Celebrate the 8-day Jewish festival of lights with menorah lightings, songs, latkes, gelt, dreidel games and other fun. Don’t feel like cooking? These local restaurants are cooking up all kinds of enticing treats for your Hanukkah holiday spread.
Matzoball
The self-described “No. 1 Jewish singles holiday party in the country” returns for its 38th year on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. The 21-and-up crowd can dance the night away until 3 a.m. and mingle at Decades in D.C. // 1219 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
National Menorah Lighting
Come light the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah (Dec. 25) on the National Ellipse in view of the White House. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. to this 46th annual event, sponsored by American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), which in past years has welcomed presidents, cabinet members and members of Congress. The National Menorah Orchestra will perform at 3:30 p.m., accompanying The Three Cantors. The celebration also promises traditional Hanukkah foods—latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts)—plus dreidels and menorah kits. Watch it live here or request free tickets here. // South of the White House and north of Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Main Street Menorah Lighting
Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia will host a Hanukkah party in Old Town Fairfax on Dec. 25 at 5:30 p.m., complete with a firetruck launching Hanukkah gelt, hot latkes and doughnuts, a hot cocoa bar, and crafts and games. Be sure to snag free holiday swag, too. Admission is free. // 10415 North St., Fairfax
Chanukah Celebration at Fair Oaks Mall
Swing by the mall on Dec. 26 at 5:30 p.m. for a free, public menorah lighting with entertainment, latkes, doughnuts and Hanukkah loot. // 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Chanukah Bowling
Loosen up your arm and get ready for a knock-down time at the Bowlero in Burke (formerly Bowl America) on Dec. 26 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fuel up on latkes and doughnuts, and take a break to enjoy the menorah lighting. Tickets to this Chabad of Springfield-Burke event are $15 per bowler. Check out the full lineup of Hanukkah events here. // 5615 Guinea Road, Burke
Chanukah Festival in Old Town Alexandria
On Dec. 26 at 6 p.m., Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will host a menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration with hot cocoa, doughnuts, chocolate gelt and dreidels. Every kiddo gets a free light stick, and all attendees can eat hot potato latkes. It’s free to attend, but registration is required. // The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria
Light Up Arlington
Registration is required for this free event in Clarendon on Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington. Watch the lighting of a 9-foot menorah while sipping hot chocolate and munching on sufganiyot and chocolate gelt. // 1307 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
The Fantastic Chocolate Gelt Drop
Bring the kids to Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon on Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. to collect as much chocolate gelt as they can as it falls from a bucket atop the ladder of a firetruck. Be sure to thank the firefighters for their service between mouthfuls of sufganiyot, latkes and the chocolate. The family-friendly event is free to attend. // 2739 W. Ox Road, Herndon
Chanukah Celebration at Springfield Town Center
Help construct Northern Virginia’s largest (only?) bubble gum menorah on Dec. 29 from 4:30-6 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with a roaming magician, balloon artist, face painter, latkes and doughnuts. It’s free to attend. // 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
Chanukah Celebration at The Boro
Chabad Tysons Jewish Center and The Boro will celebrate the sixth night of the Festival of Lights on Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. with a menorah lighting, holiday treats and festive music. Find the fun on the upper promenade of Boro Park. // 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Menorah Lighting at National Landing
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington keeps the party going at Met Park on Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. with another giant menorah lighting, singing, dancing and snacking. Admission is free but registration is required. // 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Hanukkah at the J: CommUNITY Menorah Lighting
Gather at the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia on Dec. 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to light the menorah, sing Hanukkah songs and play games of dreidel. It’s free to attend, but you can register here. // 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax