Best Of The Holidays: 19 Citywide Hanukkah Celebrations We Love

Chanukah on Ice at the Wollman Rink

The festival of lights is a time for everyone across the city to celebrate, regardless of whether you’re Jewish. With so many events around the city, you’re bound to find one that will strike your particular fancy.

Through December 16
“The Flying Latke” at The Flea Theater
11am
What happens on the first night of Hanukkah when a food fight causes a latke (potato pancake) to be flung out the window and over the city leading to UFO hysteria? Find out at this hilarious play based on the beloved children book, The Flying Latke.

Through December 30
“The Three Bears Holiday Bash” at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Times vary
Just as New York is a mix of every culture, so is this show. Incorporating the stories of Hanukkah, the Night before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, “The Three Bears Holiday Bash” variety show features song, dance, and puppets!

December 8
Meet The Holiday: Hanukkah at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
2:30pm
Many people celebrate Hanukkah around the world. Learn about all of the various celebrations across the globe and make a very special craft for your own home. (Park Slope, Brooklyn)

December 8-16
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza
Times vary
Where is the world’s largest menorah located? Right at Grand Army Plaza, home to a 32-foot and 4,000 pound masterpiece. We guarantee it’s a lot bigger then the one you have on your table at home, so bring the family and be amazed.

December 9
Sunday Story Hour: Hanukkah: DiMenna Children’s History Museum
11:30am
This week, the historical storytime series at the New-York Historical Society gets a holiday twist with Eric Kimmel’s When Mindy Saved Hanukkah. Go back in time with Mindy and her family, who lives behind the walls of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

December 9
A Magical Chanukah at CBJ 401 9th Street
10am
Hanukkah gets hands-on at this crafty celebration. Help build a six-foot Bizzy Bitz menorah, make your own latkes, decorate your own donuts, and make sand art. Last but not least, don’t miss the live magic show! (Park Slope,Brooklyn) 

December 9
Family Hanukkah Happening at Museum at Eldridge Street
11am
Become a Hanukkah historian as your family learns how this landmark was almost destroyed. Afterward, celebrate in the present day with traditional foods, songs, and lots of dreidel games.

December 9
JCP’s Hanukkah Bash at Jewish Community Project
11am
Join this community organization in listening to bands from the neighboringChurchStreetSchoolfor Music and Art, playing dreidel and Pictonary, watching a fast-paced latake cooking challenge, and creating your own menorah.

December 9
PoppySeed Players: Judy and the Maccabees at Merkin Concert Hall
11am
In this twist on the Hanukkah story we all know, here’s one all about power. In this musical production, Judy wants to free her people. At first Judas Maccabeus doesn’t want her help—until she comes up with a brilliant plan to win the war.

December 9
Hanukkah Family Day at The Jewish Museum
12pm noon
Listen to fun tunes by Yosi and the Superdads as you create your own menorah and check out all of the other exhibits at the museum. Also take part in a special light box project and the Hanukkah Lamp Tour.

December 9
Chanukah Celebration at West End Synagogue
2pm
Join the annual community-wide with tons of dancing, music, crafts, and food when this synagogue opens its doors. Performances from Israeli music theater star Stav Meishar ups the festivity.

December 9
Hands on Hanukkah at Books of Wonder
12pm noon
Get your photo with Debbie the Dreidel, make models of the traditional instrument from origami, and listen to plenty of stories one of the coolest bookshops in the city.

December 9-16
Chanukah deLIGHT! at the Jewish Children’s Museum
10am
Enjoy eight days of mesmerizing and delicious holiday events and hands-on activities at the museum. Don’t miss fire spinning performances by Dancing Dijnn, a deep-fried cookie demonstration, interactive olive pressing workshops, and the chance to make your own customized donut. (CrownHeights,Brooklyn)

December 10
Chanukah on Ice at Wollman Rink
6pm
Work off all of the latkes and jelly donuts you’ve been munching on the past few days as you skate to Jewish music played live by the Maccabeats. Kosher food will be available, and giant illumined ice-carved menorah will set the scene.

December 11
Small Wonder Puppet Theater’s “The Story of Chanukah” Puppet Show at CBJ 401 9th Street
4pm
This puppet show makes the history behind Chanukah super-engaging. It doesn’t hurt that hot latkes, jelly donuts, and special door prizes also come hand in hand. (Park Slope,Brooklyn)

December 12
Chanukah Lobby Celebration at JCC in Manhattan
9:30am
Looking for dreidels, crafts, cookies, and story time all in one place? Stop by this free celebration of all things Festival of Lights at this celebration drop off program opened to the public.

December 13
Chocolate, Chanukah & Cheer at Museum at Eldridge Street
6:30pm
Calling all chocolate lovers! Get ready to get your fingers covered in melty chocolate as you create your very own gelt or chocolate coins usually used in the dreidel game. After you make your yummy creations, get ready to play the game of the holiday.

December 14
Hanukkah Family Dinner at The 92nd Street Y
6 pm
It will be twice the holiday fun at this duo Hannukkah and Shabbat family dinner. Light the menorah and the Shabbat candles as you eat your fill of delicious latkes.

December 16
The National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene: My Yiddushe Chanukah at the Winter Garden
12pmnoon
Listening to these classic Yiddish songs and scenes from NYC’s Yiddish theater scene is a great way to give the holiday a musical sendoff.

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<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:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</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. 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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. 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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>