Passover vacation on the beach (Photo: Envato)
Passover is a time for family, tradition and celebrating together. For generations, families have gathered around the Seder table to retell the story of the Exodus, share traditions and create memories. But getting ready for Pesach can also mean weeks of cleaning, kashering, shopping and cooking.
Passover programs offer a very different way to spend the holiday. With kosher-for-Pesach meals, Sedarim, minyanim and holiday arrangements taken care of, families can spend more time together and enjoy a vacation at the same time.
Today, there are Passover programs at hotels and resorts around the world, with options ranging from beachfront getaways and luxury resorts to smaller hotels and more affordable programs. Many also offer children's programs, entertainment, lectures and Chol Hamoed activities and excursions.
If you're considering a Passover program for Pesach 2027, here are five reasons families choose to spend the holiday this way.
1. Skip the Prep and Stress
Preparing for Pesach is a lot of work. There’s cleaning, kashering, shopping and cooking, often starting weeks before the holiday.
At a Passover program, much of that work is taken care of. The hotel or resort is prepared for Pesach, meals are provided throughout the holiday, and Sedarim and minyanim are organized. Instead of planning menus and spending hours in the kitchen, you can arrive and focus on enjoying the chag with family and friends.
For many families, simply taking a year off from the usual Pesach preparation is one of the biggest reasons to choose a program.
2. Turn Pesach into a Vacation
With schools closed for Pesach, the holiday is a natural time for families to travel together. Passover programs combine Yom Tov with the chance to get away and enjoy a change of scenery.
There are programs at beachfront resorts, mountain retreats, countryside hotels and city properties around the world. Depending on the destination, guests may have access to pools, spas, fitness centers, sports and other resort amenities. Many programs also offer dedicated activities for children and teens, giving everyone in the family something to enjoy.
3. Meet People and Enjoy the Social Side of Pesach
One of the things that makes a Passover program different from a regular hotel vacation is the social atmosphere. Guests come from different cities, countries and Jewish communities, with plenty of opportunities to meet during meals, lectures, activities and Chol Hamoed outings.
Children and teens often make friends through organized programs, while adults have their own opportunities to socialize. Some programs also cater specifically to singles or offer activities designed to make it easier for guests to meet one another.
Lindos Castle and village in Rhodes (Photo: Envato)
4. Explore a New Destination During Chol Hamoed
For many travelers, the destination is a big part of choosing a Passover program. Some programs organize Chol Hamoed excursions, while others provide boxed lunches so guests can head out and explore independently.
- Pesach in Israel: Visit national parks and historic sites, experience Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel, or enjoy Chol Hamoed activities around the country.
- Pesach in Europe: Combine Pesach with beaches, historic cities, Jewish heritage sites and sightseeing in destinations across Greece, Italy, Spain, Montenegro, the UK and beyond.
- Pesach in South Africa: Combine your Passover vacation with wildlife, beautiful scenery and the opportunity to add a safari to your trip.
- Pesach in the Caribbean & South America: Enjoy warm weather, beaches and excursions while spending Pesach at a kosher program.
Choosing a different destination can make each Pesach feel like a completely new experience, while the program takes care of the kosher food and holiday arrangements.
5. Spend More Time Together as a Family
Without the usual cooking, serving and cleaning, there is more time to spend together during the holiday. This can be especially appealing to extended families who want to celebrate Pesach together without one person having to host everyone.
Kids can enjoy organized activities, teens have opportunities to spend time with others their age, and adults can relax or join their own activities. For grandparents, parents, children and cousins traveling together, a Passover program can make it much easier to gather everyone in one place.
For more on planning Pesach with the whole family, see our guide to Passover programs as a family vacation adventure.
Is a Passover Program Right for Your Family?
Passover programs offer families a different way to celebrate Pesach, combining the traditions of Yom Tov with the convenience of having meals, accommodations and holiday arrangements taken care of. They also give families the opportunity to travel, spend time together and experience Pesach somewhere new.
With programs available at hotels and resorts around the world, there are options for different budgets, destinations and vacation styles. New programs for 2027 are continuing to be announced, so the choices will grow as Pesach gets closer.
Browse the latest Passover programs for 2027 and start exploring destinations and programs for next Pesach.