Travel Tips

Three Cities with Celebrations for Hanukkah 2014

Image Credit: Lehava Kiryat Mozkin

Locations in this article:  Brooklyn, NY Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA
Image Credit: Lehava Kiryat Mozkin

Image Credit: Lehava Kiryat Mozkin

Hanukkah celebrations begin tonight, and continue until the last night on December 24th. If you’re traveling during that time, you’ll find Hanukkah 2014 events all over the country. But what about large cities, such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles? We found some truly unique and interesting celebrations in these three locales—for families, single professionals, and latke lovers.

New York City

Brooklyn Nets Jewish Heritage Night

On Sunday, December 21 at the Barclays Center, you can celebrate Hanukkah with the Nets. Between the first and second quarters, enjoy the Menorah lighting ceremony. Then, during half time, you can watch a Rabbis versus Teens halftime game. Renowned musician Yanky Lemmer will perform the anthem as well. Tickets cost anywhere from $33 to $99, depending on the seating tier. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Chanukah on Ice

On December 16, head to Central Park for a night of family-friendly ice skating. Enjoy complimentary kosher food, a menorah lighting ceremony, and the beautiful sounds from the Ta Shma Orchestra. Buy a ticket online for $25, which includes a skate rental. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Matzoball NYC

Most places tend to shut their doors on December 24, but Matzo stays open for a giant party at Capitale on Bowery, which is the leading Jewish singles event. Even USA Today has crowned the Matzoball as “The Number One Holiday Party of the Year.” The event runs from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. and costs $40 for general admission.

Chanukah Art Festival

For a family-friendly event, try the Chanukah Art Festival at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn. Learn how to make pure olive oil for the menorah, decorate your own donut, or learn how to stain glass. The event will take place every day from December 17 to 24. Tickets cost $13 and the event begins at 10 a.m.

Los Angeles

Chanukah Slam Carnival

On Wednesday, December 17 from 4 to 7 p.m., the Jem Community Center in Beverly Hills is hosting a carnival with tons of events to keep kids entertained. Watch a performance by the TNT Acrobatic Dunk Squad, take home some memories from the the Macabi photo booth, or check out the pony rides, petting zoo, raffles, menorah lighting, moonbounce, DJs, karaoke, and more.

Latke Vodka Party

For some adult fun, Westwood Kehilla is hosting a Latke Vodka Party on Wednesday, December 17 at 7 p.m. Enjoy latkes, donuts, vodka tasting, a surprise gift auction, and even a high stakes dreidel competition. Admission to the festival is free, but the buy-in for the dreidel competition will cost you $25. They are also hosting a short kids carnival directly beforehand, starting at 5:15 p.m.

LA Exodus

Escape from LA to Palm Springs with the East Side Jews from December 19 to December 21. This weekend getaway is open to the whole family and includes two nights at the super-chic Ace Hotel, programming fees, and a group dinner on Saturday night. Go for as little as $435 (as a price point, a one-night stay at the Ace in Palm Springs can run you more than $300 for a standard room). While you’re there, parents can hang by the pool or hike, while the kids are occupied learning and playing with staff. You can be as busy or as idle as you please.

Chicago

Chanukah Wonderland

Chanukah Wonderland features a dreidel bounce house, face painting, dreidel crafts, donut making, an olive press demo, wood etching, jewelry crafting, and prize giveaways. Tickets cost $12 at the door for this event, which will take place at the Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie starting at 10:30 a.m.

Chanukah Comedy Lounge

At 7:15 p.m. on December 23, treat yourself to a night of comedy (not to mention an open bar). This event will also take place at the Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie. Tickets in advance will cost $22 per person or $42 per couple, while tickets at the door will cost $25 per person and $48 per couple.

Singles Hanukkah Dinner

Hosted by Beshert, a Jewish matchmaking service, the Singles Hanukkah Dinner offers local Jewish singles the chance to mingle during the holiday season. Head to downtown Wilmette for roast, brisket, fish, salads, veggies, latkes, and chocolate desserts with other single professionals over the age of 40. Tickets cost $35.

By Brittany Malooly for PeterGreenberg.com