As the weather gets colder and 2019 nears to a close, the Jewish community is ending the year in style with some holiday delights. Synagogues, parks and community centers throughout Greater Philadelphia will be host to various Chanukah celebrations to get people in the spirit. Here’s a rundown of just a few; see our events calendar for more.
Dec. 22
Chester County
A free community Chanukah celebration featuring a grand menorah lighting, Chanukah music, dreidels, hot cider, hot latkes, donuts, dancing, a balloon man and 3D Chanukah glasses. Hosted by the Chabad Lubavitch of Chester County and the Western Mainline and Kehillah of Chester County at the Historic West Chester Courthouse. 4 p.m. 10 North High St., West Chester.
Delaware County
A giant menorah lighting, arts and crafts, live music, free latkes and jelly donuts in front of the Delaware County Courthouse. Chanukah chocolate gelt drop provided by the Media Fire Company. Hosted by the Chabad Lubavitch of Delaware County, Kehillah of Delaware County and jkidphilly of Delaware County. 3 p.m. 201 West Front St., Media.
Rittenhouse Square
The entire community is invited to attend the annual lighting of the menorah in the Square in celebration of Chanukah. Live music, donuts and dreidels will be provided. Hosted by Friends of Rittenhouse Square and B’nai Abraham Chabad. To RSVP, call 215-238-2100. 4:30 p.m. 18th and Walnut streets, Center of Square, Philadelphia.
Northeast Philadelphia
The Jewish Sunday Children’s Program at KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia will host a Chanukah party with a magic show by Chad Juros along with a menorah lighting, song singing, dancing and cookies and gifts. $5 per person. To RSVP, email vfaykin@kleinlife.org or call 215-698-3194. 10:45 a.m. 10100 Jamison Ave., Philadelphia.
Cedar Park
The Resist & Rejoice Hanukkah Party, a celebration of light, will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church. There will be latkes, potluck dinner, craft fair, candle lighting, blessings, desserts and klezmer dancing with the Kol Tzedek Simcha Band. A $5-$25 donation is asked, but no one will be turned away. 4 p.m. 801 S. 48th St., Philadelphia.
Montgomery County
A menorah lighting, children’s choir, donuts, latkes and crafts at Montgomery Mall. This free event is hosted by Lubavitch of Montgomery County. To RSVP, email info@jewishmc.com, 4:30 p.m. 230 Montgomery Mall, North Wales.
New Jersey
Temple Beth Sholom, Kellman Brown Academy and PJ Library of Southern New Jersey will host its second annual Chanukah Fireworks Celebration at 5 p.m. The Festival of Lights will feature a Chanukah candle lighting, songs, donuts, hot chocolate, crafts and a fireworks display. Open to the community. All are welcome with no RSVP required. The event will be held at Kellman Brown Academy. For more information, contact Alex Weinberg at 856-751-6663 or alexw@tbsonline.org. 5 p.m. 1007 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees, New Jersey.
Dec. 23
Bucks County
This Chanukah extravaganza is open to Jews from all backgrounds. There will be a dairy buffet, “Chanukids” craft stations, 6-foot menorah lighting, raffles and prizes and more. Adult $13, child $8, family $30. Hosted by Bensalem Jewish Outreach Center. 6:15 p.m. 2446 Bristol Road, Bensalem.
Bucks County
The Chanukah by the River will have a free candle lighting, live performance and sing-a-long with Sharim v’Sharot Bucks County Jewish choir, sufganiyot and more at the Lions Park Gazebo. Hosted by The Bucks County Kehillah. To RSVP, email buckscounty@kehillah.jewishphilly.org. 7 p.m. 198 Samuel Cliff Drive, Bristol.
Delaware County
A free Chanukah celebration at Glen Eagle Square with a menorah lighting followed by music and traditional Chanukah foods. Hosted by Chabad Aston-Southwest Delco. To RSVP, email rabbiyudigerber@gmail.com or call 484-620-4162. 6:30 p.m. 477 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills.
Main Line
A free menorah lighting and parachute felt drop with donuts and hot drinks at Suburban Square. Hosted by Chabad of the Main Line. 4 p.m. 602 Coulter Ave., Ardmore.
Bustleton
Build a “Mitzvah Menorah” for free at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim and enjoy latkes, donuts and refreshments. Entertainment by Danny Archer from Smoke and Mirrors Magic Theater. To RSVP, email office@shaareshamayim or call 215-677-1600. 6 p.m. 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia.
Dec. 24
Old City
The Chevra, Grad Network, Repair the World, and Tribe 12 will host a Chanukah festival at FringeArts with a concert and night of reveling for young professionals and grad students in their 20s and 30s. It’s $10 before and $20 at the door. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.
Dec. 25
Center City
The National Museum of American Jewish History is open on Christmas. There’ll be a live musical performance by Alex and the Kaleidoscope along with story time and crafts. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 101 S. Independence Mall E, Philadelphia.
eschucht@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0751
