Chanukah Events and Menorah Lightings in New York 2023

Chanukah Events and Menorah Lightings in New York 2022
partial view of man lighting up candles in menorah on black background with bokeh lights on Hanukkah

Chanukah Events and Menorah Lightings Near Me 2023

We have all the Chanukah Events and Menorah Lightings in New York that are near, in and around New York City for families to enjoy this holiday season.

Psst… Looking for more holiday events? Check out Christmas Tree and Menorah Lightings in Staten Island!

Manhattan

Glow-in-the-Dark Chanukah Dinner

The 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
Friday, Dec. 1, 5:30 pm
All ages
$36

It’s a Chanukah extravaganza of music, glow sticks, latkes, and light! Gather ‘round to sing and share blessings, followed by a catered dinner, wine (for the adults!), dancing, crafts, and of course, glow sticks galore! 

Hanukkah Family Day

The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave & E 92nd St., Upper East Side
Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 am – 3:30 pm
Ages 3 and older
$18; $12 senior; $8 student; free for ages 18 and younger and members

Celebrate the festival of lights through art-making and music at the Jewish Museum!

Build a holiday sculpture with a playful mix of found objects inspired by the exhibition Marta Minujín: Arte! Arte! Arte! and by Hanukkah menorahs in the Museum’s collection, design bold printed cards, paint metallic light images on canvas, dance to the bilingual pop tunes of Mister G, sketch Hanukkah lamps from around the globe, enjoy gallery activities, and collaborate on a giant mixed-media work of art. 

77th Annual Menorah on the High Line

The High Line, 15th St. and 10th Ave., Chelsea
Thursday, Dec. 7, 5 pm
All ages
Free

Come out for a Chanukah Celebration on the High Line. Chanukah Donuts, hot cocoa, chocolate gelt and dreidels for all, and a grand Menorah lighting! Plus, music by the Noah Solomon Band.

Hanukkah Celebration at CMOM

Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St., Upper West Side
Dec. 8-10, Friday-Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $13-$16

Celebrate the start of Hanukkah and learn the origins of the dreidel game and its importance as it was used to protect freedom. Discover the songs and story books the game has inspired. 

Family Chanukah Celebration

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side
Friday, Dec. 8, 11 – 11:45 am
Ages 5 and younger
$15 per child; free for children younger than 1
Pre-registration is required

Join the Marlene Meyerson JCC for a family Chanukah celebration complete with storytelling, activities, and special Chanukah treats. 

Chanukah Festival: Bring in the Light!

The 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side
Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 am
All ages
$18

This annual event is bursting with crafts, entertainment, make-your-own holiday treats, a live Chanukah Game Show, a special Chanukah Israeli folk dance performance, opportunities to give back, and more.

Hanukkah Celebration

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City
Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 am – 2 pm
All ages
Free

Come out for a special Hanukkah event in Hudson Eats, with live music featuring Zisl Slepovitch’s Klezmer Ensemble, art-making, photo ops and festive offerings for everyone to enjoy!

Chanukah Menorah Lighting Activities

South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., Downtown Manhattan
Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 am – 5 pm
All ages
Free
Advanced registration requested 

Get into the festive spirit with creative family activities in honor of the annual neighborhood Chanukah Menorah Lighting, which will take place on the Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17, from 3–5pm.

Aboard the Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16, families and visitors of all ages are encouraged to join in the creative fun by crafting your own baggywrinkle, charming maritime-inspired decorations perfect for holiday decorations, using festive colored yarn.

Baggywrinkle, traditionally made from unraveled ropes, is a ships’ tool used to safeguard sails from damage.

Sunday Story Time: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side
Sunday, Dec. 10, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Ages 3-6
Included with admission: $24; $19 seniors; $13 students; $6 ages 5-13; free for children younger than 5

Enjoy a reading of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel, with illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman.

In this story, the traditional Jewish folk hero Hershel of Ostropol arrives in a small village on the first night of Hanukkah and discovers that a group of goblins have taken over the synagogue and forbidden the villagers from celebrating.

Hershel is determined to outwit the goblins and save Hanukkah! Come find out if he succeeds, and after the story, make your own Hanukkah dreidel!

