Hanukkah begins this year on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, and lasts eight nights, through Friday, Dec. 15. While family is at the center of this celebration, there are also ways to connect with the wider community. Menorah lightings, crafts, activities and adored traditional treats and eats are all on the table this season to mark the Jewish Festival of Lights. Happy Hanukkah to all!
Hands On Hanukkah events
This year, the Stroum Jewish Community Center brings Hanukkah fun to families! Hands On Hanukkah sessions take place at a number of different locations including Mercer Island, Redmond and Bellevue, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 14. The celebrations will include free activities for kids.
Sweet treats
Cupcakes! That’ll get everyone’s attention. Trophy Cupcakes is once again offering Hanukkah-themed cupcake packs. Preorder now and pick them up at any of the store’s locations or have them delivered. Other treats and gift packs are available, too!
When: Available Dec. 7-14.
More family activities
Join author Jo Gershman for a wild reading of her book “A Wild WILD Hanukkah” at the University Bookstore. Free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 3, 1–2 p.m.
Kids can join a free workshop to build a complete dreidel game at the Aurora Village Home Depot. There will also be doughnuts, gelt and menorah fun. Free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 3, 4–5:30 p.m.
Hear six-man a cappella group Six13 as they belt out fan favorites such as “Elton Johnukah” and “Feliz Chanukah” at one of two afternoon performances. $20–30.
When: Sunday, Dec. 3, 1–2 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a combined Festival of Lights when folks gather to celebrate Diwali and Hanukkah during the Christmas season. Traditional Indian dances (Garba and Dandiya), candle lightings and dinner are all part of the celebration. $20–30; ages 5 and younger free.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 5–10 p.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah with a dance party at All That Dance! Kids can play games, dance around and enjoy the Festival of Lights with others. $40.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Skate into Hanukkah merriment with Chabad of the Central Cascades’ annual Hanukkah on Ice celebration at Sno-King Ice Arena in Snoqualmie. $20; ages 4 and younger free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 3–5 p.m.
Don’t miss the fun on the ice at Hanukkah at the Kraken. Skate to your favorite holiday music, light the grand menorah on the ice and enjoy festive goodies at our local hockey team’s community iceplex.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 4:15–6:15 p.m.
The Royal Room is where you’ll find this family-friendly celebration that includes performances by three amazing bands, crafts for kids and latkes for all. Seating is first come, first serve and admission is by donation.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5:30–10 p.m.
Community menorah lightings
Come for a traditional menorah lighting and share in the story of Hanukkah at the grand menorah lighting at Kirkland Marina Park by Chabad of Kirkland. Free.
When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
A comedy show and stilt walkers are part of this year’s Hanukkah celebration at the Renton Landing that also features treats, a fire-truck gelt drop and giant menorah lighting. Free.
When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:45–7 p.m.
Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with Chabad of Capitol Hill at this community menorah lighting at Volunteer Park in Seattle. Free.
When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:15–6 p.m.
Embrace the Hanukkah spirit when Greenwood Ave. turns into a Hanukkah village complete with a menorah lighting, scavenger hunt and more. Meet at Alice Ball Park for the lighting. Free.
When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 5–7 p.m.
Join the Shoreline community when people gather to light the 9-foot tall menorah and enjoy latkes, donuts and other holiday treats. Finish it off with a fire-truck gelt drop. Free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 1:30–3 p.m.
Fun family attractions such as balloon twisting, music, chocolate gelt and doughnuts are part of Chabad of Snohomish County’s giant menorah lighting at Lynnwood City Hall. Free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 4–5 p.m.
Push out darkness with light at a public menorah lighting in Downtown Bellevue Park by Chabad Downtown Bellevue. Join for delicious eats, crafts, music and more. Registration is appreciated. Free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.
Gather at Junction Plaza Park for West Seattle’s beloved annual Pop-up Hanukkah with a grand menorah lighting, songs and doughnuts. Free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 5–5:45 p.m.
Gather to light a grand menorah in Downtown Issaquah with Chabad of the Central Cascades, and rejoice with gelt, traditional latkes and doughnuts, music and more. Free.
When: Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30–7 p.m.
