Recently, Sean asked “Do we celebrate Hanukkah?” I responded that we could if he wanted to do so. Although we are Christians, I appreciate and enjoy celebrating many Jewish celebrations. I admitted to Sean that the first time that we tried to celebrate Hanukkah as a family (back in 2007), it was kind of a bust. You can read about that at Bananukah Was a Bust. At least, Michael was able to celebrate Hanukkah in 2008.
In any event, there are several great family-friendly options for celebrating Hanukkah in NYC this year. Below are links to my top 5 picks:
1. Celebrate Chanukah at the 92Y
They have a Family Chanukah Dinner on
Friday, November 22nd at 6pm, where the community can enjoy popular Hanukkah dishes (latkes, challah and jelly donuts). There is also a Chanukah Festival + Mitzvah Day
on Sunday, November 24th starting at 10:30am.
2. Go see the lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah
This menorah, that has been at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn since 1985, is 32 feet tall (the maximum height allowed by Jewish law). It will be lit starting on Wednesday, November 27th, the first night of Chanukah.
3. Enjoy Hanukkah Family Day at The Jewish Museum
Free with museum admission, this year’s Family Day will be held on Sunday, November 24th from noon to 4pm. Suitable for kids ages 3 and up, families will be able to make a Hanukkah menorah, create a dreidel, dance and more.
4. Merge celebrations at a Thanksgivukkah Extravaganzikah
This year is extra special because Thanksgiving and Chanukah fall on the same date. To celebrate, the Museum at Eldridge Street is hosting this holiday special on Sunday, November 24th from 11am to 1pm. There will be menorah lighting, turkey basting, “Thanksgivukkah art” and the Great Dreidel Scavenger Hunt…all for only $15 per family.
5. Chanukah on Ice
On Monday, December 2nd from 6pm to 9pm, take the family for a special skating outing in Central Park. Skate rentals, food and a concert from the Yeshiva Maccabeats are all included in the price.
