Get out your dreidels and chocolate coins, Hanukkah is almost here!
The Festival of Lights begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14th, and NYC is gearing up to celebrate with its signature blend of tradition, community, and pure holiday magic.
From grand menorah lightings to family-friendly festivities, delicious pop-ups, and cultural performances across the boroughs, there’s no shortage of ways to honor the eight bright nights here in the city.
1. See a massive menorah lighting
One of the most important parts of the holiday is lighting the menorah with the ones you love—and what if you could experience that moment on a truly grand scale?
Across NYC, some of the world’s largest and most iconic menorahs will shine brightly over the city, drawing crowds for music, blessings, dancing, and community warmth.
🕎 The World’s Largest Menorah: Brooklyn
The Menorah at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights is the tallest in Brooklyn and kicks off the holiday with a major public celebration. It’s known for its festive, family-friendly atmosphere with live music and free treats.
- First Night Kickoff: The celebration for the first night of Hanukah is the biggest, featuring a Kickoff Concert Event before the candle lighting.
- Extras: Every night includes live music, hot latkes for all, and gifts for children.
🗓️ Nightly, December 14th – December 21st (For nightly times, see their official website)
📍 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (Right outside Prospect Park)
🎟️ Free
2. Glide into the holiday spirit at Chanukkah on Ice
Chanukah on Ice is returning to Central Park’s Wollman rink for its 18th year of celebration! The magical tradition invites guests to soar, spin and glide into the holiday season with festive music, delicious kosher treats and a giant menorah made out of ice.
For tickets and more information, visit the official Chanukkah on Ice website.
🗓️ Tuesday, December 16th
⏰ 6-9 pm
📍 Wollman Rink, Central Park | near the 59th or Central Park South entrances
🎟️ Starting at $30 (includes skate rental)
3. Savor delicious latkes at spots all around the city
It’s not Chanukkah without delicious latkes, and in a city with endless amazing food in every corner, there’s no shortage of just that, delicious options. Check out our full list of places with the best latkes in NYC here!
4. Catch a festive Chanukkah concert
New York City hosts a vibrant array of musical performances for Hanukkah, ranging from traditional holiday music to modern rock interpretations.
🎹 Traditional & Klezmer: YIVO Chanukkah Concert
This annual concert is a celebration of Jewish music and culture, often featuring world-renowned artists performing classic and contemporary Chanukkah works in the Klezmer tradition. It offers a sophisticated, cultural afternoon experience.
- Featured Artists: Tony Award nominee Eleanor Reissa (reading a story by Isaac Bashevis Singer) and Grammy-winning trumpeter-composer Frank London with his Klezmer Brass Allstars.
- What to Expect: A formal concert celebrating the joyous holiday with songs and stories that charm and delight. It also includes the traditional candle lighting ceremony.
For tickets and more information, visit the official YIVO website.
🗓️ Sunday, December 21st (The 8th Night of Chanukkah)
⏰ 3 pm
📍 YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., Manhattan)
🎟️ $18 (Members, seniors, and students receive discounts)
🎸 Alternative Rock: The 8 Nights of Chanukkah with Yo La Tengo
This long-running alternative music tradition features the indie-rock band Yo La Tengo playing a series of benefit concerts throughout the holiday, often with special guests. It’s an underground favorite and a great option for music lovers looking for a less traditional celebration.
- What to Expect: Surprise opening acts, unique setlists, and a festive atmosphere for rock fans
For tickets and more information, visit the official Yo La Tengo website.
🗓️ Starting Sunday, December 14th and running each night of Chanukkah
⏰ Doors at 7:30 pm, show at 8:30 pm
📍 Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey St., Manhattan)
🎟️ Varies
5. Bring the whole family to NYC Parks’ Festival of Lights
Time for some family fun at a free, festive celebration marking the beginning of Hanukkah! This community-focused event is designed for children and families and includes fun holiday activities for all ages.
Attendees can look forward to traditional Hanukkah crafts, lively sing-alongs of holiday songs, and, of course, the ceremonial lighting of the Menorah. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the local community and enjoy the spirit of the Festival of Lights in a beautiful park setting.
For tickets and more information, visit the NYC Parks official website.
