Get your family into the Hanukkah spirit with one of these community celebrations! From theatrical productions to Hanukkah on ice, the city is ready to celebrate the festival of lights, starting at sundown on December 16 through December 24.
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
December 14: Head down to the Jewish Museum for an afternoon of Hanukkah-themed activities, from dreidel decorating to a spotlight tour of menorahs from all over the world. Drop-in art workshops will run from 12-4pm, Jeff Hopkins will host a drawing performance–“Hanukkah Stories Coming to Life”–at 12:30pm, and the ShirLaLa Hanukkah concert will start at 2:30pm. 12-4pm; free with museum admission. 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd Street, thejewishmuseum.org
Poppy Seed Players: Latkes & Applesauce at Merkin Concert Hall
December 14: The Poppy Seed Players will host an afternoon of music and theater, brought to you by the Kaufman Music Center, that incorporates a Hanukkah-themed version of “A Christmas Carol” and a performance of “Thomas, the Shammus at the Merkin Concert Hall. Recommended for ages 4-10. 11am; $20.00 per person or $50.00 for a three-concert family subscription. Merkin Concert Hall, 169 West 67th Street at Amsterdam Avenue, kaufmanmusiccenter.org
December 14: Families will enjoy seasonal activities including menorah-making, winter crafts, live entertainment, make-your-own sufganiyot, and more. In the generous spirit of the season, there will also be opportunities to give back to the community, with a holiday gift drive and a holiday card making session. $12-$17; 11am. The 92Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, 92y.org
Hanukkah Bash Sponsored by the Jewish Community Project
December 14: Join the Jewish Community Project for a Hanukkah celebration featuring live music, face-painting, candle-making, and a magic show. Latkes will be provided, and each family is asked to bring an unwrapped educational or sports-related toy for a child in need between the ages of 2-14. All ages welcome. 11am-1:30pm; $18.00 contribution per person or $60.00 donation for a family of four or more requested. Citigroup, 388 Greenwich Street, jcpdowntown.org
Menorah Madness with Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights at the Museum of Jewish Heritage
December 14: Children’s musical artist Joanie Leeds will host an afternoon of musical fun for the entire family at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Crafts will begin at 1pm, and the concert will begin at 2pm. A mini-tour of the museum is also available at 1:30pm for your older family members. 1pm; $7.00 and free for up to three children for members, $5.00 fee for each additional child. Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, mjhnyc.org
Menorah Lighting at the Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn
December 16-23: Gather the whole family and head down to the Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope, Brooklyn to witness the lighting of the world’s largest menorah. Standing at 30 feet tall, the menorah will be lit on each night of Hanukkah, beginning on December 16 at 6pm. Live music, warm latkes, and gifts for the children will be available on all eight evenings. Free; Grand Army Plaza at Prospect Park, Brooklyn, chabadparkslope.com
Chanukah on Ice at the Trump Wollman Rink
December 16: Head to the Trump Wollman Rink in Central Park to skate to the the music of the Shima Orchestra . An assortment of kosher food will be available and there will be a lighting ceremony of a giant menorah at the end of the evening! All ages are welcome. 6-9 pm; $25.00 online registration with skate rentals,$28.00 at the door with rentals. Trump Wollman Rink, Central Park, chanukahonice.org
First Night, First Light at the JCC Manhattan
December 16: In a new community tradition, join the JCC Manhattan for an incredible Upper West Side gathering to light the first candle. Featuring a Chanukah concert with Shira Kline, candle lighting, children’s activities that include candle making, a driedel tournament, a word find, and an under 3 play space. There will also be a community menorah project. Admission to this event is free and open to all ages. Food available for purchase. 4:30-6pm. JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at West 76th Street, jccmanhattan.org
Chanukah Art Festival at the Jewish Children’s Museum
December 17-24: The Jewish Children’s Museum is holding a week-long art festival in celebration of Hanukkah! Beginning December 17, the museum will hold olive pressing, stained-glass art and donut decorating workshops. There will also be a menorah lighting, and an opportunity to meet the historical figureJudah Maccabe everyday of the festival! All ages are welcome. Hours vary; $13.00 per person; Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, jcm.museum
