Passover 2025: Essential Guide to Choosing Your Ideal Pesach Program

Finding the right Passover program for your family involves careful consideration and planning. Passover 2025 begins on Saturday night, April 12, and concludes on Sunday evening, April 20. This unique schedule, with the holiday starting right after Shabbat and including a three-day Yom Tov (from Friday evening through Monday night outside of Israel), presents specific challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re experienced with Pesach programs or considering one for the first time, grasping this year's unique Passover schedule, evaluating potential destinations, and staying updated on pricing changes are essential for planning your Pesach vacation. This guide will help you navigate these aspects to ensure that your selection aligns with your family’s needs and expectations, making your holiday both memorable and fulfilling.

 

 

As in recent years, there is a wide variety of destinations available for Passover programs to suit everyone's preferences. Whether you need to stay close to work, prefer not traveling far, wish to relax on a beach, or seek an adventurous getaway, TJT's ultimate guide to Pesach programs has something for every traveler.

 

With nearly 150 programs worldwide, you'll have no trouble finding a Pesach program to suit your style and budget. Passover 2025, starting in mid-April, typically offers warmer weather than earlier in the spring. While we cannot predict the weather, it's best to check the expected weather patterns for your Passover program destination so you can plan accordingly. The U.S. and Mexico remain popular choices for Americans who prefer not to travel abroad. For those looking to go further afield, Europe continues to be a top choice with many established Passover programs, particularly in Greece and Italy. Based on last year's offerings, we anticipate additional programs will be announced as we get closer to the holiday.

 

In Israel, despite the ongoing conflict, there were successful Pesach programs in Israel in 2024, showcasing the country's resilience in hosting visitors. There are already Passover programs planned in Israel for 2025. Amidst the evolving situation, while some foreign airlines have suspended flights, El Al has reliably maintained its services. It is advisable to book your tickets on El Al so you don’t miss out on the special Pesach in Israel experience.

 

 

Passover 2025 introduces a unique scheduling challenge that requires careful planning for the holiday. Pesach starts on Saturday night, April 12, but preparations must be complete before Shabbat starts on Friday evening, April 11. This means that Pesach 2025 is a "three-day Yom Tov" outside of Israel, where Shabbat transitions directly into the first two days of Passover. There is a “two-day chag” in Israel, where only one day is observed at the beginning. Even though Shabbat is not part of Passover, you have to be completely ready for Pesach before Shabbat because it goes right into the holiday. 

 

Passover programs in 2025 will begin one day earlier than usual, starting on Friday, April 11. This extends the duration of these programs from the typical 10 days to 11 days. This change not only affects the travel schedules but may also impact the pricing structures of these programs, as they include an extra day of meals, activities, and lodging.

 

The holiday schedule provides ample Chol Hamoed days for fun and activities, with five days in Israel and four days outside of Israel. With a three-day Yom Tov at the beginning and several Chol Hamoed days, this year is an excellent opportunity to go away for Pesach.

 

 

With Passover beginning on Saturday night, programs are adjusting to an 11-day format starting from Friday, which marks a shift from the typical 10-day schedule. This change is significant, not only extending the duration but also influencing the overall costs, with prices reflecting the additional day and the logistics of a three-day Yom Tov.

 

There is always a wide range of pricing when it comes to Passover programs depending on the location, quality of hotel and program amenities. While it’s a bit early to provide precise pricing for this year, you can reference the 2024 prices as a baseline but expect them to be somewhat higher due to annual adjustments. Passover programs in Europe last year started as low as €1,290 per person and reached up to €10,000, with most programs falling between €2,000 and €3,500 per person based on double occupancy. In the U.S., programs typically ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 per person. Chabad programs, known for their affordability, were priced around $2,000 per person. In Mexico, high-end resort programs averaged about $5,000 per person, and in Israel, program costs ranged from ₪8,000 to ₪15,000 per person.

 

 

The importance of travel insurance continues to be underscored by unpredictable global events, as well as personal circumstances that might affect your travel plans. Opting for CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) insurance is highly recommended to safeguard your investment against unforeseen global and personal issues, ensuring peace of mind as you plan your holiday.

 

Try to get references from previous guests of the Passover program that you are considering. This is the best way to get an accurate picture of the program. Stay away from Pesach program review platforms. This has become a problem over the past year or two, with people relying on the reviews posted on websites and groups but the reviews are oftentimes false and inaccurate. The best way to check out a hotel or resort amenities is by looking at unbiased review platforms, as these are more accurate and up to date.

 

 

Passover 2025 may be seven months away, but it will be here before you know it. Starting your preparations now can ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration. Whether you’re seeking tranquility on a tropical beach, a cultural adventure in Europe, or a spiritual stay in Israel, our guide will help you confidently choose the right Passover program. Early planning and flexibility in your travel and accommodation arrangements are crucial for a more relaxing Pesach holiday experience. Start your Passover program planning armed with all the right tools and information for a truly fulfilling and memorable celebration. Be sure to check out our tips for choosing a successful Pesach program in 2025 to avoid any surprises.