Latkes and Lights! U.S. Hanukkah Celebrations You Won’t Want to Miss Sandy Bornstein December 9, 2024 Destinations, Holiday Travel, Top US Destinations Each December, Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. For eight days, they light candles, savor traditional foods, and spend time with their families. These celebrations honor the triumphant story from the second century BCE. Following a hard-fought victory, the Maccabees reclaimed the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem from Greek-Syrian oppressors. Despite finding only a small amount of oil, miraculously, it kept the Temple’s menorah alight for eight days. This miracle underscores the significance of the oil-rich foods and the tradition of lighting the menorah. Beyond these intimate observances, many in the Jewish community engage in community events, from Hanukkah sing-a-longs and menorah workshops to culinary demonstrations and public candle-lighting ceremonies. Whether you’re celebrating at home or traveling, myriad vibrant Hanukkah festivities await you across the United States. National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting — Washington, D.C. National Menorah on The Ellipse by GPA Photo Archive licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED In the heart of Washington, D.C., mere steps away from the White House on the Ellipse, stands the grand National Hanukkah Menorah. Its lighting ceremony is among the most iconic Hanukkah events in the United States. Every year, as dusk settles over the capital, attendees gather in anticipation of the menorah’s illumination, symbolizing hope and unity. Accompanying this poignant moment are captivating musical performances and a diverse array of entertainment, bringing together people from all walks of life. This celebration not only honors Jewish tradition but also reflects the nation’s commitment to embracing and celebrating its rich tapestry of cultures. Cultural Performances — Chicago, Illinois In Chicago, Hanukkah comes alive with cultural and musical fervor. The city’s rendition of Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a must-see annual event. This classic Jewish tale, which unfolds over the eight nights of Hanukkah, centers on Herschel’s brave encounters with menacing goblins, culminating in a showdown with the goblin king. Strawdog Theatre Company masterfully adapts this tale, captivating audiences with lively songs, imaginative puppetry, and theatrical flair. It’s a nostalgic journey for adults and a magical introduction for the younger generation. Complementing this is the Hanukkah Concert at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where attendees are serenaded with a blend of traditional and contemporary Hanukkah melodies by some of the city’s finest musicians. Both of these cultural events underscore Chicago’s Jewish community and its vibrant performing arts scene. Hanukkah Festivals — New York City Every December, New York City becomes a haven for Hanukkah enthusiasts, with two standout celebrations drawing crowds. The Annual Latke Festival is an epicurean delight, celebrating the beloved potato pancake in all its glory. Attendees can savor traditional latkes and be surprised by innovative twists, like the okonomiyaki latke – a Jewish-Japanese fusion delight, fried with octopus and drizzled in mayonnaise and soy sauce. It’s a gastronomic adventure, pushing the boundaries of what one might expect from this Hanukkah staple. For those seeking a more holistic celebration, the Hanukkah Family Festival at the Jewish Museum is the perfect destination. This vibrant event is a symphony of music, dance, art, and storytelling, all centered around the Festival of Lights. Together, these events encapsulate the rich diversity and cultural creativity of New York’s Hanukkah festivities. Car Menorah Parade — St. Petersburg, Florida AI-generated image In St. Petersburg, Car Menorah Parade offers a distinct and warm approach to Hanukkah celebrations. Instead of traditional floats or marching bands, this parade is exclusively vehicular, allowing participants and viewers alike to revel in the festive spirit from the comfort of their cars. As the engines hum and headlights gleam, cars adorned with vibrant menorahs and Hanukkah decorations wind their way through St. Petersburg’s scenic streets, transforming the city into a moving festival of lights. This is not just a sightseeing experience, but also a statement of Jewish pride and community in sunny Florida. And the celebrations don’t stop once the parade concludes. Attendees can indulge in crispy, golden latkes, a beloved Hanukkah treat, accompanied by lively music that resonates with the joy of the holiday, making it a memorable evening for all involved. The Festival of Lights — Boston, Massachusetts Grand Menorah, Boston. Photo courtesy of Chabad Boston Boston’s Hanukkah celebrations are both grand and culturally enriching. Held at the renowned Museum of Fine Arts, the city’s Hanukkah event is sponsored by the Jewish Arts Collaborative, and stands as one of the most attended in the area. Previous