Hanukkah celebrations in and around Washington, DC

Hanukkah begins December 18 this year but festivities start on Dec. 1! There are several ways to get festive in our area from menorah lightings to family Hanukkah parties to ice skating! Edible DC has an amazing round-up of places to get delicious food for your holiday.

Dec. 1 – Jan. 1: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co.
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Join us during Hanukkah (December 18 – December 26) to take home a special gift.

Dec. 6 from 6:30pm-8:30pm: Chanukah Holiday Market
Shop handmade goods from independent artists from holiday cards to jewelry to baked goods. It’s Etsy IRL! Back at the EDCJCC and we’re taking over the whole building.

Dec. 11 from 3:00pm-4:00pm: Menorah Workshop at Home Depot
How fun would it be to have a brand new, custom built Menorah for this Chanukah?! Join at the Home Depot for a menorah building workshop! Driedel games! Chocolate gelt coins! And your very own, hand-painted menorah!

Dec. 18 from 3:15pm – 5:45pm: National Menorah Lighting
Hailed by international media as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally.

Dec. 18 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Dec. 18 from 6:00pm-7:00pm: Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting
Join the fun including the lights, music and treats.

Dec. 18 at 6:30pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Join to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, gelt and more!

Dec. 19 from 7:00pm-8:30pm Chanukah Holiday Party
Join your friends for a festive night of celebrating Chanukah at the JCC! We will light candles, enjoy holiday music, play dreidel, and participate in other fun Chanukah-themed activities. Feel free to invite friends and family to come celebrate with you as well!

Dec. 20 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: Community Menorah Lighting
It’s Chanukah time – and they’re bringing the celebration to you! Join as they light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more!

Dec. 20 at 6:00pm: Light Up Arlington
Experience the festival of lights at Clarendon Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration when they light a giant 9 foot Menorah. Enjoy delicious hot potato latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt and dreidels for all. There will also be lively Chanukah music!

Sign up for PJ Library! You will receive free Jewish storybooks delivered each month! PJ Library sends curated, award-winning storybooks and activities for kids from birth through age 12. They have a complete Hanukkah Hub.