Chanukah on Ice NYC

Central Park Wollman Rink, 830 5th Ave., Upper East Side
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6 – 9 pm
All ages
$32 ages 3 and older
Advanced registration required

Come out for an evening of ice skating and Chanukah fun for the whole family. Participants will skate to the sounds of Jewish music, while kosher food will be distributed from the concession.

The crowd will participate in the lighting of a hand-carved six foot tall Ice Menorah, accompanied by music and prayers for Israel.

Chanukah at Chelsea Green

The Chelsea Green Park, 140 W 20th St., Chelsea
Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:30 pm
All ages
Free

Celebrate Chanukah with a grand Menorah lighting, Chanukah crafts, latkes & donuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels for all!

Bronx

Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale Giant Menorah Lighting

The Bell Monument at Bell Tower Park, W. 239th St. & Riverdale Ave., Riverdale
Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 pm
All ages
Free

Celebrate Chanukah with hot latkas, donuts, live music and the lighting of the menorah!

Brooklyn

Klezmer Brunch Revival: Chanukah Edition

pinkFROG cafe, 221 North 9th St., Williamsburg
Sunday, Dec. 3, 12 – 2 pm
All ages
$20; $10 child

Join the neighborhood and musical guests Daphna Mor and The Shul Band for a holiday Klezmer brunch concert over bagels and jelly donuts. This family-friendly event will bring together an all-star group of Jewish musicians to get you into the Chanukah spirit.

Daphna Mor will lend her virtuoso recorder playing and vocals to The Shul Band’s high energy sound. They will collaborate on Klezmer songs, Sephardic grooves, Chanukah specials, and more.

Hanukkah Community Arts Festival

Hannah Senesh Community Day School, 342 Smith St., Red Hook
Sunday, Dec. 3, 1 – 3:30 pm
All ages
$5 per child over 2 years old to be paid at the door (no charge for parents/caregivers)
Advanced registration required

Come out for an afternoon full of family fun with holiday-focused art workshops. Enjoy step-by-step art stations for projects such as cookie decorating, dreidel painting, menorah crafting, along with music, storytime, yummy snacks, and so much more! 

Chanukah Family Fest

Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy., Crown Heights
Dec. 7-14, Sundays – Thursdays, 10 am – 5:30 pm
All ages
$17 child; $15 adult; $14 seniors 65 and older
Advanced Reservation Required

Join the Jewish Children’s Museum for the ultimate Chanukah family experience. Decorate a mouth-watering holiday donut, discover the art of olive oil making in a fascinating and interactive workshop, and don’t forget to get crafty!

Make your own Chanukah Gelt Bag, and step into a world of wonder as you explore the museum’s unique Jewish, and Chanukah exhibits.

1st Night Chanukah Concert @ The Largest Menorah

Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah, Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
Dec. 7, 5 – 7 pm; Dec. 8, 3:30 pm; Dec. 9, 7:15 pm; Dec. 10, 5 – 7 pm; Dec. 11 – 14, 6 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. Special gifts are distributed to every child.

Making this a family celebration and a must on everyone’s calendar. For the 1st Night of Chanukah, there is a special free concert with world renowned Jewish musicians begins at 5:00 pm.

Ice Menorah Lighting

Industry City Courtyard ⅚, 51 35th St., Sunset Park
Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free

Celebrate Hanukkah with Chabad of Sunset Park and see the lighting of a giant ice menorah!

Queens

Chanukah Festival at Commonpoint Queens

Commonpoint Queens Central Queens, 67-09 108th Street, Forest Hills
Sunday, Dec. 10, 12 – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Pre-registration is requested.

Bring the family to this annual Chanukah Festival and enjoy inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts, games, children’s entertainment, information about programs, and more! Snacks will be available for purchase.

Chanukah Spectacular!

Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-44 47th Road, Long Island City
Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 – 5:30 pm
All ages
Free

Come out for the 4th night of Chanukah with a Gelt Drop from a Fire Truck, gourmet doughnut bar, silver menorah raffle, Chanukah treats, dreidel mascot, performance by City Gan Preschool and Chabad LIC Hebrew School, and the lighting of the menorah.

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Manhattan Mandarin

<p>Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools</p> <p>nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether</p> <p>in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our</p> <p>teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin</p> <p>language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to</p> <p>make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We</p> <p>look forward to working with you.</p> <p>- Jamie Keyte, Founder</p>

Monster Mini Golf

<p>Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique “WEIRD Radio” station” and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.</p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>