Hanukkah Celebrations in Philly
Philadelphia celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights this year with these fun, family friendly celebrations
Hanukkah starts on December 25 this year and goes until January 2nd. Get your family together for festive and kid-friendly Hanukkah celebrations in the city of Philadelphia and surrounding area.
Since it’s still early in the season, make sure to check back in for updated info!
Old City Menorah Lighting
December 30, 4-4:30 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!
Manayunk Hanukkah Candle Lighting
December 26, 5 p.m.
Canal View Park, 4418 Main Street, Manayunk
Manayunk shines bright for the Festival of Lights. Join in on Thursday, December 26th for a magical Hanukkah candle lighting in Canal View park with Chabad of Northwest Philadelphia. Enjoy candles, delicious latkes, and so much more!
Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place
December 26 – January 2, 4:15 p.m.
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Sesame Place’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Join a local cantor, Baby Bear, and more of your Sesame Street friends to light the Menorah and sing Hanukkah songs!
Chanukah on the Avenue
December 29, 5:30 – 7 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.
Holidays on South: Menorah Lighting
December 30, 5 p.m.
Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Pine Streets
Join a celebratory night of light refreshments and togetherness. Three local rabbis will be leading the community in prayer and song. Gathering under the Shambles begins at 5pm and the menorah lighting is planned for 5:30pm.
Looking for more family-friendly events? We’ve got you covered! Check out our calendar below:
BODY WORLDS: Vital at the Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute 222 North 20th St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThe Franklin Institute invites families to explore the fascinating BODY WORLDS: Vital exhibition. This unique experience features real human specimens that reveal the intricate workings of our bodies.
Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesVisit “Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s” to see how artists made beautiful and creative works during a time of global change and challenge. During the 1940s, many things changed in politics, science, and how people lived. This exhibit shows how artists used their […]
Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags at the Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThe Museum of the American Revolution marks the 250th anniversary with a special exhibit, Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags. See over a dozen original flags, stitched by colonial makers like Betsy Ross, from the Revolutionary War. These rare survivors offer […]
Meet & Greet Author Lady Carolyn: Book Signing & Self-Care Journaling Class
Yeadon Public Library 809 Longacre Blvd., Yeadon, PA, United StatesCarolyn Jenkins, a Philadelphia native, author, producer, screenwriter, and writer of creative non-fiction stories and journal books, is on a mission to help women take charge of their narratives with the release of her latest book, Her Life Lessons in a Clutch Journal & Short Motivational Stories. […]
Philly’s Second Annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do
Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesCelebrate America’s 250th in the heart of history at the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee’s Second Annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do on July 2, 2025! Kick off the day with a flag raising at the Betsy Ross House, then enjoy the spirited Pomp & […]
Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival
Malcolm X Park 5100 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThe Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival, started by the Pennsylvania Juneteenth Initiative, is the largest annual celebration in the nation attended by thousands where we join together to have fun, embrace our history and continue the tradition of Kujichagulia (self-determination). Over the past five years, […]
Franklin’s Key at Play & Players Theatre
Play & Players Theatre 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesPig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin’s Key, a thrilling sci-fi adventure reimagining Benjamin Franklin’s legacy in an alternate universe where science and magic collide. This visually stunning production blends Philadelphia’s rich history with breathtaking stage illusions by Skylar Fox (Harry Potter […]
Betsy Ross House Flag Raising
Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesStart the day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard. Join Betsy for a secret ceremony raising the thirteen-star flag and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.
Baby Wordplay Live with Miss Pam
The Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThere is overwhelming evidence that reading, singing, and gesturing with young children daily brings exceptional, permanent benefits. And the research is clear: this is one area where earlier is better. Join Librarian Miss Pam to read, sing, count, practice Spanish and ASL and have adventures […]
Baby Wordplay Live with Miss Pam
The Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesThere is overwhelming evidence that reading, singing, and gesturing with young children daily brings exceptional, permanent benefits. And the research is clear: this is one area where earlier is better. Join Librarian Miss Pam to read, sing, count, practice Spanish and ASL and have adventures […]
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches
Independence Hall 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PAOne-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s […]
Franklin’s Key at Play & Players Theatre
Play & Players Theatre 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesPig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin’s Key, a thrilling sci-fi adventure reimagining Benjamin Franklin’s legacy in an alternate universe where science and magic collide. This visually stunning production blends Philadelphia’s rich history with breathtaking stage illusions by Skylar Fox (Harry Potter […]
Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
