Hanukkah begins November 28 this year, and there are events in Philly to help you and your family celebrate the Festival of Lights all holiday long. So, brush up on your dreidel-spinning skills, because here’s our list of the best Hanukkah events in town!

Menorah Lighting at Betsy Ross House

November 28, 4:30 pm

239 Arch St.

Join the Betsy Ross House and Old City Jewish Arts Center for the community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. In addition to the lighting, traditional Hanukkah gifts and treats will be offered for guests to take home.

Chanukah Party and Wonderland

November 29, 5–7 pm

Chabad of Penn Wynne, 7571 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia

Join the fun with carnival games and crafts, dinner, glow-in-the-dark dreidel room, and more! $10 per person; register online.

Hanukkah Service in Headhouse Square

November 30, 5 pm (arrive at 4:45 pm)
Headhouse Square, Second and Lombard streets

Enjoy song, prayer, and the ceremony of the traditional lighting of the menorah. Arrive by 4:45 pm for a prompt candle lighting and short service led by Rabbi Kamesar, Rabbi Goldman, and Rabbi Romirowsky at 5 pm. Masks are encouraged for all in attendance, and required for all unvaccinated individuals.

Rittenhouse Square Menorah Lighting

December 1, 5:15 pm

Rittenhouse Square

The giant menorah in Rittenhouse Square will be lit in the square in a joyous and meaningful celebration. Center City Kehillah will be collecting new and gently used items for Bethesda Project, which serves people experiencing homelessness. Please bring sweatshirts and hoodies, wallets, belts, and sports-themed winter hats to donate.

BZBI Youth and Family Pop-Up Hanukkah Party

December 1, 6 pm

18th and Spruce streets

After the Rittenhouse Square menorah lighting, head over to the Spruce Street entrance of BZBI for holiday goody bags, music, and hot chocolate.

Menorah Lighting in Fitler Square

December 2, 5:30 pm

Pine Street, between 23^rd and 24^th streets

Gather around the Fitler Square fountain for menorah lighting and blessings led by a rabbi.

Franklin Square Hanukkah Dreidel Giveaway

December 4, 6 pm
200 N. Sixth St.

Stop by for a Hanukkah Dreidel Giveaway with Old City Jewish Arts Center while supplies last .Stick around for the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, which will be dazzling the crowd every half hour to add to the festivities!

Folkshul Hanukkah Party

December 5, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Jewish Children’s Folkshul and Adult Community, 8000 Cherokee St.

Celebrate the holiday through a Secular Jewish Humanism lens with games, food, and fun. Free; pre-register online.

Chanukah on the Avenue

December 5, 5:30 pm

The Singing Fountain, East Passyunk Ave.

Join neighbors and the South Philadelphia Shtiebel for live music and a community menorah lighting.

Book: Hanukkah in Your Hands

If you’re looking to add something extra to your holiday, there’s a new interactive cartoon guidebook to help you and your family celebrate. Hanukkah in Your Hands by author/artist Danielle Brody contains a funny, modern retelling of the Hanukkah traditions in doodles; diverse, inclusive cartoons about the holiday; and a curated collection of engaging ideas for each of the eight nights. These include recipes from Jewish chefs, additional stories, fun facts, and interactive pages for reflecting and coloring. Available online in print and e-book format.

Photograph by J. Fusco, courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.