The festival of lights is a time for everyone across the city to celebrate, regardless of whether you’re Jewish. With so many events around the city, you’re bound to find one that will strike your particular fancy.
Through December 16
“The Flying Latke” at The Flea Theater
11am
What happens on the first night of Hanukkah when a food fight causes a latke (potato pancake) to be flung out the window and over the city leading to UFO hysteria? Find out at this hilarious play based on the beloved children book, The Flying Latke.
Through December 30
“The Three Bears Holiday Bash” at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Times vary
Just as New York is a mix of every culture, so is this show. Incorporating the stories of Hanukkah, the Night before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, “The Three Bears Holiday Bash” variety show features song, dance, and puppets!
December 8
Meet The Holiday: Hanukkah at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
2:30pm
Many people celebrate Hanukkah around the world. Learn about all of the various celebrations across the globe and make a very special craft for your own home. (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
December 8-16
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza
Times vary
Where is the world’s largest menorah located? Right at Grand Army Plaza, home to a 32-foot and 4,000 pound masterpiece. We guarantee it’s a lot bigger then the one you have on your table at home, so bring the family and be amazed.
December 9
Sunday Story Hour: Hanukkah: DiMenna Children’s History Museum
11:30am
This week, the historical storytime series at the New-York Historical Society gets a holiday twist with Eric Kimmel’s When Mindy Saved Hanukkah. Go back in time with Mindy and her family, who lives behind the walls of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
December 9
A Magical Chanukah at CBJ 401 9th Street
10am
Hanukkah gets hands-on at this crafty celebration. Help build a six-foot Bizzy Bitz menorah, make your own latkes, decorate your own donuts, and make sand art. Last but not least, don’t miss the live magic show! (Park Slope,Brooklyn)
December 9
Family Hanukkah Happening at Museum at Eldridge Street
11am
Become a Hanukkah historian as your family learns how this landmark was almost destroyed. Afterward, celebrate in the present day with traditional foods, songs, and lots of dreidel games.
December 9
JCP’s Hanukkah Bash at Jewish Community Project
11am
Join this community organization in listening to bands from the neighboringChurchStreetSchoolfor Music and Art, playing dreidel and Pictonary, watching a fast-paced latake cooking challenge, and creating your own menorah.
December 9
PoppySeed Players: Judy and the Maccabees at Merkin Concert Hall
11am
In this twist on the Hanukkah story we all know, here’s one all about power. In this musical production, Judy wants to free her people. At first Judas Maccabeus doesn’t want her help—until she comes up with a brilliant plan to win the war.
December 9
Hanukkah Family Day at The Jewish Museum
12pm noon
Listen to fun tunes by Yosi and the Superdads as you create your own menorah and check out all of the other exhibits at the museum. Also take part in a special light box project and the Hanukkah Lamp Tour.
December 9
Chanukah Celebration at West End Synagogue
2pm
Join the annual community-wide with tons of dancing, music, crafts, and food when this synagogue opens its doors. Performances from Israeli music theater star Stav Meishar ups the festivity.
December 9
Hands on Hanukkah at Books of Wonder
12pm noon
Get your photo with Debbie the Dreidel, make models of the traditional instrument from origami, and listen to plenty of stories one of the coolest bookshops in the city.
December 9-16
Chanukah deLIGHT! at the Jewish Children’s Museum
10am
Enjoy eight days of mesmerizing and delicious holiday events and hands-on activities at the museum. Don’t miss fire spinning performances by Dancing Dijnn, a deep-fried cookie demonstration, interactive olive pressing workshops, and the chance to make your own customized donut. (CrownHeights,Brooklyn)
December 10
Chanukah on Ice at Wollman Rink
6pm
Work off all of the latkes and jelly donuts you’ve been munching on the past few days as you skate to Jewish music played live by the Maccabeats. Kosher food will be available, and giant illumined ice-carved menorah will set the scene.
December 11
Small Wonder Puppet Theater’s “The Story of Chanukah” Puppet Show at CBJ 401 9th Street
4pm
This puppet show makes the history behind Chanukah super-engaging. It doesn’t hurt that hot latkes, jelly donuts, and special door prizes also come hand in hand. (Park Slope,Brooklyn)
December 12
Chanukah Lobby Celebration at JCC in Manhattan
9:30am
Looking for dreidels, crafts, cookies, and story time all in one place? Stop by this free celebration of all things Festival of Lights at this celebration drop off program opened to the public.
December 13
Chocolate, Chanukah & Cheer at Museum at Eldridge Street
6:30pm
Calling all chocolate lovers! Get ready to get your fingers covered in melty chocolate as you create your very own gelt or chocolate coins usually used in the dreidel game. After you make your yummy creations, get ready to play the game of the holiday.
December 14
Hanukkah Family Dinner at The 92nd Street Y
6 pm
It will be twice the holiday fun at this duo Hannukkah and Shabbat family dinner. Light the menorah and the Shabbat candles as you eat your fill of delicious latkes.
December 16
The National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene: My Yiddushe Chanukah at the Winter Garden
12pmnoon
Listening to these classic Yiddish songs and scenes from NYC’s Yiddish theater scene is a great way to give the holiday a musical sendoff.
