Hanukkah starts on December 18 this year. Get your family together for festive and kid-friendly celebrations in the city and beyond.

Miracle of Lights: Hanukkah Laser Show with Old York Road Kehillah

December 17, 6-8:30 p.m.

Elkins Park, register for exact location

What better way to celebrate the Festival of Lights than with a laser light show! Join your Jewish community for an evening of wonder for people of all ages, whether you are 0 or 120. Enjoy snacks and a laser show, presented by Wondergy, that will bring the miracle of lights to life with bright and colorful displays.

Old City Menorah Lighting

December 18, 4:30 p.m.

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St.

The Old City Jewish Arts Center and Betsy Ross House will join together to host a community menorah lighting. Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with traditional foods like latke and doughnuts!

Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place

December 18-24

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Sesame Place’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Join a local cantor, Baby Bear, who celebrates Hanukkah with his family, Grover, and more of your Sesame Street friends to play a game of dreidel, light the Menorah, and learn all about Hanukkah! The lighting ceremony will happen daily at 4:30 p.m.

Hanukkah at Kol Tzedek

December 18, 4:30-8 p.m.

801 S. 48th St.

West Philadelphia’s Kol Tzedek synagogue will be celebrating its 18th anniversary and the first night of Hannukah with singing, dancing, family-friendly activities, an artist market, and food and drinks at this hybrid event.

Chanukah on the Avenue

December 18, 3 p.m.

The Singing Fountain, Passyunk Ave. & 11th St.

Join the South Philadelphia Shtiebel for their annual Chanukah extravaganza on East Passyunk Avenue, featuring music, celebration, and connection with the local community.

Hanukkah Story & Craft

December 19, 4 p.m.

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave.

Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with a story and a rainbow scratch dreidel craft at the Northeast Regional Library.

Hanukkah Candle Lighting with Center City Kehillah

December 20, 5 p.m.

Rittenhouse Square Park, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square

The Jewish Federation and Center City Kehillah are hosting a candle lighting for the Center City community in Rittenhouse Square on the third night of Hanukkah. Registering ahead of time is encouraged to make sure there are enough treats available!

Headhouse Shambles Menorah Lighting

December 22, 4:45-8 p.m.

Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Lombard Streets

Rabbi Kamesar, Rabbi Goldman, and Rabbi Romirowsky from Society Hill Synagogue, B’nai Abraham Chabad, and Congregation Kesher Israel will lead a menorah lighting at the Headhouse Shambles. Light refreshments will be available. Arrive by 4:45 p.m. for a prompt candle lighting & short service at 5 p.m.

Hanukkah Storytime

December 22, 7-7:30 p.m.

Virtual on Zoom

Join friends from jkidaccess for an inclusive evening of Hanukkah music, a fun craft project, and storytime. Register by 12/12 to receive Hanukkah craft materials to use during the program in the mail!

Shine a Light!

December 26, 3:30 p.m.

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East

Join the jkid4all, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and Jewish Federations of North American for a family friendly event that explores the history and customs of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Light the Kwanzaa kinara and the Hanukkah menorah and take home a light-themed craft activity.

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®