This weekend marks the first night of Hanukkah and there are plenty of ways to celebrate! From menorah lightings to dining at one of NYC’s best kosher restaurants, we have a whole list of ways to celebrate the “Festival of Lights.” So get ready to light the 8 candles, enjoy some delicious latkes, and have a celebration! Here are the best events and happenings for Hanukkah this year:
1. Maccabees Bar
This Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar is in NYC through December 31, and they’re serving up tasty treats and delicious themed cocktails. Come for the latkes and stay for the drinks, like the Hebrew Hammer (vodka, leavened sugar, lemon, and raspberry) and Latke Sour (apple brandy, potato, lemon, egg white, havana, and hyde bitters.)
Where: 64 Downing Street (Ollie West Village)
2. Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting
Brooklyn’s largest menorah will be lit for the first day of Hanukkah this weekend (Sunday, Dec 18) in Grand Army Plaza. A tradition that has spanned the NYC neighborhood for over 30 years, it’s one of the largest menorah lightings in NYC. Plus, the first night will feature a special kickoff concert by Zusha, an NYC-based American Hasidic folk & soul band, as well as treats and gifts for children. Check out the full lighting schedule below:
- 1st Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 18 Kickoff Concert Event begins at 4:00 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah, Monday, December 19 at 6:00 pm
- 3rd Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 20 at 6:00 pm
- 4th Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00 pm
- 5th Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 22 at 6:00 pm
- 6th Night of Chanukah, Friday, December 23 at 3:30 pm
- 7th Night of Chanukah, Saturday, December 24 at 7:15 pm
- 8th Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 25 at 5:00 pm
Where: Grand Army Plaza
3. Fifth Avenue Menorah Lighting
Manhattan’s Fifth Ave menorah has long rivaled Brooklyn’s for the most festive and largest in all of NYC, and this weekend it’s also being lit on the first day of the “Festival of Lights.” This 4,000 lb menorah is the world’s largest menorah and sits right here in Midtown Manhattan! You’re able to enjoy the menorah lighting each night this year, and you can see the schedule below:
- 1st Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 18 at 5:30 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah, Monday, December 19 at 5:30 pm
- 3rd Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 20 at 5:30 pm
- 4th Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30 pm
- 5th Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 22 at 5:30 pm
- 6th Night of Chanukah, Friday, December 23 at 3:30 pm
- 7th Night of Chanukah, Saturday, December 24 at 8:30 pm
- 8th Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 25 at 5:30 pm
Where: 5th Avenue and 59th Street
4. Chanukah on Ice at Wollman’s Rink
Wollman’s Rink in Central Park is one of our favorite ice skating rinks, and this year they’re doing “Chanukah On Ice,” which includes Jewish music all night long, complimentary kosher food, and a giant Ice Menorah–hand-carved by Bill Bywater. Of course you’ll be able to skate too! The event is on the second day of Hanukkah (Dec 19) from 6 – 9 pm. Tickets are $28 online and $35 at the door. You don’t want to miss this celebration.
Learn more here.
Where: Wollman Rink, Central Park (best entrance 59th St & 6th Ave)
5. Dessert and Dreidels at Cricket’s Candy Creations
Make marshmallow dreidels and candy menorahs at Cricket’s Candy Creations this weekend (Dec 18)! This kid-friendly activity is the best way to ring in the holiday and create a tasty treat in the process! This activity also focuses on teaching children about how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. The pop-up is in Tribeca and is a ticketed event! Learn more and check out their other holiday events here.
Where: 200 Hudson St
6. Chanukah on Ice at Seaport
On December 18, Seaport’s “Chanukah On Ice” will take place on the waterfront! You’ll be able to find festive music, ice skating, and performances by local artists and a children’s choir. Plus, there will be arts and crafts, face painting, a live ice menorah carving, traditional Jewish treats…and the annual menorah lighting! The event runs from 2:30 pm – 5 pm with the menorah lighting at 4 pm! The event is free, but you need to RSVP here.
Where: The Ice Rink at the Seaport & the Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17
7. The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum is NYC’s hub for amplifying and celebrating Jewish culture throughout the city, and there’s a few different Hanukkah happenings we should tell you about. For starters, schedule a visit to see their collection of Hanukkah lamps, which is the largest in the world at over 1,000. Next, stay for the “Hanukkah Art Mix” event on Dec 18 which includes drawing and art activities that correlate with the exhibit. Finally, check out one of Oran Etkin’s vibrant jazz and African music concerts on Dec 25.
Where: 1109 5th Ave &, E 92nd St
8. Enjoy collaborative latkes at 12 Chairs Cafe
Two NYC eateries 12 Chairs and Sherry Herring are partnering up this Hanukkah to collaborate on a trio of open-faced potato latkes sandwiches. Celebrating the their Jewish-Israeli heritage together, you’ll be able to get a taste of one of these delicious sandwiches with a yummy latke twist. The sandwiches will be available at both 12 Chairs Cafe and Sherry Herring from Dec 18-26. Check out the latke options and locations below:
- Matjes Herring topped with sour cream, onion, scallion and chili.
- Smoked Tuna: Smoked tuna, Mayonnaise and chipotle paste garnished with Harissa flakes.
- White fish salad: Smoked whitefish mixed with house veggies and a touch of lemon and olive oil as the base, garnished with chives.
Where:
56 MacDougal St (12 Chairs Cafe)
342 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn (12 Chairs Cafe)
245 W 72nd S (Sherry Herring)
9. Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
This community center is hosting a ton of Hanukkah events this year across all 8 nights. You’ll find everything from a nightly candle lighting of the menorah, to a comedy night, to a shabbat, to Chanukah parties. Check out all of the holiday happenings here and keep an eye out for their page as more Hanukkah events are still being added!
Where: 334 Amsterdam Ave at W 76th St
10. Chanukah at Jane’s Carousel
Hosted by the Chabad of DUMBO, this family-friendly event on Dec 20 will include an ice menorah lighting at 4:30 pm, free amusement rides, and arts and crafts for kids. A suggested $20 donation is recommended!
Learn more here.
Where: Jane’s Carousel, New Dock Street Brooklyn
11. Downtown Manhattan Menorah Lightings
If you’re a lower Manhattan resident, be sure to lookout for different Hanukkah activities throughout the next week or so! This includes the New York Stock Exchange’s menorah lighting on Dec 19 at 4 pm, a menorah lighting at Bowling Green Park at 4:30 pm, and a menorah lighting at dinner with FDNY Engine 4 on Dec 21 at 4:30 pm (42 South St, FiDi).
Where: FiDi and Lower Manhattan