Hanukkah is coming soon, and New York City is gearing up to celebrate with a variety of lights, music, and tasty treats that bring the holiday’s spirit to life.
World’s Largest Menorah(s)
Two towering menorahs will vie for bragging rights as the biggest in the world. One stands in Manhattan, the other in Brooklyn, and each will be illuminated nightly from Sunday, Dec. 14 through Monday, Dec. 22.
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Manhattan (Grand Army Plaza, Midtown): A 32‑footer that weighs 4,000 pounds—according to the Guinness World Records—will light up at 5:30 p.m. from Dec. 14‑18 and on Dec. 21, with a one‑time early lighting of 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 19 and a late session of 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 20.
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Brooklyn (Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Ave.): The Brooklyn menorah also reaches 32 feet, though there are claims its central candle adds an extra half‑foot. Its schedule runs from 5 p.m. on Dec. 14‑21, followed by varied timings through the week, including a 3:30 p.m. lighting on Dec. 19 and a 7:15 p.m. session on Dec. 20. Punk musicians from the group Pumpidisa will kickoff with a concert at 4 p.m. on the first night, and every evening features live music, hot latkes, and gifts for kids.
Locations
- Manhattan: Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Ave./59th St., north side of Central Park
- Brooklyn: Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Ave.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Start Hanukkah at the Hudson Yards menorah light‑up on Dec. 15 around 4:30 p.m. This event, co‑presented by Wells Fargo and Chabad of Midtown, will run daily at sundown from Dec. 15 through Dec. 22. After the ceremony, guests can stroll through the holiday light display or sip hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat.
Details
- Date and Time: Dec. 15‑22, 11th Ave./Hudson Blvd.
- Highlights: Daily lighting, festive lights, and a chocolate pop‑up.
Seaport Hanukkah Light & Festivities
For a fun twist, the Seaport will showcase a six‑foot Hanukkah lamp assembled from LEGOs. Hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of FiDi, the celebration runs Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3‑5 p.m. and includes latkes, hot chocolate, live music, arts and crafts, face painting, and a special performance by the FiDi Hebrew School. Entry is free, but RSVPing is recommended.
Address
- Heineken Riverdeck, Pier 17, 89 South St. (Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.)
Chanukah on Ice
Central Park’s Wollman Rink will host a lit‑up skating event on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6‑9 p.m. Called “Chanukah on Ice NYC 2025,” the gathering features a live DJ, kosher treats, and a menorah lighting. Tickets are $35 until the end of Dec. 13 and $40 thereafter. Children under two skate for free, and tickets include skate rentals and refreshments.
Location
- Wollman Rink, 830 Fifth Ave. (Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.)
MatzoBall 2025
Jewish singles can mingle at the annual MatzoBall, billed as the nation’s top Jewish singles holiday party. After a holiday season, folks gather to dance, chat, and maybe spark new connections, using the event’s own dating app, Jewzz. The party opens at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Musica (637 W 50th St.) and runs until 4 a.m. on Christmas Day. Tickets cost $55 (or $80 for a VIP fast‑pass ticket); tables start at $235.
Venue
- Musica, 637 W 50th St. (Dec. 24 at 10 p.m.)
The Jazzukkah Project
Jazz musicians reimagine traditional Hanukkah tunes—like “Ma’oz Tzur,” “I Have a Little Dreidle,” and “Sevivon”—in energetic jazz arrangements. The event takes place on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Grove NYC (125 MacDougal St.).
Schedule
- Dec. 14 – 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – Grove NYC, 125 MacDougal St.
“Jumping Off the Roof”
Elana Polin’s one‑woman show, cleverly titled “Jumping Off the Roof,” lampoons the classic “Fiddler on the Roof” from a female perspective. The performance, featuring songs centered around the “Fiddler” family’s lives in the New World, runs Dec. 13‑15 at 3:30 p.m. from the Triad Theater (158 W 72nd St.).
Details
- Dates: Dec. 13‑15 – 3:30 p.m. – Triad Theater, 158 W 72nd St.
Yo La Tengo’s 8 Nights of Hanukkah
Since 2001, indie rock group Yo La Tengo has played nightly shows all Hanukkah at the Bowery Ballroom. Dec. 14‑21, each evening features a unique setlist. The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. each night.
Venue
- Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St. (Dec. 14‑21 at 7:30 p.m.)
Zamir Choral Foundation Hanukkah Concert
On Saturday, Dec. 13, two leading Hebrew choirs—Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded—join forces under conductor Matthew Lazar at Kaufman Music Center. The program, “Celebrating Hanukkah: Jewish Independence, Resilience and Hope,” invites audiences to enjoy solo and ensemble performances. Ticket prices are $40 for balcony seats and $65 for orchestra seats.
Location
- Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St. (Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.)
Great Chanukah Doughnut Duel 2025
Comedian Eitan Levine hosts a pastry battle at The Moxy Williamsburg on Dec. 16. NYC chefs will craft the most creative sufganiyah— the traditional jelly doughnut—while attendees taste and vote for the winner. Tickets are $36.
Venue
- The Moxy Williamsburg, 353 Bedford Ave. (Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.)
Hanukkah Food Highlights
In the spirit of the holiday, New York City offers a wide array of latkes and sufganiyot—from classic to inventive twists. Below are a few standout spots to satisfy your cravings:
Mama Mezze
Chef Einat Admony’s crisp latke pairs apple‑sour cream with roasted apples, Aleppo pepper, honey, rosemary, and thyme.
Address: 1123 Broadway
Acadia
Latke night runs Dec. 14‑22, featuring homemade latkes with toppings such as smoked salmon, lamb ragu, and tahini–amba.
Address: 101 W. 57th St.
Russ & Daughters
Signature potato latkes served in small batches with optional smoked salmon or roe.
Addresses: 179 E. Houston St.; 127 Orchard St.; 502 W. 34th St.; 141 Flushing Ave
Gertie
Three‑topping latke box: apple butter, lox with dill, and a smoked salmon hot‑honey mayo combo.
Address: 602 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn
12 Chairs Café
Offers a special Hanukkah latke topped with sour cream, applesauce, and Middle Eastern sides like labneh and smoked salmon. Sufganiyot run Dec. 15‑22.
Locations: 56 MacDougal St.; 342 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn
Misi
An Italian‑inspired take: latkes with whipped ricotta, rosemary apple butter. Available for pre‑order.
Address: 329 Kent Ave
Levantine
Sweet‑potato latkes with yogurt‑chive dip.
Address: 361 Graham Ave
Edith’s
Offers unique latke‑centered dishes such as bacon‑egg‑cheese on a crunchy latke and bite‑size Totkes.
Address: 495 Lorimer St
Miriam
Gluten‑free chickpea latkes, house‑made raspberry sufganiyot, and DIY latkes with labneh, smoked salmon, and other toppings.
Locations: 300 Amsterdam Ave.; 79 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn; 140 Seventh Ave. South; 973 Lexington Ave.; 81 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn
Miznon
All outlets serve four varieties of latke with a tangy Runover Cream for $16.
Addresses: 435 W. 15th St.; 30 Rockefeller Plaza; 601 Lexington Ave.; 20 Hudson Yards, Floor 2; 1410 Broadway
Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen & Appetizing
On the last night of Hanukkah, owner Jason Stahl will launch “The Feast of the Smoked & Cured Fishes,” a fish charcuterie board with items such as citrus gravlax, Nova smoked salmon, and smoked trout.
Location: Jersey City (exact address not listed)
These venues are sure to keep your taste buds dancing through the eight days of light. Enjoy the festivities!
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