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Hanukkah Celebrations in Philly

Philadelphia celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights this year with these fun, family friendly celebrations

Hanukkah Celebrations in Philly

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 14, 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 18, 6 p.m.
Canal View Park, 4418 Main Street, Manayunk

Manayunk shines bright for the Festival of Lights. As a culmination of their Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah (beginning on December 14th until December 22nd), come together for a magical Hanukkah candle lighting in Canal View park with Mt. Airy Chabad. Enjoy candles, delicious latkes, and so much more!

Hanukkah Celebrations in Philly
Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place

December 19–December 22, hours vary
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! Hours vary, so schedule your tickets on their website.

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:

  • On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition

    Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard 1001 Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia, United States

    An exhibition featuring artwork by Kathleen Greco and Andrea Bartine Caldarise exploring ocean life and natural landscapes will be on view starting from November 4, 2025 through April 14, 2026. Through their distinct styles, both artists explore patterns, textures, and forms found in nature. The […]

    Free
  • Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition

    Main Street Manayunk Main St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Manayunk businesses are decking out their storefronts, windows, roofs, and more with over 80,000 lights during Manayunk Gets Lit! Stroll Main Street or hop on the Jolly Trolley to take in the magic of the lights, and cast your vote for your favorite light displays. […]

    Free
  • Philadelphia’s Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Enjoy the magic of the Christmas Village at City Hall and LOVE Park from November 22nd through December 24th. With free admission, visitors can experience an authentic German-style market filled with twinkling lights, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts. Some activities include riding the Ferris wheel, […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square’s beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City’s only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Reimagined Street Scenes

    Old City Publishing 628 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, PA, United States

    This installation features six illuminated art panels handcrafted by Lisa Marie Patzer Studios. The visuals are inspired by photographic 35mm slides shot by Ben Kabakow, a NYC postal worker and photographer. Lisa Marie Patzer is a digital media artist, designer, and entrepreneur creating site-specific art […]

    Free
  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Franklin Square’s beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City’s only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Yoga On The Pier

    Yoga On The Pier

    Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Join Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

    Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Open Gym

    Open Gym at Design Gym

    Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 – 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Philadelphia Family is published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids in the city with resources, events, and each other. Learn more about us, our mission, and our method for supporting local businesses at familyfocus.org.

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