Where to Spend Thanksgivukkah in New York City

Spiced Pumpkin Donut with Turkey-Cranberry Filling at Zucker Bakery

This year Hanukkah is coming very early.  It starts the night before Thanksgiving which means we have to celebrate during our traditional meal, so for this reason it’s being dubbed Thanksgivukkah.  The convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah is happening for the first time in over 100 years this November and there is no better way to celebrate than in NYC.  This year there is so much to do throughout the holiday. I’ve gathered some details here:

Eat sweet potato donuts at Zucker Bakery, 433 East 9^th Street

For Thanksgivukkah, Zucker Bakery  on the Upper East Side is making some pretty great donuts will come in four flavors, ranging from savory to sweet: Spiced pumpkin donuts with TURKEY and GRAVY filling, Spiced pumpkin donuts with TURKEY and CRANBERRY filling, Spiced pumpkin donuts with CRANBERRY SAUCE filling, Sweet potato donuts with TOASTED MARSHMALLOW cream filling. Are your taste buds on fire like mine are?

Volunteer with DOROT, November 27, December 1–4, 2013

Set aside one night of Chanukah to light the menorah with an older friend. Together, you and your family will create a memorable and meaningful Chanukah tradition, while fulfilling the mitzvot of lighting Chanukah candles.  DOROT will provide a menorah, candles, chocolate gelt, a dreidel and helpful guidelines for Chanukah blessings, songs, and dreidel–playing.

Celebrate the First Night, First Light at JCC Manhattan, November 27^th, 4pm

After watching the annual balloon inflation, make the short trek to the JCC in Manhattan and fete Thanksgivukkuh with hot cocoa, a Hanukkah candle lighting, a latke bar and holiday tunes. All ages.

Enjoy Hanukkah Theater with Play Me a Story presents: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins!, Sunday, December 1^st, 4pm, 14^th Street Theater, 344 E 14th St

Israeli duo Play Me a Story invites kids to get crafty with Hanukkah-themed activities and songs in this interactive musical performance, which weaves the tale of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins into Klezmer-style songs. Ages 4 and up. $30 family of six.

Catch the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza, November 27^th-December 5^th

Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon at Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel) to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights.  See largestmenorah.com for the complete schedule and more information.   The celebration kicks off on Nov. 27 at 7pm and concludes on Dec. 4 at 7pm.

Skate at Chanukah on Ice NYC, Monday, December 2^nd, 6-9pm, Central Park Wollman Rink. Central Park, enter at W 59th St at Sixth Ave,

Families can celebrate the Festival of Lights by taking a spin around the ice rink in Central Park and watching as a giant ice menorah is lit for the fifth night of Hanukkah. The Maccabeats a cappella group will perform original and traditional holiday tunes. Gratis kosher food and hot beverages are included in the evening’s festivities. All ages. 22 per adult, $18 per child 3-13.

Munch on Latkes at the 5th Annual Latke Festival, December 2^nd, 6:30-9pm at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street

This Jewish comfort-food jamboree elevates the beloved potato pancake to an entirely new level as chefs from more than a dozen esteemed local restaurants — including Kutsher’s Tribeca, La Vara and Veselka – vie for such prizes as Best Latke (People’s Choice) and Best Latke (Judge’s Choice). Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $55 to $110.

Rock Out with Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration Concerts (Details on web site)

Kindie queen Laurie Berkner and her three piece band (Susie Lampert, Brady Lymer and Bobby Golden) make two NYC-area stops on their small East Coast holiday tour. Wintry tunes from last year’s album, A Laurie Berkner Christmas will make up the brunt of the set, which includes classics like “Jingle Bells”, plus original songs such as “Candy Cane Jane” and “Candle Chase” to celebrate

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