Hanukkah events on Long Island: Celebrate the festival of lights
Celebrate Hanukkah at a town menorah lighting event. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights, lasts eight days beginning at sundown on Dec. 14 and continuing through nightfall on Dec. 22. During this time, families gather and light the menorah in observance.
"Hanukkah is a time to celebrate light over darkness, the few over the many, when goodness and kindness prevails," says Rabbi Asher Vaisfiche of Melville Chabad Center. "It helps us appreciate and understand the miracle of God who helped the Jewish people prevail and survive throughout history. In lighting the menorah, it increases more light and goodness into the world and brings unity and pride to the Jewish people."
Families will light the menorah in observance of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown on Dec. 14 and continues through nightfall on Dec. 22 Credit: Getty Images/Oren Ravid
The holiday also offers fun for children including dreidel games, festive songs, gift giving and sweet treats like chocolate gelt. "The event brings the community together with warmth and light and the festivities put everyone into the holiday spirit,' says Deana Gorelik, programs administrator at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Merrick.
Long Island will be hosting events that are welcome to all, including a menorahcade, where cars sporting a light-up menorah drive through town, and classes on how to make latkes.
Dec. 17: Create a resin menorah
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills
Create a keepsake menorah presented by the Chai Center Jewish Women's Circle.
- When 7 p.m.
- Cost $40; buy tickets in advance on website
- More info thechaicenter.com, 631-351-8672
Dec. 17: Menorah car parade
498 Sweet Hollow Rd., Melville
Melville Chabad hosts a menorah car parade on Dec. 17. Credit: Rabbi Avromi Vaisfiche
Light up Melville with a menorah on your car during a parade. Prep your car at Carlin Court off Spagnoli Road at 5 p.m., rain or shine; the parade begins at 5:30 p.m., with the Grand Menorah lighting at 6 p.m. at the Melville Chabad, 498 Sweet Hollow Rd., Melville. There will also be doughnuts, latkes and hot cocoa at the Chabad.
- When 5 p.m.
- Cost Free
- More info melvillechabad.com/parade, 631-385-2424
Dec. 18: Men's night out: Lights and beer Hanukkah party
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills
The party will include gourmet food, selection of beer, latkes, doughnuts and menorah lighting.
- When 7 p.m.
- Cost $30; buy tickets in advance on website
- More info thechaicenter.com 631-351-8672
Dec. 20: Decorate your car for the Menorahcade
Woods Lane, East Hampton
Join the Menorahcade car parade and menorah lighting in East Hampton. Credit: Musia Baumgarten
Join the car parade with a lighted menorah on the top of your car and drive through the streets of East Hampton . Gather at Woods Lane, East Hampton, at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20; 6:15 p.m. departure for Amagansett flagpole on Main Street.
- When 6 p.m.
- Cost Free; reserve a car menorah for a donation
- More info chabadofthehamptons.com, 631-329-5800, ext. 4.
Dec. 21: Hanukkah on Ice
Long Beach Ice Arena, 150 W. Bay Dr., Long Beach
An ice menorah will be lit during two skating sessions at Long Beach Ice Arena. Credit: Howard Simmons
Join one of two ice skating sessions where an ice menorah will be lit. Kids can get their faces painted and eat pizza, latkes and doughnuts.
- When 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- Cost Register in advance by Dec. 14: $25 for skate and pizza; $20 entry only; at the door: $30 for skate and pizza; $25 entry and pizza only; admission includes skate rental
- More info chabadofthebeaches.com, 516-574-3905
Dec. 21: Celebrate Hanukkah on Main Street
Canal and Main Street, Brightwaters
The outdoor festival features music, an ice menorah, crafts, latkes and chocolate gelt giveaways.
- When 4 to 6 p.m.
- Cost Free
- More info chabadofislip.com, 631-913-8770
