It’s almost here: the Festival of Lights. Chanukah starts at sunset Wednesday, December 25th and ends at sunset, Thursday, January 2nd. Time to stock up on potatoes for latkes, find a local bakery with the best sufganiyot, and bulk order that Manischewitz. Check out our Guide to Jewish-owned eateries here!
There’s always lots of fun things to do with the family during the holiday season. If you’re looking for a broader assortment of winter activities, check out our articles “The 15 Best Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs” or the “December Family-Friendly Events Guide.” If you’re only interested in Chanukah content, then keep on reading!
Chanukah Events
Menorah Lightings
The National Menorah Lighting
December 25th, 3:30-5 PM
The White House Ellipse, DC. Tickets are required, but are free.
The lighting of the national menorah is usually attended by members of the administration, like the President and Vice President, as well as local and national Jewish celebrities. For sure there will be fun musical performances!
Kensington Menorah Lighting
December 29th, 6:00 PM
Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell Street Kensington,MD 20895
Music and treats are promised.
National Landing Menorah Lighting
December 30th, 5:30 PM
Met Park at Amazon HQ, 1330 S Fair Street Arlington, VA 22202
Tickets are free but registration is required. Food, music and hot cocoa included.
Attend a Play
A Hanukkah Carol
Runs November 20th-December 29th
Round House Theatre, Bethesda, MD. Tickets $50-$93 for ages 4+
A modern and Jewish spin on the classic “Christmas Carol.” A show that is family friendly and meant to get you in the spirit of Hanukkah!
Fun Activities
Chanukah Workshop with Dreidel Making at Home Depot
December 15th, 2:30-3:30 PM
901 Rhode Island Ave NE Washington, DC 20018. Tickets are free-sign up through Eventbrite.
Home Depot will teach kids how to make their very own Menorahs. While the little ones are playing, take a moment to peruse the aisles for your own Chanukah wishlist!
Annapolis Parade of Light
December 29th, 5:30 PM
Safeway, 2365 Housely Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401. Free but please RSVP.
Join a Menorah Car Parade that ends at the city dock for a giant Menorah lighting! Hosted by the Chabad of Anne Arundel County.
Chanukah Festival- Old Town Alexandria
December 26th, 6:00 PM
The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum 201 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314. Tickets are free but you must register.
Food, music, a menorah lighting- what more could you ask for! This event will be outside. Hosted by the Chabad-Lubavitch of Arlington-Alexandria.
Chanukah Events at the Edlavitch DCJCC
The DCJCC, located at 1529 16th Street NW, DC 20036, will be hosting a variety of programming for Chanukah, including:
Celebrate Chanukah with Jews of Color and their Families
December 22nd, 5:00 PM
Tickets are free and intended for Jews of Color and their Families
Enjoy an early Chanukah celebration with food, games, and a Menorah lighting. Hear from Liz Kleinrock and receive a copy of her book “What Jewish Looks Like.”
JFamily Chanukah Party
December 15th, 10:00 AM
Tickets are $30/ family
Geared towards families with kids under 5 years old. Snacks, stories, schmoozing and a performance by Mr. Gabe!
Enjoy Food
Everyone will have the opportunity to get their nosh on this season with a variety of options for food! If you’re not in the mood to peel and shred a mountain of Yukons, here is a comprehensive list of places in the Washington, DC area to order your Chanukah goodies.
Notable mentions:
- Call Your Mother has raspberry-guava sufganiyot and a deluxe latke platter.
- Baked by Yael, in addition to its normal offering of one of the best challahs in the region, is making jumbo menorah pops!
- In the mood for something savory? Silver and Sons BBQ has spicy lamb and beef meatballs, brisket bourekas with gruyere and caramelized onions, smoked brisket in tomato stew and classic potato latkes with apple butter and lemon whipped yogurt. *Just drooled on the computer*
Activities at Home
This year my daughter’s winter break coincides with mine perfectly, which means we’re going to have *a lot* of free time to fill. It also feels like about -2 degrees outside, so there will be plenty of indoor activities until Mother Nature decides to be nice again. The PJ Library has miraculously (pun intended) made a “Chanukah Cheat Sheet” for families, which includes videos, songs, recipes, books and crafts for babies through tweens.
