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The Best Hanukkah Events for NJ Families

The latest update to The Best Hanukkah Events for NJ Families is written by Lindsay Podolak.

Break out the menorahs, dreidels, and chocolate coins, because it’s time to celebrate Hanukkah! December 22nd marks the first night of the holiday this year and New Jersey is gearing up with all kinds of Hanukkah events such as menorah lightings, parties and festive celebrations throughout December.

The best part of these festivities? Most are free to attend (unless we mention otherwise). Celebrate the Festival of Lights at these fun, family-friendly Hanukkah events happening all over the state.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a Hanukkah event near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |


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North Jersey

graphic with car, food truck, and cherry-picker in front of large menorah

Downtown Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

Where: Kilroy’s Wonder Market, 288 Rock Road, Glen Rock
When: December 22 at 3:30 pm
Details: The Jewish Families of Glen Rock organization invites the community to celebrate Hanukkah at the third annual menorah lighting. The family can take selfies with a dancing dreidel, mingle with neighbors and enjoy Hanukkah treats like latkes and donuts.
Why I like it: This year you can watch the first ever “gelt drop” from a cherry picker.
More info: Visit the Facebook page.


HDSID Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Where: Grove PATH Plaza and Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall, Jersey City
When: December 10 at 6:00 pm
Details: Jersey City rings in the holiday season at its annual Downtown Tree Lighting and Menorah Ceremony at the Grove PATH Plaza and Pedestrian Mall. A visit from Mayor Fulop, as well as live music and yummy treats, round out the evening.
Why I like it: If you arrive between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm, kids can bring a craft ornament home.
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Central Jersey

children standing in front of a large menorah

Grand Menorah Lighting

Where: Chabad Jewish Learning Center, 810 South Springfield Avenue, Springfield
When: December 22 at 5:00 pm
Details: The whole community is invited to the Chabad Jewish Learning Center for their annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Join in the fun with music, latkes, donuts, and chocolate coins for the entire family!
Why I like it: This is only one of several Hanukkah celebrations put on by the center. With this in mind, you can check their website for details about the others.
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Hanukkah Celebration at the Y

Where: YM-YWHA of Union County, 501 Green Lane, Union
When: December 29 from 10:00 am to Noon
Details: It’s a celebration in honor of Hanukkah at the Y. Featured activities include a children’s art workshop, live entertainment, and a holiday “shuk” (marketplace) for gifts. Family admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Food is also available for purchase.
Why I like it: Don’t miss Dr. Shnitzel’s Wacky Science Show!
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Menorah Lighting at Flemington ShopRite

Where: Flemington ShopRite, 272 US-202, Flemington
When: December 16 at 6:30 pm
Details: Welcome Hanukkah in Flemington at ShopRite’s menorah lighting ceremony. Bring the family along to enjoy tasty treats and hot drinks at this festive celebration.
Why I like it: Since you’re already at ShopRite, you can get your food shopping done, too!
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Menorah Lighting

Where: Alan Augustine Village Green, 430 Park Ave, Scotch Plains
When: December 22 at 4:00 pm
Details: Rejoice in the first night of Hanukkah at Scotch Plains’ brilliant celebration. The festivities include the menorah lighting led by The Chabad of Union County, along with a light show and refreshments.
Why I like it: An early start time means the little ones will be home for dinner and bedtime.
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Hanukkah Celebration with The Jewish Center of Princeton

Where: Near Mediterra, 29 Hulfish Street, Princeton
When: December 19 at 5:30 pm
Details: Ring in Hanukkah at Palmer Square’s annual Hanukkah festivities. This event features live music, refreshments, and the lighting of the town menorah. The ceremony will take place in front of Mediterra, rain or shine.
Why I like it: Browse the shops downtown afterwards and get your holiday shopping done.
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Jersey Shore

outside of synagogue with banner over door

Chanukah at the Boardwalk

Where: Pier Village, 50 Chelsea Ave, Long Branch
When: December 28 at 4:30 pm
Details: Live music and a children’s entertainer make this a fun holiday event for the whole family. Enjoy hot latkes and hot chocolate that will keep you warm on a cold winter day at the shore.
Why I like it: You’re right by the beach and it’s deserted in the winter; in other words, you can enjoy a quiet walk by the water!
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


Ventnor Menorah Lighting

Where: Ventnor Shul, 6605 Atlantic Avenue, Ventnor City
When: December 22 at 4:30 pm
Details: Ventnor welcomes local Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport before lighting the menorah for the holiday. They invite and encourage all members of the community to join the celebration.
Why I like it: They serve light refreshments after the lighting.
More info: Click here.


South Jersey

Hanukkah Car Menorah Parade

Chanukah On Ice

Where: Flyers Skate Zone, 601 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees
When: December 25 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Details: If you’re near Woorhees, head to Flyers Skate Zone because this is one you won’t want to miss. Kids can ice skate to Jewish music while they watch the carving and lighting of a giant ice menorah. After that, kids can do holiday crafts while parents munch on hot latkes and donuts. Tickets are $12 per person at the door.
Why I like it: It’s rare to find a business open on Christmas Day; of course, it’s even better when it provides fun entertainment for the family.
More info: Click here or you can give them a call.


SJ’s Car Menorah Parade

Where: Chabad of Camden & Burlington Counties, 1925 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill
When: December 22 at 4:00 pm
Details: Celebrate Hanukkah with a new spin on a holiday parade. Watch as a lineup of cars adorned with rooftop menorahs make their way to Barclay Shopping Center. The celebration concludes with the Barclay Menorah Lighting.
Why I like it: Latkes and donuts for all!
More info: Click here or you can give them a call (ext. 302).


Hero (Top) Photo: © Yeko Photo Studio / Adobe Stock
Other Photos (in Order):
Jewish Families of Glen Rock – ‎Downtown Hanukkah Menorah Lighting / Facebook
Jewish Learning Center of Springfield NJ / Facebook
Chabad Ventnor Shul / Website

The Chabad Center / Website

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