32 Festive Hanukkah Events for Families in NYC
Hanukkah begins Sunday night, December 14, and we have rounded up enough events in New York City to keep the family celebrating for all eight nights!
Psst…Check out 8 Hanukkah-Themed Gift Ideas 2025
Manhattan
Chanukah Extravaganzukah
92 St Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
Sunday, Dec. 14, 10:30 am
All ages
$10; $5 child
Kick off the Chanukah festivities with a joyous and interactive performance from the renowned Israeli Dance Troupe “Parparim!” — featuring Chanukah robots, dancing dreidels, and more! Then, the extravaganzukah continues with potato latkes, sufganiot (donuts), crafts, games, and fun for all.
Hanukkah Family Day Drop-In Art-Making Activities + Concerts
The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave., Upper East Side
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 am – 3:30 pm
All ages
$24; free for ages 18 and younger
Enjoy the festival of lights through art and live music at the Jewish Museum! Dance to the catchy pop tunes of Grammy winner Joanie Leeds. See a dazzling new display of more than 130 Hanukkah menorahs from around the world, create light-inspired sculptures, experience a light installation with artist Doug Fitch that brings your puppets to life, and design a personal menorah inspired by the Museum’s collection and art on view in the exhibition Anish Kapoor: Early Works.
HereNow Hanukkah: Light Up Your Life
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side
Sunday, Dec. 14, noon – 4 pm
Ages 13 and older
Free
Advanced registration required
This festival for Jewish teens focused on joy, wellness, creativity, and resilience. It will feature Max Cohen and Carly Weinstein sharing their stories, Nory Aronfeld playing a new Hanukkah song, Latke and donut stations, Little Words Project Bar, DIY mental health kits, community building, and the option to get 2 hours of Community Service.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting & Celebration
The Seaport, 12 Fulton St., Downtown Manhattan
Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 – 5 pm
All ages
Free
All are welcome at this family-friendly holiday celebration, which will include face painting, popcorn, chocolate, and other traditional treats, and a musical performance by the FiDi Hebrew School. The pinnacle of the afternoon will be the traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, featuring this year’s grand Menorah made from LEGO.
Nightly Lighting of World’s Largest Menorah
Grand Army Plaza – Fifth Avenue, North side of 59th St. at Central Park, Midtown
Dec. 14, Sundays – Thursdays, 5:30 pm, through Dec. 21; Friday, Dec. 19, 3:45 pm; Saturday, Dec. 20, 8:30 pm
All ages
Free
The World’s Largest Menorah was designed by World-Renowned sculpture artist Yaacov Agam, the towering 36-foot menorah. Certified as the world’s largest by the Guinness Book of World Records—the menorah was inspired by a hand drawing by Maimonides of the original menorah in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Organized by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, the nightly celebration will feature a public menorah-lighting ceremony, live music, spirited dancing and Chanukah treats like donuts and chocolate gelt.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards, West Side
Monday, Dec. 15, 4:30 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 2nd night of Hanukkah with delicious donuts and a menorah lighting hosted by Chabad of Midtown.
Chanukah On Ice NYC
Central Park Wollman Rink, 830 5th Ave., Upper East Side
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6 – 9 pm
Ages 3 and older
$35 until day of event; $40 day of event; free for children younger than 2
Advanced registration required
Take part in this annual tradition and enjoy the experience of skating to the sounds of festive Chanukah music DJ’d by Yoni Stokar, together with the signature Dreidel mascot spinning on the ice.
Fire & Ice: Giant Ice Menorah
Chabad of Midtown Manhattan, 509 Fifth Ave., Midtown
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 pm
All ages
Free
RSVP requested
For the 4th night of Chanukah, see a 12 ft. menorah chainsaw chiseled out of ice! Plus, donuts, latkes, and music!
14Y’s Chanukah in Union Square
Union Square Park, North Plaza, 17th St. from Broadway to Union Square East, Union Square
Thursday, Dec. 18, 6 – 7 pm
All ages
Free
Light the menorah, enjoy special performances by Broadway star and Grammy winner Adam Kantor and acclaimed singer Galeet Dardashti, and create a true New York Chanukah moment filled with community, warmth, and light.
Spin, Sing, and Shine for Hanukkah at CMOM
The Tisch Building at CMOM, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side
Dec. 19 – 21, Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Ages 8 and younger
$18
Light up the story of Hanukkah with folk tunes, dancing dreidels, and puppet play!
Eldridge Arts & Learning: Chanukah!
