Hanukkah menorah lightings and more in and around Philly

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Because of the pandemic, many public gatherings to celebrate Hanukkah weren’t held last year. But this time around, with vaccines in arms and jelly donuts fully stocked, we’re back in action.

Check out all of the public menorah lightings in Philadelphia and the neighboring suburbs this year.

Old City, Second and Arch streets, 4:30 p.m.

The Betsy Ross House joins the Old City Jewish Arts Center and Old City District for its annual menorah lighting. Gifts and Hanukkah treats will follow.

Fairmount, 25th Street and Fairmount Avenue, 5:30 p.m.

The Chabad of Fairmount is also kicking off the first night with a huge menorah display. There will also be a show for kids, arts and crafts, and food.

Wells Fargo Center, 5:30 p.m.

What’s better than Hanukkah with the Sixers?! Watch them take on the Orlando Magic at home, and enjoy Hannukah festivities, including a halftime candlelighting, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Several Jewish organizations are coordinating group sections for the evening. Check with your local community group for more details.

Kosher food options are available. The tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Headhouse Square, Second and Pine streets, 4:45 p.m.

Head to Headhouse for a brief candlelighting, refreshments and a short service. Masks are encouraged and required for unvaccinated people.

Suburban Square, Ardmore, 6 p.m.

Head to the fire feature at Station Plaza for the annual candlelighting.

Rittenhouse Square, Center City, 5:15 p.m.

The annual menorah lighting in the center of Rittenhouse Square is hosted by many community groups and is a true sight to see.

Car Menorah Parade in Upper Dublin, 5:30 p.m.

Chabad of Montgomery County is launching its own car menorah parade this year. Participants will drive around Upper Dublin along with firetrucks and end with an outdoor menorah lighting and festivities.

Lineup starts at 5:30 p.m., parade at 6. The parade starts and finishes at the Chabad in Fort Washington. Reserve your spot and get a free car menorah here.

Shady Brook Farm, Yardley, 5 p.m.

Join the Bucks County Kehillah for a candlelighting, crafts, music and more. The event starts at 5 p.m., and the menorah lighting starts at 5:45.

Fitler Square, Pine and 24th streets, 5:30 p.m.

Spin the dreidel and light the menorah in one of Center City's most adorable parks.

Car Menorah Parade on the Parkway, 7 p.m.

The world’s largest annual car menorah parade kicks off again along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 22nd Street. Cars — each adorned with large rooftop menorahs — line up at the start and make their way down to Independence Mall. Get your free car menorahs here.

East Market Street, Center City, 5 p.m.

For a new Hanukkah celebration, come out and watch the City of Philadelphia’s inaugural Holiday Parade. The seasonal parade will travel from Second Street to City Hall and feature balloons, marching bands, and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas floats.

Related

Philadelphia introducing a new holiday parade along Market Street

Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River, 4 p.m.

The City of Philadelphia and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will light up the river once again. Houses along Boathouse Row will be illuminated for Hanukkah throughout the holiday, with a special program on Dec. 6. You can watch a livestream here.

Did we miss one? Let us know! Email rachel.kurland@kywnewsradio.com.