Chanukah Festivities Abound in the Area

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Chanukah, our beloved Festival of Lights, is beautiful in its intimacy. For most of the eight nights, Jewish families gather around their kitchen tables, light the candles and allow them to illuminate the remainder of another cozy winter evening inside.

But that doesn’t mean we have to spend every night this way. Sometimes on a Chanukah evening, it can be fun to celebrate by going out.

This year, there’s a full schedule of Chanukah events happening around the Greater Philadelphia area. Here’s a rundown of many, but not all, of them. Just remember to layer.


Chanukah starts on Nov. 28 and ends on Dec. 6.

Candle-Lightings

The First Night of Chanukah Public Menorah Lighting
Sunday, Nov. 28 | 4:30 p.m.
Betsy Ross House; 239 Arch St., Philadelphia

If the socializing spirit strikes you on the very first night, try this event hosted by the Old City Jewish Arts Center.

Old York Road Community Chanukah Lighting
Tuesday, Nov. 30 | 5 p.m.
Baederwood Shoppes on the Fairway in Jenkintown

This outdoor candle-lighting is set for the third night of Chanukah. In addition to the lighting of the menorah, cantors will sing songs.

Center City Kehillah Chanukah Candle-Lighting
Wednesday, Dec. 1 | 5:15 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square Park; 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Jelly doughnuts and lighting the candles in beautiful Rittenhouse Square Park. Could you ask for anything more?

Bucks County Community Candle-Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 2 | 5-6 p.m.
Shady Brook Farm; 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley

After spending night four in Rittenhouse Square Park, head out to a picturesque locale in the suburbs for night five: Shady Brook Farm. The Bucks County Kehillah, Temple Micah and Shady Brook Farm are sponsoring this evening.

Chanukah on the Avenue
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 5:30 p.m.
The Singing Fountain, East Passyunk Avenue and South 11th Street, Philadelphia

Close out Chanukah with a candle-lighting and live music in South Philly, hosted by the South Philadelphia Shtiebel and East Passyunk Avenue.

Events

Car Menorah Parade
Sunday, Nov. 28 | 5:30 p.m. parade, 6:30 p.m. menorah lighting
Concludes at Giant Wynnewood parking lot, 50 E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood

Cars and menorahs wind through the streets of Wynnewood before arriving at the Giant supermarket for a menorah lighting and other Chanukah-related activities.

Chanukah Wonderland and Concert
Tuesday, Nov. 30 | 6 p.m.
Suburban Square, Ardmore

Soulfarm Band performs and prizes, giveaways and a Guess the Dreidel contest highlight this outdoor event on the top floor of the Suburban Square garage.

Philly Hanukkah Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 1 p.m.
237 Saint James Place, Philadelphia

Neshama Hadassah is hosting this Festival of Lights-themed scavenger hunt around Center City. There will be teams, captains, clues, pictures at each location and, of course, prizes at the end.

Philadelphia 76ers Hanukkah Night
Monday, Nov. 29 | 7 p.m.
Wells Fargo Center; 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia

The Sixers will celebrate the Jewish holiday on its second night as the team hosts the Orlando Magic.

Festivals/Displays

Spreading the Light
Saturday, Dec. 4 | 6 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC; 45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood

This seventh-night festival will include a light show, DJ and art contest. The Lower Merion Kehillah, Israeli American Council, Adath Israel and Kaiserman JCC for Havdalah are presiding over the evening.

Boathouse Row Lights
Nov. 28-Dec. 6
1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia

Boathouse Row, in beautiful Boathouse Row fashion, will be lit up for the duration of Chanukah. The City of Philadelphia will partner with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to lead a virtual program at 4 p.m. on Dec. 5.

The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade
Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m.
From Second and Market streets to City Hall, Philadelphia

Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the Chinese New Year, all in one parade with floats, lights, balloons and a marching band. The City of Philadelphia is holding this multicultural parade for the first time.

Chanukah Unite
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 3:30-6 p.m.
Temple University, Ambler Campus; 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler

This celebration, held by the Buxmont synagogues, Kehillah and Chabad, will include rides, games and entertainment.

Northeast Jewish Life Community Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 6 p.m.
Hosted by House of Kosher; 9806 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia

Musician Eliyahu Bass will perform, and latkes will be served.

Educational

Shine a Light on Antisemitism
Tuesday, Nov. 30 | 11 a.m.
Love Park; Arch Street, Philadelphia

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, local politicians and other organizations will host this local version of a national initiative to raise awareness about antisemitism. The goal is to recognize rising antisemitism in all forms and to counter it by celebrating Judaism and the Jewish people.

[email protected]; 215-832-0740

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