Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights that remembers the miracle of lamp oil lasting for eight days, is celebrated this year from December 2-10. Here's our list of the best events to celebrate Hanukkah, or learn about Jewish culture, from menorah lightings to musical performances and yummy foods. Experience Hanukkah in New York City regardless of your county, be it Suffolk or Nassau county. Also check out our roundups for Hanukkah events in Westchester, Rockland, and Bergen counties and New York City.
Hanukkah Events in Suffolk County
Laurie Berkner with Susie Lampert in a Holiday Celebration Concert
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 3pm
WHERE: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
AGES: 2-5
WHAT: Best-selling children's recording artist and preschool television favorite Laurie Berkner invites everyone to share the spirit of the season when she presents a live holiday concert with longtime band mate Susie Lampert.
WANT TO GO? $19.50 and up. 631-673-7300. http://paramountny.com.
FREE Latkes and Hanukkah
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4pm
WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach
AGES: All
WHAT: Taste some delicious holiday treats and learn more about Hanukkah traditions (Registration required).
WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library card. 631-288-3335. www.westhamptonlibrary.net.
Chanukah Wonderland
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 22, 10am-12pm
WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate Chanukah at The Chai Center with arts & crafts, games and activities such as decorating donuts, sand art, finding Judah the Maccabee, and making special Chanukah candles. Call to RSVP.
WANT TO GO? $10. 631-351-8672. http://www.thechaicenter.com/chanukah.
Hanukkah Paint Event
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 22, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Key to My Art Amityville, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Join Key to My Art for a Hanukkah project! Your child will learn how to make the art himself. Dress for mess!
WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. info@keytomyart.com.
FREE Grand Menorah Lighting
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5:30pm
WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate Chanukah with The Chai Center at their Annual Outdoor Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony with latkes, donuts, and music.
WANT TO GO? 631-351-8672. http://www.thechaicenter.com/chanukah.
Chinese Dinner & Family Show
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 6:30pm
WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate Chanukah with The Chai Center and enjoy a delicious Chinese dinner and a show with the family. Call to RSVP.
WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children. 631-351-8672. http://www.thechaicenter.com/chanukah.
Family Bowling Night
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 6-7:30pm
WHERE: Bowlero Bowling, 2183 Jericho Turnpike, Commack
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate Chanukah with The Chai Center: Bowling, latkes, donuts and the ceremonial lighting of the bowling pin Menorah. Admision includes 90 minutes of bowling, shoes and a $7 game card. RSVP by phone.
WANT TO GO? $12. 631-351-8672. http://www.thechaicenter.com/chanukah.
Hanukkah Events in Nassau County
FREE Hanukkah Story Time
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 11:30am
WHERE: The Dolphin Bookshop, 299 Main St., Port Washington
AGES: 2-5
WHAT: Hanukkah Story Time at The Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe. Join Tony Award Winner Shanna Silva, Producer – Once on This Island” as she reads her new hilarious book “Hannah's Hanukkah Hiccups”. Kids will love this author and her relatable book.
WANT TO GO? 516-767-2650. thedolphinbookshop.com.
Hanukkah Paint Event
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21, 1-2:30pm
WHERE: Key to My Art East Rockaway, 131 Main St., East Rockaway
AGES: All
WHAT: Join Key to My Art for a Hanukkah project! Your child will learn how to make the art himself. Dress for mess!
WANT TO GO? $20. 516-218-2920. keytomyart.com.
FREE Menorah Lighting
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 23, 6pm
WHERE: Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, Bellmore Village, southeast corner Bedford Avenue and Broadway, Bellmore
AGES: All
WHAT: Religious leaders from the local Synagogues will lead everyone in prayer as the beautiful 10 foot, silver Chanukah Menorah is lit. This year's celebration will include the singing of traditional Chanukah songs, led by students of the Hebrew and nursery schools. There will be gelt and wonderful Chanukah giveaways compliments of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.
WANT TO GO? 516-679-1875. bellmorechamber.com.
FREE Menorah Lighting
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 23, 4:30-5:30pm
WHERE: Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway Mall, Hicksville
AGES: All
WHAT: Please join Broadway Commons in lighting the Chanukah menorah in Center Court. The evening will feature a giant Menorah, lighting ceremony, music and light refreshments. The evening's activities are complimentary and open to the public.
WANT TO GO? 516-822-6336. https://atbroadwaycommons.com/events/menorah-lighting/.
Winter Wonderland Pajama Party
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 9:30am-12pm
WHERE: Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy breakfast, playtime, crafts, PJ Library storytime, community service projects, and a performance of Bubbe’s House for Chanukah by Mainstages! Bring a new or gently used children’s book to be donated to The Book Fairies.
WANT TO GO? $20 per family; free for members. 516-484-1545. sjjcc.org.
Hanukkah Party
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2-4:30pm
WHERE: Wood Kingdom West, 120 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale
AGES: 4 and younger
WHAT: Join Wood Kingdom West for their annual Hanukkah Party! The Melville Chabad will be joining them for playtime, find the treasure chest of gelt, donuts & Menorah Lighting. Complimentary coffee & tea for adults.
WANT TO GO? $20. 631-845-3805. https://www.swingsetnow.com/products/hanukkah-party.