celebrations have beckoned young minds with dreidel-making workshops and interactive scavenger hunts that traverse the sprawling galleries, turning the museum into a festive playground. Culinary delights await at every corner: the aroma of freshly made latkes mingles with the sweetness of rugelach, doughnuts, and intricately designed Star of David cookies. Additionally, the Grand Menorah Lighting in Boston offers another layer of festivity. Set against a backdrop of spirited live music, attendees can savor warm beverages while witnessing the majestic illumination of Boston’s Grand Menorah, a symbol of unity and celebration. Latkes with a Twist — New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans is known for its lively culture and festive spirit, so it’s no surprise that the city’s Hanukkah celebrations would contain that certain Nawlins flavor. The city’s Latkes With a Twist festival isn’t your traditional latke gathering; the festival marries the crispy potato pancake with the city’s famed mixology. As you enter the venue, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly fried latkes, drawing you closer to a culinary experience unlike any other. And while you’re sipping on specially crafted Hanukkah beverages, a live DJ sets the ambiance, with beats that make you want to dance the night away. For those seeking a balance to their libations, a talented chef is on hand, serving up classic latkes, ensuring that attendees can relish the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. This festival truly encapsulates the essence of a New Orleans Hanukkah: spirited, joyful, and utterly unforgettable. RELATED: Joyous Hanukkah Celebrations Around the World… That You’ll Love a Latke! Chanukah on the Canals Parade — Los Angeles, California AI-generated image Los Angeles boasts a uniquely Californian spin on Hanukkah celebrations, blending tradition with coastal charm. The Chanukah on the Canals Parade is a captivating waterway procession set against the iconic backdrop of Venice Beach. As the sun casts shimmering reflections on the water, a flotilla of boats, ranging from decorated barges to themed kayaks, meander through the canals, each adorned with Hanukkah-inspired motifs. It’s a visual feast that seamlessly melds the festive spirit with the beachside allure of LA. Onshore, enthusiasts can dive into hands-on experiences such as latke-making, where the sizzle and aroma transport you to age-old family traditions. The day’s festivities reach their pinnacle with a mesmerizing menorah-lighting ceremony at sunset, casting a golden glow that dances on the waters. Not far away, the Skirball Cultural Center hosts its annual Hanukkah Festival, a tribute to the multifaceted Jewish culture. Visitors are treated to an immersive day, filled with enchanting storytelling sessions, melodic music performances, and engaging workshops. Each activity at the center is designed to both educate and entertain, drawing visitors into the intricate and diverse tapestry of Jewish traditions and histories. Together, these events epitomize LA’s vibrant and inclusive approach to Hanukkah celebrations. FAQs: Q: When exactly does Hanukkah start and end this year? A: Hanukkah dates vary each year as they’re based on the lunar Jewish calendar. For this year’s exact dates, it’s best to consult a current Jewish calendar or check a reliable online source. Q: Is it necessary to be Jewish to attend Hanukkah events? A: No, Hanukkah events, especially public celebrations, often welcome attendees from all backgrounds. They offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and understanding. Q: What attire is appropriate for Hanukkah celebrations? A: While there’s no strict dress code, it’s respectful to dress modestly for religious or community-centered events. Casual attire is usually fine for public festivals. Q: How can I participate in the candle lighting ceremony? A: If you’re attending a public ceremony, organizers often provide guidance. If celebrating privately, ensure you light the candles from left to right, adding a new one each night. Q: Can I bring non-Kosher food to a Hanukkah event? A: It’s advisable to check with the event organizers. Many Hanukkah events, especially those in synagogues or community centers, might expect kosher guidelines to be observed. Q: What’s the significance of playing dreidel during Hanukka A: The dreidel game commemorates a time when Jewish study was outlawed. Jews would secretly study and use the dreidel as a decoy to appear as though they were just playing a game if soldiers approached. Q: Why are latkes, and other Hanukkah foods, traditionally fried in oil? A: The use of oil in cooking latkes and other Hanukkah foods, like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), is symbolic. It commemorates the miracle of the small amount of oil found in the reclaimed Temple, which miraculously burned for eight days. Frying foods in oil serves as a delicious reminder of this miracle during the Festival of Lights. Did we miss your favorite U.S. Hanukkah celebration? Tell us about it in the comments below!
