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Hanukkah in the Capital: Family-Friendly Celebrations

Hanukkah begins December 25 this year! In Washington, D.C., the holiday shines brightly with a diverse range of events, from iconic public menorah lightings to intimate community gatherings.

December 13: Fire & Ice Hanukkah Celebration
Join at Washington Hebrew as they bring the warmth of Hanukkah into the cold of winter with a celebratory oneg including hot and cold treats, foods, and much more. Participate in fire and ice activities, art projects and so much more! Come dressed as you normally would for Shabbat OR if you want to be a bit more festive, wear an ugly Hanukkah sweater, a favorite pair of Hanukkah pajamas, or dress in red to bring the heat or blue if you want to play it cool.

December 15: Kid and Family Hanukkah Celebration: Featuring a Mad Scientist Show
Join Kesher Israel for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and lunch!

December 17: Hanukkah Party at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Come to the annual Pre-Hanukkah Celebration for latkes, jelly doughnuts, chocolate gelt and holiday songs! The celebration is before the holiday this year. But they’ll have the same festive Hanukkah fun. Explore the museum and eat, play games and sing.

December 20: Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night
The Festival of Lights is back at the Canal Park Ice Rink with Free Skate Rentals for the first 150 attendees to glide around the outdoor menorah along with live music from DJ Ci Ci, free Hanukkah-themed donuts, and hot cider from neighborhood confectionary shop Kilwins courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID; PLUS dreidels, glow sticks, gelt, and Capitol Riverfront giveaways for the first 100 attendees! The official menorah lighting will take place at 7:00 pm.

December 25: National Chanukah Menorah Lighting
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.

December 25: Lighting of the Menorah at the Wharf
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.

December 26: Chanukah Festival in Old Town Alexandria
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!