Hanukkah Celebrations Around Philly
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly party, a giant-menorah-topped car parade, or just an opportunity to eat a pile of latkes, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights all holiday long.
Menorah parade on the Parkway / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Hanukkah begins the evening of December 25th this year, and whether you’re looking for a family-friendly party, a giant-menorah-topped car parade, or just an opportunity to eat a pile of latkes, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights all holiday long. So, brush up on your dreidel-spinning skills, and mark your calendars.
“Being ___ at Christmas” at the Weitzman
The Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History is always open on Christmas Day and goes all out with family-friendly performances and activities. But Christmas and Hanukkah don’t always coincide, so this year they’re also including a Hanukkah celebration with the festivities. At 2:30 p.m., the day winds down with a menorah lighting. Before that, kids can do make-and-take crafts, enjoy high-energy musical performances and workshops, watch movies (Shrek and Frozen), go on a museum scavenger hunt, and much more. On the concourse, there’ll be kids’ music with Lolly Hopwood and a drumming workshop led by Joseph Tayoun. If the little ones need a break, head to the sensory-friendly play zone, which has a foam floor, blocks and puzzles. Tickets are $15-$20 in advance, $25 at the door, and free for museum members.
December 25th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East.
Center City Kehillah at Rittenhouse Square
Jewish Federation of Philadelphia and Center City Kehillah lead an evening of music, candle lighting and sufganiyot in Rittenhouse Square. Register online, or just show up. There will be another lighting in the Square later in the week. (See below.)
December 26th, 5 p.m., Rittenhouse Square, 210 West Rittenhouse Square.
Hanukkah in Manayunk
Come for latkes and candle lighting in Canal View Park (5000 East Flat Rock Road) on December 26th. Then, Manayunk is keeping the festivities going throughout the holiday with “Eight Crazy Nights” of giveaways on Instagram, and tasty treats, giveaways, and gelt at the Manayunk Welcome Center (106 Grape Street).
December 25th-January 1st, multiple locations in Manayunk.
Menorah Lighting at Suburban Square
Bring in the holiday with a menorah lighting, treats, crafts and other kid-friendly activities on the lawn of Suburban Square.
December 26th, 5 p.m., Suburban Square, Ardmore.
Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place
Bring the littles as the Bucks County theme park promises a day full of games, activities, dancing, music, a menorah lighting ceremony in Abby’s Paradise Theater, and story time with their favorite Sesame Street characters.
$35, December 26th through January 1st, Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne.
Philly Car Parade and Celebration
This one is amazing. Cars outfitted with giant menorahs drive down the Parkway and end at Independence Mall, where the gigantic menorah will be lit. Then head to the Weitzman for a celebration that includes crafts, treats, a gelt drop, music, face-painting, a juggler and more.
December 28th, parade at 7 p.m. on the Parkway, lighting at 5th and Market streets, celebration from 8-10 p.m. at the Weitzman (101 South Independence Mall East).
Menorah at Independence Mall / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Chanukah on the Avenue
While the menorah will be aglow at the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk all through the holiday, the Avenue is celebrating on Sunday with a joyous ceremony.
December 29th, 5:30-7 p.m., Singing Fountain, East Passyunk Avenue.
Media Chanukah Village
State Street in Media will transform into a holiday village with activities like story time, face painting, a dreidel makerspace, treats and more. Pick up your map at the courthouse and stroll around the neighborhood beginning at 3 p.m. Then, at 4:30 p.m., return to the courthouse for the grand menorah lighting and the gelt drop. The event is free, but RSVP is required online.
December 29th, 3-5 p.m., Media Courthouse, 201 West Front Street, Media.
Yardley Chanukah Village
Main Street in Yardley will also transform into a festive village with activities, giveaways and treats at participating vendors and a party at Buttonwood Park. First, at 3 p.m., grab a map and stroll down the street for fun activities for all ages. Then, at 4:15 p.m., gather at the park for a grand menorah lighting, music, treats, a gelt drop, crafts and more. The event is free, but RSVP is required online.
December 29th, 3-5 p.m., Main Street and Buttonwood Park, Yardley.
Main Line Menorah Parade
If you Main Liners missed the city parade of cars topped with giant menorahs, you’re in luck! Chabad of the Main Line hosts their own version. Meet at 3:15 p.m. to get your car menorah, then start the parade at 3:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., gather for a menorah lighting, food and activities at Giant in Wynnewood. Sign up for your own car menorah online.
December 29th, 3:30 p.m., starts at Chabad of the Main Line (625 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station), with celebration at Giant (50 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood).
Hanukkah in Rittenhouse Square / Photograph by Jeff Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Rittenhouse Square Menorah Lighting
Missed the first Rittenhouse Square lighting? Come to the square on the fifth night of Hanukkah for another community lighting and celebration, this time with with B’Nai Abrahm Chabad.
December 29th, 5 p.m., 210 West Rittenhouse Square.
Old City Menorah Lighting and Celebration
Join the Betsy Ross House and Old City Jewish Arts Center for the community menorah lighting, treats, and DJ music. The celebration continues at Franklin Square at 6:30 p.m.
December 30th, 4-4:30 p.m. at Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street), 6:30 p.m. at Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.
Menorah Lighting at the Headhouse Shambles
South Street Headhouse District will be hosting a menorah lighting with three local rabbis. Candle lighting will be at 5:30 p.m.; start gathering at 5 p.m.
December 30th, 5 p.m., 2nd and Pine streets.
