Menorah Lighting

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!

Hanukkah begins December 7 this year! There are several ways to get festive in our area from menorah lightings to family Hanukkah parties to performances!

Nov. 30 – Dec. 31: 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)?

Dec. 7 at 4:00pm: National 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. The National Menorah is honored to have the presence of the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington perform at the lighting ceremony, often accompanied by a celebrity Jewish artist. Prominent guests including the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Congress and the diplomatic corps, as well as numerous senior Administration officials and international dignitaries and celebrities have participated in the ceremony. The event creates much joy and celebration throughout the entire Washington community and beyond. Music, food, entertainment and the “National Essay Winners” are main attractions of the National Menorah Ceremony.

Dec. 7 – Dec. 15 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. 7 at 6:00pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Dec. 8 from 6:00pm-8:00pm: 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 Hannukah-themed donuts, and hot cider from neighborhood confectionary shop Kilwins courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID; PLUS dreidels, glow sticks, gelt, and an exclusive Capitol Riverfront mug & hot cocoa kit for the first 100 attendees! The official menorah lighting will take place at 7:00 pm.

Dec. 10 from 10:30am-11:30am: Family Chanukah Party
Join us for a Chanukah gathering for families of young children!

Dec. 10 at 5:00pm: Light Up Arlington
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Dec. 12 from 6:30pm-9:00pm: Hanukkah Party at National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Join the annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song! Explore the museum and enjoy food, music, and more.

Dec. 14 from 5:00pm-6:30pm: 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!

Hanukkah in the Capital: Family-Friendly Celebrations

Hanukkah celebrations in and around Washington, DC