Museum at Eldridge St., 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side
Sunday, Dec. 21, 10 – 11 am
Ages 5 and older
$15; $10 seniors and students; $8 ages 5 and older
Advanced registration required
Join the Museum at Eldridge Street for a special program celebrating the Festival of Lights in their historic synagogue! This event will feature a family-friendly retelling of the Chanukah story, an exploration of how Chanukah has changed over the past 150 years, and will conclude with holiday crafts and games!
Bronx
Riverdale Menorah Lighting
The Bell Monument at Bell Tower Park, W. 239th St. & Riverdale Ave., Riverdale
Dec. 14, Sundays – Thursdays, 4 pm, through Dec. 21; Friday, Dec. 19, 3 pm; Sunday, Dec. 20, 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with donuts, latkes, dreidels, Judah the Maccabee, dancing, live music, and menorah lighting. All other nights of Chanukah, return for daily menorah lightings.
Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting
Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse, Concourse
Thursday, Dec. 18, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
All ages
Free
Gather together to share in the joy, tradition, and community spirit of Chanukah with singing, refreshments, and the lighting of the menorah.
Brooklyn
Chanukah Family Fest
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy., Crown Heights
Dec. 14, Sundays, 10 am – 5:30 pm, Mondays – Thursdays, 10 am – 5 pm, through Dec. 22
Ages 10 and younger
Included with admission: $16-$19
Join the Jewish Children’s Museum for the ultimate Chanukah family experience. Get into the holiday spirit by decorating a mouth-watering holiday donut and discover the art of olive oil making in a fascinating and interactive workshop. Don’t forget to get crafty—make your own Chanukah picture at the Giant Menorah Mural. Plus, a new sensory Chanukah play space will be added for an extra hands-on experience. Step into a world of wonder as you explore the museum’s unique Jewish and Chanukah exhibits.
JCC Brooklyn Windsor Terrace Hanukkah Celebration
JCC Brooklyn Windsor Terrace, 1224 Prospect Ave., Windsor Terrace
Sunday, Dec. 14, 10 am – noon
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required
Enjoy a morning of music, fun activities, and delicious treats like latkes and sufganyot that will surely bring the joy of Hanukkah!
Kings Bay Y Hanukkah Carnival
Kings Bay Y, 3495 Nostrand Ave., Sheepshead Bay
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 am – 2 pm
All ages
Free admission
Advanced registration required
Get ready for Hanukkah with a day of fun featuring inflatables, food, arts and crafts, sufganyot (donuts) making, a special liver performance, and other surprises.
Winter Donut Party
Shorefront YM-YWHA, 3300 Coney Island Ave., Brighton Beach
Sunday, Dec. 14, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free admission
Advanced registration required
Enjoy a fun-filled day packed with delicious treats, fun activities and lots of surprises for the whole family! The event includes activities, gifts, dancing, music, photo booth, arts & crafts, and a special performance.
Light It Up Brooklyn! Family Hanukkah Arts Festival & Shuk
The Senesh School, 342 Smith St., Carroll Gardens
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1:30 – 4 pm
All ages
$10 per child; free for adults
RSVP requested
Join families from across Brooklyn for a festive afternoon filled with hands-on Hanukkah art stations, music and dance, live storytime with visiting authors and illustrators, and beloved pop-up holiday Shuk (market) featuring incredible local Jewish and Israeli vendors – featuring toys, Judaica, art, jewelry, clothing, artisanal foods, and family-friendly gifts
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah, 1 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 pm; Monday–Thursday, Dec. 15 – 18, 6 pm; Friday, Dec. 19, 3:30 pm; Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:15 pm; Monday, Dec. 21, 5 pm
All ages
Free
The Largest Menorah in Brooklyn has been towering over New York since 1985 and is a must on everyone’s calendar. Every night of Chanukah, thousands celebrate with the accompaniment of live music and hot latkes for all. Plus, special gifts for children. For the 1st Night of Chanukah, there is a special free concert with world-renowned Jewish music group, Pumpidisa.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Kings Plaza
Kings Plaza Shopping Center, 5100 Kings Plaza, Mill Basin
Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 – 7 pm
All ages
Free
Join The Chabad House of Mill Basin and community for a Chanukah Celebration!
