Hanukkah begins this year on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, and lasts eight nights. We've rounded up kid-friendly events for local families to celebrate, or learn about, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Join one or more of these local gatherings around Seattle and the Eastside. Happy Hanukkah!
Hands-On Hanukkah at Crossroads Bellevue: RSVP to join the Stroum Jewish Community Center for free kids' Hanukkah crafts, including menorahs and dreidels.
When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Hands-On Hanukkah at Northgate Mall, Seattle: RSVP to join the Seattle edition of the J's free menorah and dreidel crafts for kids.
When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Hanukkah Concert by Seattle Jewish Chorale, Seattle: Enjoy new arrangements of traditional Hanukkah songs.
When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 4–5:30 p.m.
Menorah workshop at the Home Depot, Issaquah: Register your kids for this workshop to build a menorah. There will be latkes, gelt driedels, music and a giant menorah! Cost is $10 per child and participants receive a workshop apron.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6–7 p.m.
LED Hanukkah Card workshop, Sammamish: Drop in to the library to learn about LED lights and construct your own LED light-up holiday card. For ages 7 and older; 10 and older welcome without adult.
When: Thursday, Dec. 19, 6:30–8 p.m.
Grand Menorah Lighting at Kirkland Marina Park, Kirkland: Come for a traditional menorah lighting and enjoy lively music, holiday refreshments and a special gelt drop by a dreidel on stilts.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 4:15–6:45 p.m.
Menorah Lighting and Fire Truck Coin Drop, Issaquah: Join with the community for music, dancing, a light show, hot cocoa and the much-awaited fire truck coin drop.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 5–5:30 p.m.
Menorah Lighting at Redmond Town Center, Redmond: Rabbi Mordechai Farkash gives a special Hanukkah blessing and all are welcome to enjoy chocolate gelt at this free community celebration.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 5–5:30 p.m.
Grand Menorah Lighting at Volunteer Park, Seattle: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with Chabad of Capitol Hill at this free community menorah lighting at Volunteer Park.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 5–6 p.m.
Giant Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop, Seattle: Embrace the Hanukkah spirit with a menorah lighting, latkes, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and a fire truck for kids at Bergen Place in Ballard. Don't miss the great gelt drop from the fire engine!
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 5–6 p.m.
Glow-in-the-Dark Hanukkah Festival and Menorah Lighting, Renton: Enjoy doughnuts, music and glow-in-the-dark crafts at this free celebratory event with community menorah lighting.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 5–7 p.m.
Secular Jewish Circle's Hanukkah Party, Seattle: Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound holds its annual Hanukkah party featuring lots of latkes, plus other food, games, songs and group lighting of menorahs. Register for precise location. Cost is $15 per person ages 13 and older or $25 per family; ages 12 and younger free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 5–7 p.m.
Hanukkah on Ice, Shoreline: Join a free community skate session that includes kids' crafts and doughnuts! Free entry; skate rental is $4 per pair. RSVP required.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2:45–4:15 p.m.
Hanukkah Story Hour, Samammish: Join Chabad of the Central Cascades for hot latkes, sensory play, Hanukkah crafts, stories and more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 29, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
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