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29 Hanukkah Activities & Events for Kids in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, & Rockland

29 Hanukkah Activities & Events for Kids in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, & Rockland

Celebrate the holiday with your family at these Hanukkah events in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland.


There are many kid-friendly Hanukkah activities for families in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland. At these Hanukkah 2021 events, kids can learn about the holiday and Jewish culture, make arts and crafts, and see menorah lightings. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights that remembers the miracle of lamp oil lasting for eight days. Hanukkah 2021 is celebrated from Nov. 28-Dec. 6. And there are so many ways to celebrate, musical performances and parades to yummy foods. Experience Hanukkah 2021 in NYC and the surrounding area with these Hanukkah activities and events. 

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Hanukkah Activities in NYC

Accumulations: Hanukkah Lamps

WHEN: Through Jan. 31, 2022: Monday and Thursday, 11am-6pm; Friday, 11am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. 
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
WHAT: See more than 80 Hanukkah lamps representing four continents and six centuries of artistic production. The Jewish Museum’s collection of Hanukkah lamps is the largest in the world at nearly 1,050 pieces, and was amassed over the 114 years of the museum’s existence. The Hanukkah lamps on view reflect a wide variety of stylistic influences and decorative techniques, with lamps ranging in date from the Renaissance to Thanksgiving 2013.
WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older; $8 students; free for children younger than 18 and members; free on Saturdays. Advanced registration required.

Chanukah at The Seaport

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 3-5pm
WHERE: The Seaport, 25 Fulton St., Downtown Manhattan
WHAT: Celebrate Chanukah with face painting , balloons, Live Music, arts & crafts, latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, a Live Ice Carving Menorah Show, Dreidel mascots, a Stilt Walker, clowns, Musical Performance by the FiDi Hebrew School the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony, and more!
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required.

Chanukah on Ice

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 29, 6-9pm
WHERE: Wollman Rink, 830 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
WHAT: Ice-skate to festive Hanukkah music with a DJ and live band, see the lighting of the giant ice menorah, and enjoy a boxed dinner including delicious Hanukkah doughnuts. 
WANT TO GO? Online: $22; $30 with skate rental; at the event: $28; $35 with skate rental.

Chanukah Celebration

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 5:30pm
WHERE: The Chelsea Green Park, 140 W. 20th St., Chelsea
WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, latkes, doughnuts, chocolate gelt, dreidels, and a grand menorah lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Hanukkah Hunt Gallery Program

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 10:30am-3pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
WHAT: Explore striking Hanukkah menorahs from around the world. Embark on a playful hunt, draw your discoveries in a sketchbook, experiment with whimsical shapes, touch replicas of artifacts, and chat with Jewish Museum Educators about what you encounter in this special opportunity to see treasured works of art in person during the holiday.
WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older; $8 students; free for children younger than 18 and members; free on Saturdays. Advanced registration required.

Abingdon Square Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 5pm
WHERE: Abingdon Square Park, intersection of Bleecker and Hudson streets, Greenwich Village
WHAT: See the lighting of a giant menorah and enjoy latkes, doughnuts, entertainment for kids, and a gelt drop!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Hanukkah Activities in Brooklyn

Chanukah Family Fest

WHEN: Nov. 28-Dec. 6, Sunday, 10am-5:30pm; Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Jewish Children's Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights
WHAT: Get into the holiday spirit by designing unique Hanukkah arts and decorating a mouth-watering holiday doughnut. Discover the art of olive oil making in a fascinating and interactive workshop. Step into a world of wonder as you explore the museum’s unique exhibits, and help create a Hanukkah mural on a menorah.
WANT TO GO? $15

Brooklyn's Largest Menorah

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 5, various times
WHERE: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West and Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
WHAT: Be there for the lighting of the largest menorah in Brooklyn every night of Hanukkah with live music, hot latkes, and gifts for the children.
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Outdoor Clinton Hill Chanukah Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 5:30pm
WHERE: Rohr Chabad of Clinton Hill & Pratt Institute, across from 541 Myrtle Ave., Clinton Hill
WHAT: Rabbi Yossi of Myrtle Ave’s Hadas Gallery + Synagogue will lead the lighting of a menorah made of ice. There will also be lots of free holiday fun to enjoy: live music, hot latkes and sufganiyot (friend doughnuts), fun giveaways for kids, and more!
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Hanukkah Activities in Queens

Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 4:30pm
WHERE: Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens
WHAT: Join Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. in a festive celebration of Hanukkah.
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Chabad of Long Island City: Community Chanukah Celebration

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6pm
WHERE: Gantry Plaza State Park, Center Boulevard at 48th Avenue, Long Island City
WHAT: It’s an ice menorah Hanukkah celebration! There will be a performance by Chabad Hebrew School, an ice menorah carving show, 3-D glow-in-the-dark glasses, lively Hanukkah music, and much more! Plus, enjoy doughnuts, chocolate gelt, and treats!
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Hanukkah Activities on Long Island

Chanukah Experience

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 4:15pm
WHERE: Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2174 Hewlett Ave., Merrick
WHAT: Park your car at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and join the walking parade to the Merrick Long Island Railroad Station for 12-foot Menorah lighting, latkes, dancing Rabbis, doughnuts, juggling show, and more!
WANT TO GO? $18 suggested donation per family. Advanced registration required.

CKids Chanukah Disco

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 10-11am
WHERE: Chabad of The Hamptons, 13 Woods Lane, East Hampton
WHAT: Boogie down at this glow-in-the-dark dance party complete with glowing cupcake decorating and a glowing dreidel spin-off.
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required. 