Family Shabbos Party with Greenpoint Shul: The Festival of Fire and Light
The Greenpoint Shul, 108 Noble St., Greenpoint
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:30 – 6 pm
All ages
$10
Register in advance
Families and kids — come show off your dreidel-spinning skills! Learn the classic dreidel game (plus a few fun Greenpoint Shul twists), win chocolate coins, enjoy fresh latkes, and spend time with friends and neighbors. While the kids are playing downstairs, Rabbi Isaiah will give a shiur for parents upstairs – “The Festival of Fire & Light: A Dual Approach to Parenting and Leadership.” Conclude together with a musical Havdalah and Chanukah candle lighting!
Queens
Chanukah Party
Chabad of Eastern Queens, 211-05 Union Tnpk., Queens Village
Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 pm
All ages
Free
RSVP requested
This Chanukah Drum Circle for the whole family features Chanukah games and crafts, a dairy dinner, Chanukah gelt, donuts, and menorah lighting.
Chanukah Gelt Together + Mini Arts Market
Ashreynu, 21-14 30th Ave., Astoria
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 5:30 – 8 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the third night of Chanukah/Hanukkah at Ashreynu’s Gelt Together, a vibrant evening of arts, music, community, and festive fun in Astoria. Join friends, neighbors, and local makers for a unique arts and community experience that combines creativity, celebration, and the joy of Chanukah! Enjoy a special wine and cocktail bar (cash/venmo), mini arts fair featuring makers and community vendors (Jewish and allies!), candle lighting with LED lights and glowstick cords, Latke toppings bar with live voting for your favorites, and plenty of sufganiyot, and interactive stations including a photobooth and LEGO magic. Kids, bring your sleeping bags and cozy up for some cartoons!
Havdalukah: A Chanukah & Havdalah Celebration
Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4 pm
Ages 5 and younger
$18
Join Tkiya and PJ Library to celebrate the 7th night of Chanukah and Havdalah, the end of Shabbat. There will be music, movement, stories, crafts, latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and so much more!
Chanukah Pajamakah Havdalah at Temple Beth Sholom
Temple Beth Sholom of Flushing, 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
All ages
$5; free for children younger than 2
Advanced registration required
Slip into your coziest pajamas for a joyful, family-friendly Chanukah celebration as Shabbat comes to a close and welcome the new week! The program begins with a musical Havdalah ceremony—braided candle, spices, wine, and plenty of singing—followed by lighting the Chanukah candles together. Feel free to bring your own chanukiyah and candles if you’d like to add to the glow. After the ceremony, enjoy latkes, sufganiyot, and light dairy snacks/kid-friendly treats to keep the evening festive. Activities will include Chanukah crafts, dreidel games, a cozy story corner for younger children, make-your-own spice bags, and fun photo opportunities—perfect for families in pajamas! Adults can relax with coffee and conversation.
Outdoor Hanukkah LIVE Concert in Queens with The Shuk Music Group
Under the 7 Sunnyside, 46th St. and Bliss Plaza, Sunnyside
Sunday, Dec. 21, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
Bring your family and friends to sing, dance, and celebrate the last day of Hanukkah together with donuts, hot cider, and more Hanukkah favorites. Then, light the Menorah together
Community Chanukah Celebration
Chabad of Little Neck, 254-05 Cullman Ave. Little Neck
Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 pm
All ages
Free
Bundle up for an outdoor menorah lighting featuring latkes, donuts, and music!
Chanukah Spectacular
Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-44 47th Road, Long Island City
Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 pm
All ages
Free
Be there for the last menorah lighting of Chanukah and witness “The Twins from France” as they put on a show-stopping, adrenaline-packed performance!
Staten Island
Chanukah Family Party
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road, South Shore
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 – 2:30 pm
All ages
$12 per child; free for adults and children younger than 2
Join the JCC for a fun family event with Chanukah games, crafts, and holiday snacks! The Mainstage Theater Company will be performing a Chanukah Game Show with trivia, physical challenges, and more.
Hanukkah Storytime + Craft
St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave., St. George
Monday, Dec. 15, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Ages 8 and younger
Free
Celebrate Hanukkah with stories, creativity, and fun! Begin with a cozy Hanukkah-themed storytime, where children can enjoy festive tales about lights, miracles, and togetherness. After the stories, kids can make their own simple Hanukkah craft to take home.
Menorah Lighting at VCP Financial
VCP Financial, 2535 Victory Blvd., Graniteville
Monday, Dec. 15, 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 2nd night Chanukah with songs, dancing, delicious doughnuts, tasty latkes, and menorah lighting.
Menorah Lighting – Menorah Chapels
Menorah Chapels, 2145 Richmond Ave., Willowbrook
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the 3rd night of Chanukah with music, hot latkes, and outdoor menorah lighting.
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