Happy Hanukkah to all our fellow latke lovers here in Westchester! Festivities are all lined up this year with the first night of Hanukkah arriving at sundown on December 25. To celebrate, Westchester gears up with three weeks of fun ways to mark the festival of lights.
Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner
JCCMW, Scarsdale
December 6, 5-6:30 p.m.
Join the Mid-Westchester JCC for its Shabbat and kosher dairy Hanukkah celebration dinner. The Shabbat is welcoming for all ages and will include music by Tkiya and an edible Hanukkah-themed craft. The dinner costs $54 per family.
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Chanukah Shabbat Celebration
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, Rye
December 13, 5:30-8 p.m.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester in Rye will host its Shabbat service and menorah lighting on December 13. The event is “B.Y.O.M.,” or “Bring Your Own Menorah,” and guests can light their treasured family menorahs on the bima surrounded by congregants, joyful music, and much light and merriment. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with Tot Shabbat for the little ones, followed by a congregation-wide Chanukah dinner. The congregation will be collecting for the WJCS Have a Heart for the Holidays Gift Drive, and tickets cost $15 per child, $20 per adult, and $60 per family.
Hanukkah Celebration
Albert A Capellini Community Culture Center, Yorktown Heights
December 14-18
The JCC hosts a family-friendly Hanukkah celebration full of holiday festivities. Join Jill Liflander and Rabbi Ron Symons on December 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon for puppets, stories, crafts, music, and snacks. This event is designed for families with children up to eight years old.
For the adults, the JCC will host a latkes and vodkas Hanukkah party on Wednesday, December 18 from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy crisp latkes from Liebman’s Deli, homemade sufganiyot, and a signature Hanukkah cocktail (or mocktail). Tickets are $12 for non-members and free for members.
Night of Light
Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford
December 15, 4-6:30 p.m.
Head to Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford for a Night of Light celebration. The evening will include food, Hanukkah arts and crafts, face painters, and music. The event is free; everyone just needs to RSVP.
Chanukah 2024
Temple Israel of New Rochelle, New Rochelle
December 16-20
For a more adult-focused evening, swing by Temple Israel of New Rochelle for Latkes & Vodkas. The returning favorite on December 16 is sort of like getting together with all your favorite relatives to enjoy a holiday dinner.
On Friday, December 20, the temple will hold Chanukah services and festive music at 6 p.m. All adults are encouraged to attend and sign up to volunteer.
The Great Lego Menorah Build
Chabad of the Rivertowns, Dobbs Ferry
December 25, 3 p.m.
At this standout Hanukkah family event in Dobbs Ferry, Master LEGO Architect Stephen Swissa will aid construction of a giant 12-foot menorah. After the LEGO menorah is built, a special lighting ceremony will follow with latkes, donuts, and gelt.
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Menorah Lighting
Gateway Shopping Center, Port Chester
December 26, 5:30 p.m.
Join the Village of Port Chester in the courtyard at the Gateway Shopping Center for a lighting of the menorah. Rabbi Ben Goldberg from Congregation KTI will lead the event.
Menorah Lighting
Cross County Center, Yonkers
December 26, 6-8 p.m.
Join the Chabad of Yonkers in lighting the menorah this year at the Cross County Center. The lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. and will be lit by Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz. Guests can expect live music, cultural dancing, and treats. The lighting is happening near H&M.
Menorah Lighting
Ridge Hill, Yonkers
December 29, 4-6 p.m.
Celebrate the joyous spirit of Hanukkah at Ridge Hill with a traditional menorah-lighting ceremony. Celebrate with activities for all ages and scrumptious Hanukkah treats from Ridge Hill and Chabad of Yonkers.
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Related: How to Make Perfect Latkes, According to a Westchester Expert
