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Hanukkah Events and Menorah Lightings for Philadelphia Families

Photo courtesy of National Museum of American Jewish History
Photo courtesy of National Museum of American Jewish History
11/26/18 - By Kristen Sullivan

Hanukkah begins on December 2 and continues until December 10 this year. During these eight nights known as The Jewish Festival of Lights, Philly families can celebrate throughout the Delaware Valley at many fantastic events that can be found in our events calendar. From attending menorah lighting ceremonies and listening to stories to making crafts and spinning the dreidel, everyone in the family can enjoy these special traditions while making lasting memories. We've rounded up some of our favorite activities so read on for ideas to incorporate into your family's calendar.

For additional seasonal fun, be sure to review our Holiday Fun Guide.

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Hanukkah Events and Menorah Lightings

Sensory-friendly Hanukkah Access Event

December 2, 2018
Children, teens, and adults of all abilities are invited to the National Museum of American Jewish History to participate in Hanukkah art activities in a quiet setting. Tours are modified, sensory-friendly, and feature lowered sounds and quiet, cool-down spaces. READ MORE

Hanukkah Story Time

December 2, 2018
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with friends at the Upper Merion Township Library. This special storytime is to be held in the Little Theatre. It is important to note that guests must register online to participate in this event. READ MORE

Hooray for Hanukkah

December 2, 2018
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Garden State Discovery Museum. From 1 PM-4 PM, children listen to Hanukkah stories, create holiday snacks and enjoy hands-on Hanukkah crafts. The afternoon ends with a concert at 3 PM. READ MORE

Hanukkah Olive Press Workshop

December 2, 2018
The story of Hanukkah comes to life during this special event at Shaare Shamayim Synagogue. In this hands on workshop, kids see the olive oil process from start to finish and get to take home a souvenir Hanukkah kit.  READ MORE

Hanukkah Wonderland & Courthouse Menorah Lighting

December 2, 2018
Head to the Media Community Center for Hanukkah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting. Kids can expect dreidel crafts, face painting, photo ops, and hot latkes. Afterwards, stay for the 4th annual lighting of the Grand Menorah at the Courthouse. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting in Lansdale

December 2, 2018
Mark the beginning of Hanukkah by visiting the Railroad Plaza for the lighting of the Menorah. The Horns of Hanukkah are set to perform. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration

December 2, 2018
All are invited to watch the menorah lighting at 4:30 PM at the Shops at Valley Square. Then, get ready to catch Hanukkah gelt falling from the sky!  READ MORE

Menorah Lighting & Concert

December 2, 2018
Join Glazier Jewish Center as they celebrate Hanukkah with a concert featuring Tal Vaknin. In addition to the live concert, guests can expect the lighting of the menorah and fresh doughnuts. READ MORE

Car Menorah Parade in Cherry Hill

December 2, 2018
Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties hosts this unique South Jersey celebration of the Festival of Lights. Fire and police department vehicles are on hand to lead the parade of menorah-adorned cars.  READ MORE

Hannukah Festival

December 3, 2018
Celebrate Hannukah at Shady Brook Farm. Families can expect to make crafts, listen to stories, spin the dreidel, light the 12 foot menorah, and sing and dance around the bonfire. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration

December 3, 2018
South Street Headhouse District and Congregation B'nai Abraham welcomes families to its 4th annual celebration of the Festival of Light at the Headhouse Shambles. Guests can expect song, prayer, and the ceremony of the traditional lighting of the menorah. READ MORE

Celebrate Hanukkah with jkidphilly and the Kehillah of Old York Road

December 4, 2018
Families can create edible dreidles, light the menorah, and enjoy snacks and crafts with Rabbis David Glanzberg Kranin and Andrea Merow (Beth Sholom Congregation), Pam Maman (Abramson Homecare) and Lori Rubin (jkidphilly) during this special celebration at The Pavilion. READ MORE

Chabad of Lafayette Hill Hanukkah Celebration

December 4, 2018
Families are invited to join Chabad of Lafayette Hill at Plymouth Meeting Mall for a Hanukkah celebration! The festivities take place on the Lower Level at Center Court. READ MORE

Hanukkah at the Courthouse

December 4, 2018
Stop by the Bucks County Courthouse to watch the menorah lighting. Then, head inside for crafts, food, and fun. READ MORE

Rittenhouse Square Candle Lighting

December 4, 2018
Join Center City Kehillah at Rittenhouse Square for this evening Candle-lighting Event held promptly at 5:15 PM. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration at Northeast Regional Library

December 4, 2018
School aged children are invited to visit Northeast Regional Library for a Hanukkah Celebration! Kids can expect stories, crafts, and refreshments. READ MORE

Hanukkah Storytime

December 5, 2018
The Doylestown Bookshop welcomes jkidphilly and the Chabad Lubavitch of Doylestown for an interactive Hanukkah storytime featuring books and cookies. READ MORE

Hanukkah Performance

December 5, 2018
Families can enjoy celebrating the Festival of Lights at the Please Touch Museum during First Wednesday. Kids can expect to make oil paintings, prepare a recipe with Vetri Mobile Teaching Kitchen, and play dreidel games.     READ MORE

Old City Menorah Lighting at Betsy Ross House

December 7, 2018
Betsy Ross House joins Old City Jewish Arts Center to light the menorah and celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Visitors can expect traditional foods like latke and doughnuts and menorahs for the younger guests. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration

December 9, 2018
Join Elmwood Park Zoo for a Hanukkah celebration. Guests can visit the animals, watch a live animal show, participate in games, make crafts, and listen to the Temple Brith Achim Choir perform. Afterwards, the menorah is lighted. READ MORE

jkidphilly at Rick Recht Hanukkah Concert

December 8, 2018
Families can join jkidphilly and the Kehillah of BuxMont for a special community concert featuring Rick Recht. Stay afterwards for a special Hanukkah mitzvah project and dessert. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration

December 9, 2018
Join Elmwood Park Zoo for a Hanukkah celebration. Guests can visit the animals, watch a live animal show, participate in games, make crafts, and listen to the Temple Brith Achim Choir perform. Afterwards, the menorah is lighted. READ MORE

Family Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History

December 25, 2018
National Museum of American Jewish History's Family Days offer guests the chance to enjoy educational and public programs, hands on projects, story times, and family-friendly activities for free. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

National Museum of American Jewish History
Bucks County Courthouse
The Doylestown Bookshop
National Museum of American Jewish History