Grand Menorah Car Parade & Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 6pm
WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with a Grand Menorah Car Parade & Lighting. The parade starts from Chabad of Mid-Suffolk (318 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack) at 6pm. The Grand Menorah Lighting at The Chai Center (outdoors), located at 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, will happen at 6:45pm. Enjoy live music, doughnuts, latkes, and fun for the entire family.
WANT TO GO? Free.



MenorahCade

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 3:30pm departs from Chabad; 4pm Chanukah Celebration
WHERE: Chabad of The Hamptons, 13 Woods Lane, East Hampton
WHAT: Show your Jewish pride by joining in the MenorahCade! Drive through the streets of East Hampton to Herrick Park for the grand finale Hanukkah celebration featuring Hanukkah treats, fun surprises for the whole family, and the lighting of a 6-foot-tall menorah with local dignitaries. 
WANT TO GO? Free. Call to reserve a menorah for your car. 

Town of Oyster Bay Chabad: Chanukah Spectacular

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 3:30pm
WHERE: Plainview Shopping Centre, 327-392 S. Oyster Bay Road, Plainview
WHAT: This year's family-friendly event will feature vaudeville stunt act David Darwin, festive music, Hanukkah foods, such as latkes and jelly doughnuts, and classic pizza. This event celebrating the joy of Hanukkah will be an experience to be remembered. The highlight of the event will be the Grand Giant Menorah lighting. All children will receive Hanukkah gelt of one crisp dollar bill.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Public Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 29, 6pm
WHERE: LIRR Station, Middle Neck Road & Station Plaza, Great Neck
WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with music, dancing, doughnuts, and prizes for all kids. Great Neck dignitaries will light the menorah.
WANT TO GO? Free. 

GCA Menorah Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 5-6:30pm
WHERE: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn
WHAT: Celebrate the third night of Hanukkah with a community menorah lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Public Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 6pm
WHERE: The Village Green, Middle Neck and Beach roads, Great Neck
WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with music, dancing, doughnuts, and prizes for all kids. Great Neck dignitaries will light the menorah.
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Chanukah Wonderland

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 9:30-11:30am
WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with arts and crafts, games, and activities such as decorating doughnuts, sand art, finding Judah the Maccabee, and making special Hanukkah candles.
WANT TO GO? $12. Advanced registration required. 

Hanukkah Activities in Westchester

Chanukah Car Parade and Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 3:20pm parade line up; 3:45pm parade begins; 4pm menorah lighting and fire juggling show
WHERE: Chabad of Yorktown, 2629 Old Yorktown Road, Yorktown Heights
WHAT: Chabad of Yorktown will be hosting a Hanukkah car parade followed by a public menorah lighting at the Jack Devito Field in Yorktown. There will be a fire juggling show at the menorah lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free. Call or register online to participate in the parade or to reserve a car decorating kit.

Community Chanukah Extravaganza: Fire on Ice

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 4pm
WHERE: Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, 87 Ogden Park, Dobbs Ferry
WHAT: Watch the fastest ice carver in Guinness world record carve a giant Ice Menorah. Enjoy a dazzling fire show, and Epic Gelt drop and delicious Latkes and donuts.
WANT TO GO? Free. RSVP appreciated.

Chabad Somers Public Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 6pm
WHERE: Elephant Hotel, 335 US-202, Somers
WHAT: Kick off the first night of Hanukkah with a public menorah lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 6pm
WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
WHAT: Enjoy a special Hanukkah menorah lighting with the Chabad of Yonkers. The Chabad Rabbi will light the menorah in celebration of the festival of lights, and guests will enjoy live music, cultural dancing, and treats.
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Pound Ridge Outdoor Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 6pm
WHERE: Across from 55 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge
WHAT: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with an outdoor Menorah lighting ceremony and gift bags!
WANT TO GO? Free. 

Bedford Outdoor Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 28, 3pm Chanukah Village; 4pm Menorah Lighting
WHERE: Bedford Village Green, Bedford
WHAT: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah when Bedford Village is turned into Chanukah Village! Every store will have a Hanukkah treat for you! Then, get ready to light the menorah!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Young Families Chanukah Celebration at Emanu-El

WHEN: Sun., Dec. 5, 10:45am
WHERE: Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Avenue, Rye
WHAT: Families, with children ages 6 months to second grade, are invited to celebrate Chanukah together with song, movement, crafts, stories, community, and fun! 
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required. 

Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa December Holiday Grab and Go Crafts

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, Monday-Tuesday, 9am-6pm; Thursday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Port Chester/Rye Brook Library, 1 Haseco Ave., Port Chester
WHAT: Children will be given a bag with all of the pieces they need to make a Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa craft.
WANT TO GO? Free. Advanced registration required. 

Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 29, 6pm
WHERE: Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main St., Stratford, CT
WHAT: Celebrate the second night of Hanukkah with a menorah lighting.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Hanukkah Activities in Rockland

Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6:30pm
WHERE: Temple Beth El of Rutherford, 185 Montross Ave., Rutherford, NJ
WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting, music, latkes, doughnuts, and a gelt drop from a fire truck!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 2, 6:30-7pm
WHERE: The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, 119-158 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ
WHAT: Join Mayor Fulop and the HDSID in celebrating the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah. 
WANT TO GO? Free. 

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Shara Levine

Author:

Shara Levine, originally from Brooklyn, is the Events Manager for NYMetroParents. As a lifelong New Yorker, and mom of four raising her kids on Long Island, Shara knows her hometown well and brings her love of all things fun to NYMetroParents by sharing the best in kid friendly events, festival, concerts, and performances in NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland. When not helping parents plan their family's day out, Shara enjoys making random Seinfeld references and going on late-night Target runs. 

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