Hanukkah Events 2019
The Festival of Lights is coming soon! Several organizations in Northern Virginia offer events for the community to celebrate the high holidays, and Hanukkah of course is one of the most festive times. See our list below for menorah lightings, special Hanukkah celebrations, and other seasonal events. Please note many of these are outdoor celebrations, so dress accordingly for the weather. As always, check specific sites for schedule updates or inclement weather cancellations. If you know of a Chanukah event that is NOT yet listed here, please let us know the details (including date, location, description, and official link) so we can add it. As always, we list community events that are family-friendly (all ages or most ages) and open to the public. Thanks!
Fri., Dec. 20 – Chanukah Pajamika
Fairfax, VA
Come dressed up to join Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia for a fun family night in. The event begins with the candle-lighting and family singalong at 4:30 pm; the Shabbat dinner follows at 5 pm.
Sun., Dec. 22 – National Menorah Lighting
Washington, DC
The Lighting Ceremony of the National Menorah takes place on the White House Ellipse at 4 pm. Gates open at 3 pm and the event is free, but tickets are required. This is a fun family festival with live entertainment by the United States Air Force Band and Dreidelman and the Macabees, plus menorah kits and dreidels, and hot latkes and donuts. The event is presented by American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad).
Sun., Dec. 22 – Chanukah Family Fun Fest
Fairfax, VA
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia hosts this family-friendly event from 2 pm to 5 pm. Geared to family with school-aged kids (kindergarten through middle school), activities include a games workshop, game show, and menorah lighting. The fee is $15 in advance per family or $20 at the door.
Sun., Dec. 22 – The Chanukah Gelt Drop
Herndon, VA
Let the spirit of the holiday rain upon you at this free event organized by Chabad of Reston-Herndon. At the Chanukah Gelt Drop, firefighters drop thousands of chocolate coins from 25 feet up in the air! Enjoy a special menorah lighting plus hot cider, latkes, donuts, chanukah music, and more. The fun starts at 5 pm at the Herndon Town Hall, and admission is free and open to all!
Sun., Dec. 22 – Virginia Gateway Chanukah Community Celebration
Gainesville, VA
Join Chabad of Northern Virginia at Atlas Walk (across from Starbucks, next to Grafton Street) at 5:30 pm for a Grand Menorah Lighting ceremony. The free event also features music, Chanukah delights (hot latkes & donuts), crafts, and chocolate coins for kids.
Sun., Dec. 22 – Chanukah on Ice
Arlington, VA
This annual community event at Pentagon Row features ice skating, lighting of a giant 6-foot menorah, a free raffle, and food including kosher hot dogs, latkes. The lighting ceremony is open to all; activity fees are $10 in advance, $13 at the door or after December 15 (includes skate rental; food sold separately).
Mon., Dec. 23 – Light Up Fairfax!
Fairfax, VA
Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia and the City of Fairfax present a Chanukah Party 6-7 pm at Old Town Fairfax Square. There will be a grand menorah lighting, music and other entertainment, crafts, hot chocolate, doughnuts, and prizes at this free event.
Tue., Dec. 24 – Flip Like a Latke Trampoline Jump Party
Herndon, VA
Chabad of Reston-Herndon always hosts a fun Hanukkah event. This year the fun-filled evening is at Launch Trampoline Park in Herndon, 4:30-6 pm. The event includes unlimited jumping, a menorah lighting with a surprise guest, and chocolate gelt, latkehs, donuts, and more. There will also be a grand raffle! Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family for jumping.
Tue., Dec. 24 – Flip Like a Latke Trampoline Hanukkah
Springfield, VA
Not near Hendon? If Springfield is closer to you, join Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia for the fifth annual “Flip Like A Latke” event at Flight Trampoline Park. This event, 5:30-7 pm, is for Chabad and friends, and include an “epic menorah lighting, Chanukkah treats, and raffles. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family.
Wed., Dec. 25 – Light Up Arlington: Clarendon Menorah Lighting
Arlington, VA
Meet at Clarendon Central Park (at the Clarendon Metro Station) at 6 pm for the lighting of a giant 6-foot menorah. Enjoy lively Chanukah music, chocolate gelt and dreidels for all, and hot potato latkes. Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria Arlington.
Thur., Dec. 26 – Chanukah Festival
Alexandria, VA
Join Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington to share in the spirit and Joy of Chanukah at The Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Old Town Alexandria at 6:30 pm. This is a free annual community event at the Lyceum history museum. It includes family entertainment, raffles, light sticks for kids, lively Chanukah music, and hot potato latkes, and chocolate gelt and dreidels for all!
Thur., Dec. 26 – Magic in the Mall
Springfield, VA
Chabad Springfield invites you to celebrate the season with a fun night in that includes a magic show, a giant menorah lighting, Chanukah arts and crafts, and hot chocolate latkes and donuts. The free event, 6-7 pm, is at the Springfield Town Center, near Dave & Buster’s.
Thur., Dec. 26 – Hanukkah Party in Washington
Washington, DC
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History (along with the Jewish Study Center) invites you to a Hanukkah Party with latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt, and songs. Explore the museum at 6 pm and then starting at 6:30 enjoy the party with music from Dan Levin. Admission is free, with donations accepted. Bring your own Hanukkah menorah for a group lighting, and winter clothing to benefit homeless veterans.
Sun., Dec. 29 – Light Up The Night!
Fairfax, VA
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia hosts the annual community menorah lighting at Mosaic District in Fairfax, 4:30-6 pm. Join in the celebration to light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, feast on sufganiyot (donuts), spin the dreidel, and more! There is no admission fee.
The following events have traditionally taken place but no dates are announced yet for 2019:
TBA – Hanukkah Celebration in Leesburg
Leesburg, VA
Join the Village at Leesburg to celebrate the upcoming miracle of Hanukkah.
TBA – Leesburg Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting
Leesburg, VA
Celebrate the Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the Town Green.
TBA – Light Up Chanukah
Winchester, VA
See the kindling of Winchester’s largest menorah, and enjoy holiday entertainment.
