Hanukkah takes place this year from sundown Sunday, December 22nd to sundown, Monday, December 30th. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Philadelphia at these upcoming community events.
(Please note, the holiday has been spelled according to the event’s website post for easier searching!)
Hanukkah Events at the National Museum of American Jewish History
When: The week of Hanukkah
101 S. Independence Mall East
The National Museum of American Jewish History is offering a variety of events during Hanukkah. On Tuesday, December 17, the Young Friends of NMAJH is hosting its 2019 Cocktails and Candle Lighting for guests 21 and up. The event features Hanukkah crafts, a gourmet latke bar, fully stocked open bar, silent auction, live jazz music, and holiday-inspired photo booth. Find out more here. On Christmas Day, come to the museum for the annual “Being _ at Christmas” event. There will be live music by Emmy-Award winning Alex and the Kaleidoscope, storytime, crafts, face painting, and more. Find out more here.
Kol Tzedek Synagogue’s Annual Hanukkah Party
When: Sunday, December 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 801 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia
Come out for an evening of celebrating! There will be latkes, a potluck dinner, a craft fair, DIY silk screening, candle lighting, blessings, deserts, and Klezmer dancing with the KT Simcha Band.
(Photo via Facebook.)
Menorah Lighting at Rittenhouse Square
When: Sunday, December 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Gather at the park’s giant menorah for a community celebration.
Old City Community Menorah Lighting at the Betsy Ross House
When: Sunday, December 22 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Kick off the Festival of Lights with a traditional menorah lighting.
Chanukah on the Avenue
When: Sunday, December 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Singing Fountain, Passyunk Avenue
South Philadelphia Shtiebel and East Passyunk Ave are hosting a Chanukah celebration complete with family-friendly crafts, treats, songs, trivia and a candle lighting.
Chanukah Dinner at Abe Fisher
When: Sunday, December 22
Where: 1623 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Chef Yehuda Sichel is offering a special potato-focused menu in honor of the first night of Chanukah. The multi-course meal is $65 per person, and if you’re feeling extra festive, you can opt for the $35 beverage pairing.
Centery City Kehillah Chanukah Lighting
When: Monday, December 23 from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Center City Kehillah invites the entire community to celebrate the 2nd night of Chanukah together in Rittenhouse Square! Join friends, neighbors, and representatives from 30 Jewish organizations for candle lighting, holiday treats, music, raffle prizes, and celebrating with your Jewish community. Please bring gently used winter coats in adult sizes, which will be donated to Broad Street Ministry, organized by Repair the World: Philadelphia.
South Street Headhouse District’s Hanukkah Service
When: Thursday, December 26
Where: Headhouse Shambles, 200 Pine Street
There will be a traditional menorah lighting complete with song and prayer. The gathering ends with the lighting of the candelabrum at the Lombard Street Fountain.
Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Celebration at Franklin Square
When: Friday, December 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
Celebrate the Festival Lights among the 80,000 lights in Franklin Square. To celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, there will be special games and free crafts!
Festival of Lights at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
When: Friday, December 27 from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart presents Jewish liturgical chants with modern jazz sensibilities from his latest album Hazzan. There will be performances at 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Get more information and purchase tickets here.
(Photo from eventbrite.)
The Marvelous Maccababes Hanukkah at Philly Improv Theatre
When: Saturday, December 28 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Get ready for a latke laughter with an evening of miraculously & marvelously funny scenes based on the story of Hanukkah. Watch improvisers re-enact the Hanukkah miracle with some city of brotherly love flair. Each scene will be a totally different angle, depending on the audience’s dreidel spin. Purchase tickets here.
Boathouse Row Menorah Lighting
When: Sunday, December 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Boathouse Row, Philadephia
The City of Philadelphia will light up Boathouse Row blue and white for Hanukkah.
