The Largest Menorah, Located at the Grand Army Plaza
When people think of the holidays in New York City, they always think about Christmas, Christmas trees and Christmas lights! It almost seems like Hanukkah is always on the back burner.
So I did some research and found a list of festive Hanukkah activities to broaden everyone’s holiday horizons!
Lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah
Location: Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan, 5th Avenue at 59th Street
When: Grand lighting ceremony is Friday, December 11th, at 4 p.m., but the celebration happens every night for 8 days
Admission: Free
New Yorkers love big don’t they? Well, this Menorah beats out the Rockefeller Christmas tree… this menorah is 32-feet-tall, and weighs two tons. It is lit by a cherry picker. They light the candles every night of Hanukkah. The celebrations are accompanied by folk music and dancing and sufganiyot (holiday jelly donuts).
Sephardic Music Festival
Location: Various Locations/Venues
When: December 12-19
Admission: Varies
This music festival comes once a year. Artists include Yai Dalai, Electr0 Morocca, Levi Mordecai, Michal Cohen, Diwon, Pharaoh’s Daughter, and others.
Family Celebration at the Jewish Museum
Location: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street
When: Hanukkah tours are at 2:15 on December 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29.
Admission: Tours are free with museum admission. Adults: $12, $7.50 for students, and free for kids under 12.
This museum has special tours for Hanukkah, teaching children and adults alike about the different Hanukkah traditions.
MatzoBall
Location: Capitale, 130 Bowery, 212-334-5500
When: Thursday, December 24, 2009.
Admission: $25
This is a Jewish singles extravaganza, brought to you by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals. This is one of the most popular Jewish events in the city.
Heebonism
Location: Fontana’s, 105 Eldridge Street between Broome and Grand, 212-334-6740
When: December 24
Admission: $20
Party with Heeb magazine, and enjoy some time with free vodka, karaoke, live music and strip dreidel.
Klezmer for Kids
Location: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street between Canal and Division
When: Friday, December 25, 2009
Admission: Adults $12, Kids and seniors $8
This is an interactive song and dance performance; kids explore Hanukkah through Eastern European Jewish music and receive heritage lessons from Yiddish and Hasidic traditions. Here you can sing, dance, and learn some Yiddish.
