The first night of Hanukkah is coming in soon 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 coming to NYC on November 28 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.) Learn more about Maccabees here.
Where: 64 Downing Street (Ollie West Village)
2. Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting
Brooklyn’s largest menorah will be lit for Hanukkah in Grand Army Plaza this year, starting on the first night December 7. 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, as well as treats and gifts for children. Check out the full lighting schedule below:
- 1st Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 7 Kickoff Concert Event begins at 5:00 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah, Friday, December 8 at 3:30 pm
- 3rd Night of Chanukah, Saturday, December 9 at 7:15 pm
- 4th Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 10 at 5:00 pm
- 5th Night of Chanukah, Monday, December 11 at 6:00 pm
- 6th Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 pm
- 7th Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 pm
- 8th Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 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, Thursday, December 7 at 5:30 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah, Friday, December 8 at 5:30 pm
- 3rd Night of Chanukah, Saturday, December 9 at 5:30 pm
- 4th Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 10 at 5:30 pm
- 5th Night of Chanukah, Monday, December 11 at 5:30 pm
- 6th Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 12 at 3:30 pm
- 7th Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 13 at 8:30 pm
- 8th Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 14 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 once again 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 6th day of Hanukkah (Dec 12) 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. Celebrate Hanukkah at Hudson Yards
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with eight days of special offers from Hudson Yards businesses! Stores like Russ & Daughters, Miznon, Li-Lac Chocolates and more will be running specials, and there will even be a menorah lighting at the Public Square and Gardens on December 7! Learn more about the festivities here.
Where: Hudson Yards
6. Chanukah on Ice at Seaport
Seaport’s Chanukah programming will take place on the waterfront on December 10 from 3 pm – 5 pm! The free event will include latkes, hot cocoa, live music by the FiDi Hebrew School, arts and crafts, and the lighting of a six-foot-tall chocolate Menorah. Learn more about the event and RSVP here!
Where: Seaport District
7. The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum is NYC’s hub for amplifying and celebrating Jewish culture throughout the city, and this year they’re hosting a Hanukkah Family Day featuring drop-in art workshops and concerts! On December 3 from 11 am – 3:30 pm, children and families are invited to come build holiday sculptures with a playful mix of found objects inspired by the museum’s current exhibition Marta Minujín: Arte! Arte! Arte! There will also be other arts and crafts as well as a performance from Mister G. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Where: 1109 5th Ave &, E 92nd St
8. 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
9. Feast on delicious latkes from around NYC
Many bakeries and shops around NYC are serving up Hanukkah treats this year and we got the scoop on where to grab some! Of course the potato latkes are always the talk of the town, but there’s so much more to be discovered too! Check out some shops below:
- Breads Bakery – Multiple Locations
- 12 Chairs Cafe – 342 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
- Kubeh – 464 Avenue of the Americas
- Caviar Russe – 538 Madison Ave
- Hawksmoor NYC – 109 E 22nd St
- Mesiba – 353 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn