Eight nights, one festive holiday: Hanukkah in Philadelphia is all about community, with menorah-lighting ceremonies, family-friendly celebrations and adults-only parties taking place throughout the region.
This year, Hanukkah runs from nightfall on December 18 through December 26, 2022.
Celebrate the Festival Of Lights in Greater Philadelphia with menorah lightings at iconic sites like the Betsy Ross House, family-friendly events at Sesame Place and Shady Brook Farm, and parties for young professionals at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and World Cafe Live.
Read on for the top 2022 Hanukkah celebrations in Greater Philadelphia.
Gather ’round The Singing Fountain, the centerpiece of a busy stretch of East Passyunk Avenue, for this free community lighting event hosted by South Philadelphia Shtiebel and the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District. Before and after the lighting ceremony, enjoy live music, shopping along the avenue and other festive activities.
Where: The Singing Fountain, 1538 S. 11th Street
Join the The Old City Jewish Arts Center and the Betsy Ross House for this free ceremony at sundown to mark the first night of Hanukkah. After the menorah is lit, snack on some traditional Hanukkah foods like latke and doughnuts.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
West Philadelphia’s Kol Tzedek synagogue marks its 18th anniversary and the first night of Hanukkah with a hybrid event featuring music, dancing, kid-friendly activities and plenty of seasonal snacks and cocktails. Tickets are required for those attending in person and on Zoom.
Where: Kol Tzedek, 707 S. 50th Street
The iconic 19th-century boathouses along the Schuylkill River light up for Hanukkah during the Boathouse Row Festival of Lights from December 18-23, 2022. Two great spots to catch the colors for free: Fairmount Water Works or the platform above the Fairmount Fish Ladder on the Schuylkill River Trail just off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Stay tuned for information about a free virtual lighting ceremony scheduled for December 18, 2022.
Where: Boathouse Row, 1 Boathouse Row
Join Grover, Baby Bear and other furry friends at 4:30 p.m. each day as they light the menorah, play games of dreidel and learn all about Hanukkah in the Sesame Street neighborhood. The festivities are included in regular park admission.
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Celebrate the second night of Hanukkah at Shady Brook Farm during this community event co-hosted by Bucks County Kehillah. After lighting the menorah, counselors from Bucks County’s Camp Galil Jewish summer camp lead craft-making exercises while The Little Shul by the River Band pumps out some festive tunes. Registration is required.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Center City Kehillah host a community candle lighting with treats, music and more in Rittenhouse Square park. Registration is encouraged, and young professionals are invited to mix and mingle with members of local Jewish groups at Misconduct Tavern following the event.
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 18th & Walnut streets
This fire- and ice-themed happy hour at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest offers a chance to connect with young Jewish professionals from Greater Philadelphia over cocktails and a latke bar. After a few drinks and light bites, stick around for the lighting of a giant menorah at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required and come with two complimentary drinks.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Local religious leaders Rabbi Kamesar, Rabbi Goldman and Rabbi Romirowsky lead the Headhouse Shambles’ menorah lighting. The free event features light refreshments and a brief service under the 18th-century structure at 2nd and Pine streets.
Where: Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Pine streets
It’s lit: This 21-plus party for young professionals features live music, an ugly Hanukkah sweater contest, chocolate gelt and sufganiyah doughnuts. Tickets are required, with a $10 discount for pre-registrants.
Where: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street
December 23-31, 2022 (extended hours)
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History offers extended hours during the holiday season. From December 23-31, 2022, the museum is open each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for December 24 when it closes at 3 p.m.) Admission to the museum is free with a suggested donation through the end of the year. On December 25, The Weizman hosts the ticketed Being ___ at Christmas event, featuring a kids’ concert by Lolly Hopwood, a percussion workshop, lion dance demonstrations from the Philadelphia Suns and a hip-hop dance lesson from Movemakers Philly.
Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East
This family-friendly event explores the history and customs of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. In the spirit of unity and understanding, the event ends with a joint lighting of a Hanukkah menorah and Kwanzaa kinara. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
The holiday season shines bright in Philadelphia...