🗓️ Sunday, December 14th
⏰ 4 pm – 5:30 pm
📍 Marine Park (Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Brooklyn)
🎟️ Free
6. Celebrate at Kings Bay’s annual Chanukkah Carnival
Join the community for a free, fun-filled celebration perfect for the whole family! The Kings Bay Y Chanukkah Carnival brings the warmth and light of the holiday indoors with a massive array of activities designed to delight children of all ages.
The carnival offers classic Chanukkah fun and plenty of excitement:
- Inflatable rides, bounce houses, and exciting carnival games
- Performances, music, and sing-alongs
- Face painting, engaging arts and crafts stations, and photo booths
- Participate in the Menorah lighting ceremony
The event is FREE and open to the entire public—just be sure to RSVP on the Kings Bay Y website to confirm your attendance!
🗓️ Sunday, December 14th (1st Day of Chanukkah)
⏰ 11 am – 2 pm
📍 Kings Bay Y, 3495 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn
🎟️ Free (RSVP requested)
7. Light up the night with The Young Friends of the Museum of Jewish Heritage
Get ready for one of the liveliest Chanukkah parties for young professionals in New York City! Light Up the Night is an annual fundraiser and celebration hosted by the Young Friends of the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
This event is known for its incredible atmosphere, chic setting, and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River from the museum’s location in Battery Park.
- What to Expect: A festive evening featuring an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, music from a live DJ, and the opportunity to mingle with hundreds of other young Jewish professionals (ages 21-39). It’s a celebratory and non-traditional way to light the night and support the Museum’s mission.
For tickets and more information, visit the event’s official website.
🗓️ Thursday, December 18th (The 5th Night of Chanukkah)
⏰ 8pm – 11 pm
📍 Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Manhattan
🎟️ Varies (Tickets start around $54 for early bird access and increase closer to the date)
8. Experience the Great Chanukah Doughnut Duel
There’s never been a sweeter way to celebrate Hanukkah! The Doughnut Duel is a competitive culinary showcase that elevates the humble sufganiyah (jelly donut), the traditional fried treat of Chanukkah.
While the traditional sufganiyah is simple jelly-filled and powdered, the duel entries are known for being elaborate and boundary-pushing. Past adventurous flavors have included Moroccan Sfenj, Mocha Praline and Gingerbread Pistachio Halva
Guests can sample all of the creations and cast their vote for their favorite. The winning chef or baker is awarded the coveted “Golden Doughnut” trophy.
For tickets and more information, visit the events official website.
🗓️ Tuesday, December 16th
⏰ 7-9 pm
📍 The Moxy Williamsburg, 353 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
🎟️ $36
9. Explore the Jewish Museum’s renowned collection of over 1,000 Chanukkah lamps
Immerse yourself in history and artistry by visiting the Jewish Museum to see their renowned collection of over 1,000 Chanukkah lamps. This collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, tracing the history of the holiday through centuries of beautiful design and craftsmanship.
The collection is available to view throughout the museum’s regular operating hours during the holiday season.
For tickets and more information, visit The Jewish Museum’s official website.
🗓️ All Chanukkah Season (December 14th – December 22nd)
⏰ Regular Museum Hours (See website for daily schedule)
📍 The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St, Manhattan
🎟️ Varies (General Admission is typically required, $18 for adults; kids are free)
10. 🕯️ Join in the festivities at The Seaport’s Hanukkah celebration
Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with an afternoon of fun, food, and music at the historic Seaport District! This event is famed for its whimsical, one-of-a-kind Menorah and its stunning location overlooking the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- The Seaport often features a unique, imaginative menorah. For 2025, the celebration will feature a Giant 6-Foot LEGO Menorah and a special Live LEGO Master Workshop, appealing to kids and adults alike
- Enjoy delicious, traditional holiday treats like latkes, donuts, cotton candy, popcorn, and hot cocoa
- The event will include face painting, arts and crafts, musical performances by the FiDi Hebrew School, and an appearance by Dreidel Mascots
The afternoon culminates in the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Seaport Menorah. All activities are free and open to the whole family!
🗓️ Sunday, December 14th (The 1st Night of Hanukkah)
⏰ 3 pm – 5 pm
📍 The Heineken Riverdeck at the Seaport (Pier 17) Manhattan
🎟️ Free
To borrow the words of native New Yorker Adam Sandler, it’s truly so much fun-ukah to celebrate Hanukah—especially with all these joyful events lighting up the city. Wishing you a bright, beautiful, and happy Hanukah, NYC!