Best Hanukkah events in NYC

Two massive menorahs light up each year to celebrate Hanukkah in NYC, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.

Manhattan

Find the world's largest Hanukkah menorah in Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza at 59th Street (across from the Plaza Hotel) for all eight days of the Festival of Lights.

The giant menorah will be lit after sunset every night of Hanukkah, starting on Thursday, December 7 at 5:30pm. Each day, a new candle will sparkle until all eight of them are lit on the last night of the holiday. 

Lighting ceremonies will continue to take place at 5:30pm through Monday, December 11. The next day, Tuesday the 12th, six candles will be turned on at 3:30pm. On Wednesday, December 13, the happening will occur at 8:30pm and the final night of the holiday will be celebrated with a 5:30pm lighting extravaganza. Expects crowds to gather around the enormous candelabra every day.  

Brooklyn

Those in Brooklyn can enjoy the borough's largest menorah, which will be set up in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza, right outside Prospect Park.

In true Brooklyn style, this menorah lighting opens with an official Hanukkah kickoff concert at 5pm on Thursday, December 7, followed by a lighting ceremony at 6pm. Free latkes will be on offer, as will gifts for children, every night of the holiday.

Friday's lighting in Brooklyn will take place at 3:30pm, followed by a 7:15pm ceremony on Saturday, a 5pm one on Sunday and 6pm lightings on the other nights of the holiday.

Speaking of "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins," this 21+ event puts a whole new spin on the book. A team of actors will present an unauthorized parody musical of the tale.

"To save Hanukkah, folktale hero Hershel of Ostropol has to banish an army of anti-Semitic goblins, and do it without violating copyright law," the event organizers say. 

See it Caveat on the Lower East Side on Sunday, December 10.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan from Friday, December 8 through Sunday, December 10. Special programming will recognize the start of Hanukkah. Children will learn the origins of the dreidel game, sing songs and hear stories. Activities include creating dreidel sculptures and enjoying storytime with the book "Latke the Lucky Dog."  

Check the museum's website for exact activity times.