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. […]
Fourth of July Week 2025 at the Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesJoin the Museum in historic Philadelphia for Independence Day with special activities, costumed interpretation, and crafts for all ages to explore what freedom means to you and discover the American Revolution’s ongoing relevance over Fourth of July week. Red, White, & Blue To-Do Old City […]
Chestnut Hill presents Red, White, Blue and You: Wheels in the Windows
Chestnut Hill 8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PAJoin Chestnut Hill for Wheels in the Windows! Beginning on Saturday, June 29, the shop windows will be decorated with a patriotic flair, including a variety of decorated “wheels.” Kids of all ages are teaming up with business owners to showcase their bikes, wagons, and […]
New Exhibit: Kaleidoscope Cove at Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ, United StatesOn June 28th, Adventure Aquarium is unveiling a dazzling new exhibit! The all-new Kaleidoscope Cove will immerse visitors in a vibrant, interactive environment that celebrates the stunning hues and fascinating creatures of the ocean. Spanning more than 2,000 square feet, this reimagined space features eye-catching […]
Art Kids Studio at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesDrop in and make art as a family. Projects change every few weeks. Artists of all ages welcome. Free with museum admission.
Meet the Women of the 18th Century at the Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesMeet the Women of the 18th Century representing the diverse population of Colonial Philadelphia at the Betsy Ross House! Learn about their lives and the era they lived in by hearing their true, interactive stories.
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 […]
Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour
Independence Visitor Center 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, United StatesExperience history come alive as Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI) and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation present The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour. Join a captivating History Maker as they guide you through America’s most historic square mile, bringing the past to life with authentic stories […]
Saturday Movie Matinees at Sunset Social
Sunset Social 129 S 30th St, Philadelphia, PASunset Social’s Saturday Movie Matinees are free and open to the public! Get there early to grab the best view of the 60-foot screen. Movies are family friendly and dogs are always welcome! LUCA – SATURDAY JULY 5TH THE LEGO MOVIE – SATURDAY JULY 12TH […]
Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®