26 Great Family-Friendly Hanukkah Events on Long Island
Celebrate Hanukkah with family-friendly events across Long Island this holiday season! From Menorah lightings and fun crafts to lively performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Psst…Check out Festive Hanukkah Events for Families in New York City
Nassau County
Chanukah Havdalah Pajama Party
Merrick Jewish Centre, 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick
Saturday, Dec. 13, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Ages 10 and younger
Free
Advanced registration required
Get ready for Chanukah with latkes, snacks, treats, and Havdalah ceremony. Then enjoy a musical performance and sing along with craft and games.
Chanukah Concert at Green Acres
Green Acres Mall, 2034 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream
Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 – 9 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy a live performance by Aryeh Kunstler at Center Court (in front of Primark and Uniqlo) and complimentary traditional kosher jelly donuts from Geffen Gourmet (while supplies last).
Chanukah Fair
Mid Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 am – 2 pm
All ages
Free with a donation of diapers or wipes
This family-friendly event promises an afternoon filled with interactive activities, festive fun, and opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors. Guests can enjoy a latke station, participate in Chanukah-themed art projects, test their skills in the “World Series of Dreidel,” and explore a hands-on STEM activity designed for curious minds of all ages.
Chanukah Experience
Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh, 2174 Hewlett Ave., Merrick
Sunday, Dec. 14, 3:30 pm
All ages
Free
RSVP requested
Kick off 8 nights of Chanukah fun with the 29th Annual Great Car Menorah Parade beginning at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. March along with cars and a firetruck with rooftop menorahs. The parade ends at the Merrick LIRR station near the gazebo with the lighting of the 13-foot menorah along with music and dancing. Then, the evening continues with a special Chanukah show starring Alan and Tatyana Forman, JELC and Chabad Hebrew School students, with hot latkes and delicious donuts.
Cedarhurst Menorah Lightings
Andrew J. Parise Park, 257 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst
Dec. 14, 5 pm; Dec. 15 & 16, 6 pm; Dec. 17 & 18, 5:30 pm; Dec. 19, 3:30 pm; Dec. 20, 6:30 pm; Dec. 21, 5 pm
All ages
Free
For each of the eight nights of Chanukah, Rabbi Wolowik of the Five Towns Chabad Center will be leading the Chanukah festivities. There will be something special on each night!
Chanukah on Ice
Parkwood Ice Arena, 65 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck
Sunday, Dec. 14, 7 – 10 pm
All ages
$20 admission; $5 to skate
It will be one cool Chanukah with ice skating and menorah lighting at center ice.
Hewlett Grand Menorah Lighting
Corner of Piermont Ave & Broadway, Hewlett
Monday, Dec. 15, 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
The Hewlett Grand Menorah Lighting will take place on the 2nd night of Chanukah followed by activities next door at the Lighthouse with live music, warm refreshments, and a gelt drop.
Great Neck Grand Outdoor Menorah Lighting
Great Neck LIRR Station, Middle Neck Road & Station Plaza, Great Neck
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 4th night of Chanukah with entertainment, doughnuts, and prizes for children, and menorah lighting with Great Neck dignitaries.
Grand Community Menorah Lighting
Village Green, Corner of Beach & Middle Neck Road, Great Neck
Thursday, Dec. 18, 5 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy doughnuts, hot chocolate, live music, a performance by the Silverstein Hebrew Academy, gelt drop, and menorah lighting.
JCC Chanukah Carnival
JCC of Great Neck, 143 Steamboat Road, Great Neck
Sunday, Dec. 21, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
All ages
$10 in advance; $15 day of the event at the door
Enjoy an afternoon of carnival games and donut decorating!
Suffolk County
TJ Tana Interactive Illusionist
SYJCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack
Sunday, Dec. 14, 10 am – noon
All ages
$12 – $15
Bring the family for a joyful Hanukkah celebration filled with wonder, laughter, and hands-on fun! The morning begins with an engaging, hour-long performance by illusionist TJ Tana, whose interactive magic, mind-reading, and comedic surprises keep audiences of all ages entertained. Children will have the chance to participate throughout the show, making it an exciting and memorable holiday experience. After the performance, families are invited to stay for a variety of Hanukkah-themed crafts and activities designed to spark creativity and connection. Tasty holiday treats will also be available, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Open Play Hanukkah Celebration
Wood Kingdom, 139E Alexander Ave., Lake Grove
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 am
Ages 8 and younger
$45
Kids will enjoy 90 minutes of play time, a gelt hunt with the Ice Queen, and delicious jelly donuts! Drink included.
Light Up East Hampton
Herrick Park, 67 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate with the 1st night of Chanukah with hot latkes, doughnuts, gelt drop, exciting entertainment, menorah lighting, and gifts for children who register.
Shelter Island Menorah Lighting
Shelter Island Police Department, 44 N Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4:30 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with treats, crafts, music, and menorah lighting.
Town of Islip Menorah Lighting
Islip Town Hall, 655 Main St., Islip
Monday, Dec. 15, 4:30 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 2nd night of Chanukah with a community menorah lighting.
Outdoor Menorah Lighting
Ashawagh Hall, 780 Springs-Fireplace Road, East Hampton
Thursday, Dec. 18, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 5th night of Chanukah with music, latkes, donuts, and outdoor menorah lighting.
Sagaponack Village Menorah Lighting
The Lawn on Sagg Main St & Cemetery Lane, Sagaponack
Saturday, Dec. 20, 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at this joyful community gathering filled with warmth, tradition, and holiday spirit. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for the lighting of the menorah and usher in the glow of Chanukah together. Enjoy Chanukah treats, fun crafts, and festive music that will make the evening truly special for all ages.
MenorahCade
17 Woods Lane, East Hampton
Saturday, Dec. 20, 6 – 8 pm
All ages
Free
Reservations required to participate in the MenorahCade
Drive through the streets of East Hampton with a Menorah on your car starting at 17 Woods Lane and enjoy a menorah lighting in Amagansett.
Chanukah Chappening
North Shore Jewish Center, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station
Sunday, Dec. 21, 10:15 am – noon
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required
Enjoy food, see an olive oil press in action, try art projects, and play Hanukkah games. You can also buy raffle tickets for family-friendly prizes.
Winter Wonder Chanukah Party!
Center For Jewish Life – Sag Harbor, 24 Long Island Ave., Sag Harbor
Sunday, WHEN: Dec. 21, 1 – 3 pm
All ages
$18
RSVP requested
Celebrate Chanukah in a magical winter wonderland filled with joy, light, and family fun. Step into a festive world featuring a Snowman Bounce, Dreidel Snow Globe Craft, a lively Winter Carnival, exciting games, refreshing snow cones, cozy hot cocoa, delicious latkes, and plenty of chocolate coins to enjoy.
Outdoor Menorah Lighting
Village Green, 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 8th, and last night of Chanukah at Montauk Village Green with a community menorah lighting.
Psst…Check out 8 Hanukkah-Themed Gift Ideas 2025
