Hanukkah comes early in December this year, so if you’re
caught off guard without any plans, check out this list of fun, educational and
inspirational events going on around the city. Light a menorah, spin a dreidel,
chow down on some jelly doughnuts and even press your own olive oil at these family-friendly
celebrations.
Throughout December
[All Ages]
Old-Fashioned Hanukkah
Let your children roam free throughout the Jewish Children’s
Museum, and they’ll return with stories dating back thousands of years. Kids
can check out the 3D “6 days of Creation” exhibit, explore the kosher kitchen
and supermarket and step back in time to celebrate the Jewish holidays in an
old-fashioned shtetl. For Chanukah, press your own olive oil, and become a
newscaster—proclaiming the miracle of the holiday to the whole world! Museum is
open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Jewish Children’s
Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway,
Brooklyn, 718-467-0600,
jcm.museum.
December 1-8
[All Ages]
Kindling Candles
Families can stop by every night or just once for the 92nd
Street Y’s menorah lighting ceremony, which will feature a live performance of
traditional Hanukkah songs from children’s singer Karina Zilberman, dancing and of course,
the celebratory lighting of the menorah. Chocolate gelt will be handed out as a sweet
ending to the celebration. Festivities begin each night at 4:30 p.m. 92nd Street
Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue,
212-415-5500,
92y.org.
December 2
[Ages 6 to 12]
I Have a Little Dreidel
Explore the
history of Chanukah in this fun and interactive program at the 96th Street Branch Library. Children can learn about the eight-day holiday, then make their very own
dreidel – a four-sided top – to take home. After the craft, kids will
learn about the history of the traditional game and it’s rules and
instructions. The event begins at 4 p.m. 96th St. Branch Library, 112 E. 96th St., nypl.org.
December 3
[All ages]
Joanie’s Tunes
Celebrate Chanukah with children’s musical artist Joanie Leeds at the JCC in Manhattan! Families
will enjoy Joanie’s tunes will indulging in some delicious pizza. JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., jccmanhattan.org
December 5
[Ages 4-11]
Adventures In Applesauce
The Kaufman Center’s
Merkin Concert Hall kicks off this season’s series of musical revues about Jewish culture with the annual show “Latkes And
Applesauce.” Featuring work from some of New York’s
funniest writers and including elements like a Hanukkah version of “A Christmas Carol,” a Harry Potter skit, a
parody of “American Idol” and more, the show is a joyous holiday celebration not to be
missed. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street,
212-501-3340,
kaufman-center.org.
December 5
[Ages 3 and up]
Hanukkah Family Day
Join the Jewish Museum for Hanukkah Family Day, where
families can craft a found object menorah, design a colorful dreidel, see a
puppet show by Talking Hands Theatre and listen to holiday tunes by The
Macaroons. Finish the day by exploring architect Daniel Libeskind’s unique
installation of the Museum’s world famous Hanukkah lamps. Event runs from 12 to
4 p.m. The Jewish Museum, Fifth Avenue
at 92nd Street, 212-423-3337;
thejewishmuseum.org.
December 5
[All Ages]Festival of Lights
Take a turn at the oil press to create your own olive oil –
the miraculous liquid behind Hanukkah. Kids can also recreate the story of
Hanukkah, decorate cookies, build their own menorah, make candles and get their
face painted to celebrate this December holiday. Event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. 92nd Street
Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., 212-415-5500, 92y.org.
December 5
[All Ages]
Sesame Street Celebration
Watch Grover, Elmo, Big Bird and other familiar faces have
their own Hanukkah celebration at a premier screening of Shalom Sesame’s newest
holiday special. After the show families can enjoy Hanukkah snacks, crafts and
games. Event runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. JCC
in Manhattan, 334
Amsterdam Ave., 646-505-444, jccmanhattan.org.
December 5
[Ages 1-6]
Sunday Funday
A Hanukkah puppet show from Yellow Sneakers Production leads
the fun at the Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn. Plus
enjoy a sing-a-long, craft project, doughnuts, a 2-foot menorah to light and a
gift for each child. The event begins at 10 a.m.
Kane Street Synagogue, 235 Kane St.,
Brooklyn, 718-875-1550,
kanestreet.org.
December 5
[Ages 3 and up]
Storytelling from Sages
Folk singer Gerard Edery and storyteller Peninnah Schram
will enthrall their young audience with Hanukkah tales of kings, queens, sages
and tricksters. Before and after the concert, kids can enjoy craft activities
and games. The crafts run from 1:30
to 4:30 p.m., and the concert begins
at 2:30 p.m. The Museum
of Jewish Heritage, 36
Battery Place, 646-437-4200, mjhnyc.org.
December 8
[Ages 0-10]
An Annual Tradition
On December 8th, families can head to the Jewish Museum for its 16th Annual Family Hanukkah Party fundraiser, where grandparents, parents and kids can enjoy magic tricks, balloon art, face painting, family photos, Hanukkah shows , music, arts and crafts and much, much more. The event will also feature a buffet dinner and dessert. Families are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a child in need. 5:30-7:30 p.m., adult tickets are $150, child tickets are $75. The Jewish Museum, Fifth Avenue
at 92nd Street, 212-423-3337;
thejewishmuseum.org.
