There is no better city in the U.S. than New York City in which to have the quintessential Hanukkah experience. Whether it be a massive candle lighting with hundreds of other New Yorkers or Family Day at the Jewish Museum with art, music and puppets, your child has many opportunities to celebrate and learn about the holiday outside your home. Here are some of the offerings that that we collected for you to choose from as you make your plans for the upcoming holiday:
Lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah (59th Street and 5th Avenue)
The first candle will be lighted on Wednesday evening December 1, and the full Menorah will be lighted on Wednesday evening December 8. All weekday lightings are at 5:30 PM. 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. On Sunday evening, December 5th, a celebration will include live music, singing and folk dancing, “Chanukah Gelt” for the children and hot latkes for everyone.
Hanukkah Dinner with Karina at 92nd Street Y (Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street)
Friday, December 3rd, 6-7:30pm. $25 per person and free for children up to 1 year.
Light the menorah and Shabbat candles, eat latkes and challah and celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbat at the same time. Book here.
Town and Village Synagogue Family Hanukkah Dinner (334 East 14th Street)
Friday, December 3rd. Services begin at 6:30pm, Dinner at 6:30pm; $35 per member; $20 per school child 12 and over and no charge for children under 12.
Celebrate Hanukkah with a full Friday night dinner, dreidels, latkes and songs for all. Vegetarian meals are available. For more information, go here or call 212-677-8090.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213)
December 4th and 5th, 1:30pm free with museum admission, ages 6-12
World Passport Workshop: Hanukkah Lights: Kids are invited to explore Hanukkah’s symbols and traditions, and then decorate a candle-holder to take home. For more info, go here or call (718) 735-4400.
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum (1109 5th Ave at 92nd St)
Sunday, December 5th, 12:30-4pm. FREE with museum admission.
The Jewish Museum will present Hanukkah Family Day, a fun-filled day of activities. Highlights of the day include a concert by The Macaroons; puppet performances by Talking Hands Theater; self-guided gallery tours; and a huge art workshop. Go online for more info or call 212.423.3200.
Hanukkah Festival at the 92nd Street Y (Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street)
Sunday, Dec 5 10:30am-1:30pm . $20.00 Adult / $15.00 Child.
Recreate the story of Hanukkah, decorate cookies, build your own menorah, make candles, decorate a dreidel, get your face painted and produce delicious olive oil. Free for children up to 2 years. Book here.
Latkes & Applesauce at Merkin Concert Hall (129 West 67th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)
Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 11 am
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. For ages 4 and up.
History Illuminated Family Program at the Museum at Eldridge Street (12 Eldridge Street)
December 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1pm; $15 per family
Investigate Eldridge Street’s Victorian lighting and stunning stained glass to bring the synagogue’s story to light. Make a holiday gift to share the light with others during the holiday season. Go online for more info or call 212-219-0302.
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Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Holly Rosen Fink has spent the last 15 years in NYC working in all facets of media, from MTV to the world of traditional and online publishing. Now working as a consultant in Westchester, she blogs about travel, theater, film, art, books, advocacy and more at The Culture Mom . She has two children, ages 5 and 7, who share her culture addiction.