7 Ways To Have A Great Weekend Celebrating Hanukkah In New York City

Updated on diciembre 16, 2022

Dec 8. New York City is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s a great city to celebrate Hanukkah.

So, what’s Hanukkah about? Hanukkah celebrates an event in the second century B.C. when a group of Jewish rebels called the Maccabees were victorious over the Syrian-Greek army that tried to suppress Jewish culture and religion. The Jews rededicated their ransacked temple by lighting the menorah. Although they had very little oil, the lamps kept burning for eight consecutive nights — believed to be a miracle.

The following are great ways to celebrate being Jewish in New York City.

Menorah Lighting Events

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival usually celebrated with candle lighting and small presents in the home. A group called the Menorah Project looks to raise awareness of Hanukkah. The group is poised to light the world’s largest menorah, reaching 52 feet into the sky at Times Square.

Enjoy Latkes

It’s no surprise that Jews like to eat — and we especially like foods that are tied to our memory and culture. So, what better way to celebrate Hanukkah than to eat a pastrami sandwich and latkes at a Jewish deli in New York City?

See A Broadway (Or Off-Broadway) Show

Not all shows in NYC are Christmas shows! On Broadway, see Fiddler On The Roof, a classic story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love, and laughter. You could also take in Funny Girl (Fanny Brice’s story), which is enjoying a reboot on Broadway. Off-Broadway, see Two Jews Talking, a comedy starring Josh Mostel (yes, he’s Zero Mostel’s son) and actor Richard Mazur.

Jewish Museums

See the Jewish Museum’s collection of beautiful Hanukkah menorahs, otherwise known as Hanukiah. Located on the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile, the Jewish Museum houses nearly 30,000 works of art and Judaica.

Shop At Holiday Markets

Looking for that special Hanukkah gift? Holiday markets abound throughout the city. Some Manhattan holiday markets get underway right after Halloween; others open around Thanksgiving.