(Photo: Courtesy of the Lubavitch Youth Organization)
Every year during this time we are reminded that we live near the greatest city on earth. Christmas is spectacular and we love seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, the decorated department store windows, the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and so much more. But, NYC has just as much to offer its Jewish residents who celebrate Hanukkah. Whether it be a massive candle lighting with hundreds of other New Yorkers or Family Day at the Jewish Museum with art and music, you and your child will have many opportunities to celebrate and learn and celebrate the holiday. Here are some of the offerings this year:
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
Sunday, December 18th, 12-4pm
Museum admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $7.50 for students, free for children under 12 and Jewish Museum members.
The Jewish Museum will present Hanukkah Family Day, a fun-filled day of activities, on Sunday, December 18th from 12-4pm. The day’s line-up includes a performance by musician Ben Rudnick, drop-in art workshops with a children’s book illustrator and inspiration by the works of Ezra Keats and family guides to the special exhibition, An Artist Remembers: Hanukkah Lamps Selected by Maurice Sendak and to Hanukkah lamps on view in the museum’s permanent exhibition, Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey.
1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128
(212) 423-3200
Klez for Kids Family Concert at the Museum at Eldridge Street
Sunday, December 25th, 1pm
$12 adults; $8 students and seniors; $6 children under 12
If you’re Jewish and wondering what to do with your kids on Christmas Day, head to the beautiful Eldridge Street Synagogue where you can all sing and dance to Yiddish music at the Museum’s annual family concert. Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest will lead the audience on a musical tour of Eastern European Jewish culture ending with a festive audience-enacted shtetl wedding.
12 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10022
(212) 219-0888
World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, December 20th – Wednesday, December 28th Friday at 3:30pm, Saturday at 8:30pm and 5:30pm on all other days
FREE
The miracle of Hanukkah takes on even greater significance for kids as they look upon the 32-foot, 4,000-pound, golden candelabra that grandly takes the spotlight near Central Park on the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street. At the beginning of the holiday, a celebration will include live music, singing and folk dancing, “Chanukah Gelt” for the children and hot latkes for everyone.
Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street
Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, December 20th -Wednesday, December 28th
FREE
Christmas trees don’t get to have all the fun. After all, Hanukkah is the festival of lights. This massive 32-foot tall, two-ton menorah will be lit every night of the holiday.
Intersection of Vanderbilt and Flatbush Avenues
92nd Street Y
Tuesday-Tuesday, Dec 20th-27th, 4:30 pm (There will be no lighting for the Hanukkah Menorah on Dec 24th and Dec 25th)
FREE
Bring your dancing shoes and singing voices and end the celebration with Hanukkah chocolate gelt candies.
Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street
1395 Lexington Avenue
(212) 415-5500
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Saturday, Dec 17th, 2:30pm
FREE with museum admission, ages 6-12
Explore the culture and traditions of Hanukkah. Discover how people around the world celebrate this holiday and create a Hanukkah-inspired craft to take home.
145 Brooklyn Avenue
(718) 735-4400
Poppy Seed Players: Latkes & Applesauce at Merkin Concert Hall
Sunday, December 18th, 11 am, For ages 4 and up.
Single tickets: $20
Merkin Concert Hall’s annual family Hanukkah revue celebrates Hanukkah in the city. This family-friendly musical play includes songs and scenes by some of New York’s funniest writers, including a Hanukkah version of A Christmas Carol, a mother and daughter making latkes together, a parody of “American Idol,” the story of “Thomas, the Shammus” and the rousing Klezmer-inspired title tune. Call for tickets at 212-501-3330 or buy them online.
129 West 67th Street
(212) 501-3300
History Illuminated Family Program at the Museum at Eldridge Street
December 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1pm
$15 per family. For children ages 5 and up.
Hunt for history in the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue. Find the oldest object, sit on the most expensive seat in the house ($1,100 back in 1887!), and investigate Eldridge Street’s Victorian lighting and stunning stained glass. Create a gift to share with others during the holiday season. Go online for more info or call 212-219-0302.
12 Eldridge Street
(212) 219-0302
Hanukkah on Ice in New York City at Trump Wollman Rink
Tuesday, December 20th, 6-9pm
$25 at the door (adult), $20 (child); $22 online (adult), $18 (child)
The Yeshiva Maccabeats will be singing on ice under the stars in Central Park at Trump Wollman Rink in Central Park. Kosher food will be served and a giant ice-carved ice menorah will be lit. Book tickets online.
830 5th Avenue,
(212) 439-6900
Latkes + Vodkas
Tuesday, December 20th, 7pm
$15 member, $20 non-member
Join other Generation R-ers for our annual Hannukah celebration. This year, watch a specially selected, award-winning film as part of the Russian-Jewish Cinema film festival, shining a light on Russian-Jewish artists.
JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
(646) 505-4444
So much to do. Thank you for posting it all in one place.
Great list! Every year I want to take my kids to Hanukkah on Ice, and every year it doesn’t seem to happen. Maybe this year… Happy Haunkkah!