Celebrate this Chanukah in NYC on ice, at the Jewish museum, or chowing down on delicious latkes
One year after New Yorkers lit the menorah candles over Zoom and celebrated Chanukah virtually during a global lockdown, New York City is once again open for business and to celebrate this year’s holiday together in person.
Whether your favorite part of the Festival of Lights is lighting the candles, spending time with family, or getting into the holiday spirit by enjoying latkes and sufganiyot, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Chanukah begins on Sunday and ends on Dec. 5 this year.
New Yorkers looking for a Chanukah celebration under the stars can head to Central Park’s Wollman Ice Rink Monday for the “Chanukah on Ice” festival — which is back on after a COVID-19 hiatus.
The annual event, sponsored by the Chabad organizations of upper Manhattan, will take place on the second night of Chanukah from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
People will lace up their skates and glide to Jewish music, and munch on Kosher food included in the entry price. Tickets start at $22 online and $28 at the door.
The festivities will also include the unveiling of an ice menorah carved by sculptor Bill Bywater.
Participants 12 and older must show either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event.
A more traditional celebration includes a menorah lighting ceremony on the north side of Prospect Park in Grand Army Plaza at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The weeklong lighting ceremonies will feature live music, fresh latkes, and traditional dancing.
For more information, head to Chabad Park Slope’s website.
The Jewish Museum on Fifth Ave at 92nd St. is hosting a unique family program on Dec. 5, the final day of Chanukah, where guests are invited to look at menorahs from around the world.
“Embark on a playful hunt, draw your discoveries in a sketchbook, experiment with whimsical shapes, and chat with Jewish Museum Educators about what you encounter in this special opportunity to see treasured works of art in person during the holiday,” reads an invitation on the museum’s website.
Tickets are $18 for adults or free if you are a Bank of America member; children attend for free. Time slots must be booked in advance.
The Jewish Children’s Museum is also hosting a Chanukah experience that all families can enjoy.
Organizers invite New Yorkers to decorate donuts or “pick, press, pour, and explore the art of olive oil making in a fun and interactive workshop” on the kids’ museum’s website.
The museum also hosts a Chanukah craft workshop, has a movie theater and more.
Admission is $15; babies go free. Tickets must be booked in advance. For more information, see their website.
To make the most of seasonal delights like crispy latkes, mouth-watering sufganiyot and sweet and delicious chocolate gelt, look no further than any of the city’s stalwart Jewish eateries.
Russ & Daughters, the iconic family-owned Lower East Side institution that has fed hungry New Yorkers for more than a century, now has a location in Brooklyn at the Navy Yard.
If you’re uptown, head to Zabar’s on 80th and Broadway. The venerable Upper West Side shop filled more than 80,000 latke orders last year.
If you’re a latke fanatic, look no further than the beloved latke festival, which will include more than 20 kinds of delicious potato pancakes and a panel of judges with a challenging task — choosing the best one.
The previous winner in 2018 was Hoppin’ John Latke, a latke with black-eyed peas, rice and potato, BBQ brisket, braised collards, and crispy onions.
Latke Festival 2021 organizers haven’t yet announced where this year’s charity event will occur, but it is typically in Prospect Heights in Brooklyn. For more details, see their website.
