Hanukkah Celebrations Around Philly
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly party, a young-professionals gathering, or just an opportunity to eat a pile of sufganiyot, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights in Philly.
Menorah parade on the Parkway / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Hanukkah begins the evening of December 7th this year, and whether you’re looking for a family-friendly party, a young-professionals gathering, or just an opportunity to eat a pile of sufganiyot, 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.
Menorah Lightings and Family-Friendly Hanukkah Events
Menorah Lighting with Howie Roseman at LOVE Park
Eagles GM Howie Roseman will be present at LOVE Park’s menorah lighting, which will also feature live music and sufganiyot.
Free; December 7th, 7 p.m., LOVE Park, 15th and Arch streets.
Chanukah on the Avenue
While the menorah will be aglow at the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk all through the holiday, the Avenue is teaming up with South Philadelphia Shtiebel for the first night of Hanukkah for a celebration. Festivities include latkes, crafts and live music. RSVP required; free and open to all.
Free; December 7th, 5-7 p.m., South Philadelphia Shtiebel, 1321 South Juniper Street.
Menorah Lighting at Suburban Square
Chabad Main Line brings in the holiday with a menorah lighting, treats, crafts and other kid-friendly activities on the lawn of Suburban Square.
Free; December 7th, 5 p.m., Suburban Square, Ardmore.
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. The celebration includes crafts, treats, a gelt drop, music, face-painting, a fire juggler and more.
Free; December 9th, parade at 7 p.m. on the Parkway, celebration from 8-10 p.m. at 5th and Market streets.
Menorah at Independence Mall / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Family Hanukkah Celebration at the Weitzman
Join Center City Kehillah and jkidphilly for a klezmer band concert, crafts and more kid-friendly activities. The event will conclude with a candle lighting, musical prayer ceremony and sufganiyot. Pre-register online.
Free; December 10th, 4-6 p.m., the Weitzman, 101 South Independence Mall East.
Betsy Ross House Menorah Lighting
Join the Betsy Ross House and Old City Jewish Arts Center for the community menorah lighting. In addition to the lighting, you can celebrate with latkes and jelly doughnuts. Children can take home a menorah and some Hanukkah gelt while supplies last.
Free; December 10th, 4-5 p.m., 239 Arch Street.
Hanukkah at Franklin Square
Following the Betsy Ross lighting (above), head to Franklin Square to continue the celebration with OCJAC. While you’re there, stick around for the semi-hourly light show around the fountain and other holiday festivities.
Free; December 10th, 6:30-7 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.
Media Chanukah Village
State Street in Media will transform into a holiday village with activities like nail art, story time, cookie decorating, 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.
Free; December 10th, 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, and a light-up robot (spoiler alert: it’s a person dressed like a robot). The event is free, but RSVP is required online.
Free; December 10th, 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.
Free; December 10th, 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).
The Great Gelt Drop
Chabad Penn Wynne hosts a lighting and celebration at the fire station. Following yet another car and fire truck menorah parade at 3:15 p.m., meet at the firehouse for a menorah lighting, crafts, treats, fire-safety activities (makes sense for a holiday centered around lighting candles and frying oil every night) and, of course, the main event: the gelt drop. Catch and collect chocolate coins dropped by firefighters from 25 feet up in the air.
Free; December 10th, 4:30 p.m. (parade at 3:15 p.m.), 1440 Manoa Road, Wynnewood.
Menorah Lighting at the Headhouse Shambles
South Street Headhouse District will be hosting a menorah lighting with rabbis from Society Hill Synagogue, B’nai Abraham, and Kesher Israel. Candle lighting will begin at 4:45 p.m., and a short service will follow at 5 p.m. with light refreshments.
Free; December 11th, 4:45 p.m., 2nd and Pine streets.
76ers Hanukkah Night
A special ticket gets you early entry to pre-game warmups. Plus, a special Sixers Hanukkah t-shirt, foam finger, and a post-game concert by a cappella group, the Maccabeats.
$31-$110; December 11th, 7 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.
Rittenhouse Square Menorah Lighting
Come to the square for a community lighting and celebration with B’Nai Abrahm Chabad. They’ll also be collecting non-perishable canned goods to help support families and individuals in need.
Free; December 12th, 5 p.m., 210 West Rittenhouse Square.
Photograph by Jeff Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Hanukkah For the Grownups
Latkes & Vodkas Movie Night: Eight Crazy Nights
Khyber Pass Pub will screen Adam Sandler’s animated Hanukkah musical, Eight Crazy Nights, for a special holiday celebration. Your ticket includes admission, latkes and a drink. The event is for ages 21-and-up.
$15; December 6th, 8 p.m., Khyber Pass Pub, 56 South 2nd Street.
Promukkah
Complete with a dance floor, photo ops, snacks, and “all the alcohol you couldn’t have at your own high school prom,” this black-tie event is as fun as its pun-tastic name.
$15; December 9th, 7:30 p.m. Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel, 44 North 4th Street.
Klezmer Hanukkah Concert at the Weitzman
Brooklyn Klezmer band, the Honorable Mentshn, will be joined by Yiddish vocalist Sasha Lurje for a festive holiday concert. Cash bar will open one hour before showtime.
$13-$18; December 9th, 7 p.m., The Weitzman, 101 South Independence Mall East.
Latke Tasting Bar
Mamash! Chabad hosts a delicious event in Philly. Enjoy a wide variety of latkes with assorted toppings prepared by local chef Ryan Horowitz, along with an open bar. Pre-registration is required online.
$10; December 13th, 8 p.m., Mamash! Chabad, 1601-03 Lombard Street.
The Chevra’s Festival of Light
Hundreds of young professionals and grad students gather for the largest adult Hanukkah party in the city. The night includes live music, dancing, an ugly sweater contest, menorah lighting, and festive food and drink. Tickets available online and at the door.
$10-$20; December 14th, 7:30 p.m., the Chevra, 2002 Ludlow Street.
