run, participants will gather for a festive ceremony, where the winners will receive their awards, with the lighting of the sixth Chanuka candle, and donuts.
Hundreds of participants have already registered for the run and registration is in full swing on the municipality's website until Thursday, December 11th. https://www.sportmodiin.co.il
For puzzle lovers: an interactive task game "Following the Light" on Friday, December 19 at 10:00 throughout the city. A community, innovative, challenging, creative and fun experience, in a family/group game with mobile phones. The game involves moving between different stations around the city by vehicle. At each station, you must complete interesting tasks related to Chanukah. Last entry to the game will be possible at 11:00.
The activity is free of charge and requires advance registration on the municipality's website. Those who register will receive a link to the game.
On Monday, December 15th, the Modi'in and Hasmonean Heritage Conference, named after the late Prof. Yair Parag, will be held in the Einan Hall at the Azrieli Mall. The conference, which is now in its 21st year, presents new and fascinating research and findings from the ancient Modi'in period to the present day.
The conference is run by Multidisciplinary Center, the Hasmonean Heritage Museum, and Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut Municipality, in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority and Bar Ilan University.
As every year, the conference will include panels on various topics with the participation of top researchers and experts in the fields of history, archaeology, and the environment. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.
During the day, tours will be held under the guidance of the Israel Antiquities Authority at three sites: the archaeological park in Givat Ashon, the ruins of Kfar Ruth, and the ruins of Peush and the winepresses that were uncovered in the community excavations in Titora. The cost of each tour: only 10 shekels.
Also on 15.12, the annual photographers' conference will take place at 20:00. in collaboration with National Geographic and produced by "Creative Land". A unique conference that offers a fascinating look at culture and heritage in the digital age through the lenses of Alex Parfury, a leading and successful street photographer in Israel and Harel Stanton, an ethnographic photographer and international lecturer.
Representatives of National Geographic Israel will also participate, presenting a look at culture and heritage as reflected in one of the most influential magazines in the world. Ticket price: 40 shekels.
An exhibition of works on the topic of heritage by students of the program will be displayed in the lobby of the Einan Hall Art at Ironi Alef High School, led by Shira Hirsch-Shilo and Assaf Abutbul.
For details and to register for the Hasmonean Heritage Conference in Modi'in and its surroundings
For details and to register for the Annual Photographers' Conference
The Hasmonean Heritage Museum offers a variety of events for the whole family, bringing to life the characters of the heroes who lived in the city and the ancient crafts practiced there, in a series of fascinating and enriching content workshops and performances for children.
In the mosaic-making workshop, participants will leave with a personal mosaic. In the ancient Greek-style pottery decoration workshop, guided by the Israel Antiquities Authority, they will discover some of the hidden secrets of the Greek potters and experiment with an ancient technique for decorating pottery.
In the pottery candle-making workshop, also guided by the Israel Antiquities Authority, methods for making candles and their archaeological value will be discovered. In the healing workshop, which is a workshop in which ancient vessels are repaired and pottery is glued together to create a complete vessel, each participant will make and paint pottery.
The motif of light in Chanukah will be expressed in the magic lantern workshop, where they will prepare, draw and color a magic lantern.
In addition, there will also be performances and activities – “The Secret of Modi’in”, an experiential performance for the whole family, in which the connection between Modi’in and the ancient oil jar and characters from the timeline will be revealed.
“Family Friday – A Theatrical Journey Through Time from Hasmonean Times to the Present” An encounter with history through imagination, using archaeological artifacts, masks, accessories and sounds.
Hurvat Ashon will be transformed into a Hasmonean time for one day with a variety of workshops on ancient technologies, tours and fascinating experiences in the spirit of the period – demonstrations of ancient crafts – spinning, weaving, metalworking, coin minting and more!
Participation in activities is from 4 years of age and up.
Price per activity per participant 30–40 NIS including a visit to the museum.
The activity at Hurvat Ashon is free of charge.
Details and registration on the Hasmonean Heritage Museum website, or by phone 08-9737344
Sachlabim Association events for Chanukah include storytime, theater, and activities for parents and children.
On Thursday, 11.12.25 at 17:00, parents and children will be able to enjoy the "Guests for Chanukah" story theater hosted by Nurit at Sachlabim. On Tuesday, 16.12.25 at 17:00, a colorful theater will be held at the ecological farm, and on Wednesday, 17.12.25, a Chanukah party at Sachlabim for little ones ages 1.5-3 years old. On Sunday, 21.12.25 at 17:00, a festive children's concert with the Modi'in Symphony Orchestra at Sachlabim Hall, inviting you to an exciting, colorful and imaginative musical adventure. The Modi'in Open Chess Championship will also be held during Chanukah at Sachlabim on Monday, 22.12.25 at 10:00.
During the holiday, Sachlabim Association is running its "Nitzanim” program, in the mornings for kindergarten children and students in grades 1-3 in schools and kindergartens throughout the city, comprising classes, games, stories, songs and works, as well as professional sports camps in soccer, roller skating, and table tennis.
The Community Division also celebrates the holiday with a Greek evening for senior citizens with songs and dances with the Sirtaki band, on Tuesday, December 16 at 19:30 at the Ela Center, Beit Yad Lebanim. Free of charge.
On Monday, December 22, at 17:00 the show, “Like a Bird,” with Shirley Magald, a tribute to the legendary singer Ofra Haza, at Beit LeBanim.
Cost for a senior citizens and city residents: 30 NIS. Registration on the municipality website.
