Celebrating Hanukkah in New York City: A Festival of Lights and Joy

As the winter chill settles over New York City, the city prepares to shine bright with Hanukkah celebrations that rival even the omnipresent Christmas festivities. Beginning at sundown on Sunday, December 14, and continuing through Monday, December 22, the Festival of Lights brings warmth and joy to the Big Apple. New Yorkers of all backgrounds can join in celebrating this joyous Jewish holiday through numerous events and activities spread across the boroughs. From towering menorahs to ice skating celebrations, musical performances to culinary delights, the city offers countless ways to honor and enjoy the eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

One of the most spectacular sights during Hanukkah in NYC is the friendly rivalry between two massive menorahs, each claiming to be the “world’s largest.” The Manhattan menorah, officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 2006, stands 32 feet tall and weighs 4,000 pounds at Midtown’s Grand Army Plaza, while its Brooklyn counterpart at that borough’s Grand Army Plaza may be a half-foot taller if you count its shamash (center candle). Both will be lit nightly throughout the holiday, with the Manhattan ceremonies generally beginning at 5:30 pm (with exceptions on December 19 and 20), and Brooklyn’s lightings at 6 pm on most evenings, with special times on weekends. The Brooklyn kickoff on December 14 will feature the musical group Pumpidisa performing at 4 pm, while each night offers live music, hot latkes, and gifts for children. For those looking for something more unique, The Seaport will host a celebration featuring a six-foot menorah made entirely of LEGOs, complete with latkes, hot chocolate, live music, and family-friendly activities.

For an active celebration, head to Central Park’s Wollman Rink on Tuesday, December 16, for “Chanukah on Ice NYC 2025.” From 6-9 pm, visitors can skate under festive lights while enjoying a live DJ, kosher treats, and a special menorah lighting ceremony. Tickets include skate rentals, food, and beverages, with early bird pricing available until December 13. Meanwhile, Hudson Yards will host daily menorah lightings at sundown from December 15-22, with a special kickoff celebration on December 15 at 4:30 pm. After the ceremony, guests can explore the area’s glittering holiday light display or warm up with hot chocolate from the nearby La Maison du Chocolat. These family-friendly events provide the perfect opportunity to share in the holiday spirit while creating lasting memories against the backdrop of NYC’s iconic locations.

The festival extends beyond traditional celebrations into the realm of music and performance. Indie rock band Yo La Tengo returns to the Bowery Ballroom for their annual Hanukkah run from December 14 through 21, a beloved New York City tradition since 2001, featuring different setlists each night. For classical music lovers, the Zamir Choral Foundation presents a Hanukkah concert on December 13 at Merkin Hall, where the premier Hebrew singing choir in North America will collaborate with Zamir Noded, a Jewish choir for young professionals, in a performance celebrating “Jewish Independence, Resilience and Hope.” Jazz enthusiasts can catch The Jazzukkah Project on December 14, where musicians reimagine traditional Hanukkah songs as electric jazz tunes. Theater lovers might enjoy “Jumping Off the Roof,” a cheeky one-woman musical parody exploring the female characters from “Fiddler on the Roof” and their perspectives, running December 13-15 at The Triad Theater.

Food plays a central role in Hanukkah celebrations, and New York City’s culinary scene rises to the occasion with traditional and innovative offerings. The Great Chanukah Doughnut Duel 2025, hosted by comedian Eitan Levine at The Moxy Williamsburg on December 16, will crown the best sufganiyah (jelly doughnut) in NYC as top chefs compete for the coveted “Golden Doughnut trophy.” Across the city, restaurants offer special Hanukkah menus featuring creative takes on latkes: Mama Mezze serves crispy latkes with apple sour cream; Acadia offers a range of toppings including lamb ragu and silan-ginger applesauce; Russ & Daughters presents their gold-standard handmade potato latkes; Miriam features gluten-free chickpea latkes; and Levantine puts an innovative spin on the classic with sweet potato latkes and yogurt-chive dip. For those with a sweet tooth, many establishments, including 12 Chairs Café and Miriam, will be serving sufganiyot—traditional jelly-filled doughnuts—throughout the holiday.

For singles looking to celebrate in a different way, MatzoBall 2025 returns on Christmas Eve. Billed as “the nation’s No. 1 Jewish Singles Holiday Party,” this annual tradition brings together Jewish singles for a night of dancing and socializing at Musica from 10 pm on December 24 until 4 am on Christmas morning. For those seeking unique culinary experiences, Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen & Appetizing in Jersey City will debut “The Feast of the Smoked & Cured Fishes” on the final night of Hanukkah—a “seacuterie” board featuring eight different fish preparations (one for each night of the holiday), including citrus gravlax, Nova smoked salmon, maple bacon salmon candy, and fish roe. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or potential new connections, Hanukkah in New York City offers something for everyone—a true testament to the city’s diversity and the enduring tradition of bringing light and joy to the darkest days of winter.