Philadelphia-Area Hanukkah Events Commemorate Festival of Lights Beginning Dec. 25

Each winter, members of the Jewish faith gather for the eight-day commemoration of Hanukkah. This year, Hanukkah runs from Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, to Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, and the Philadelphia area will be the scene of several Hanukkah events. Hanukkah Lights on Boathouse Row Philly's iconic 19th-century boathouses along the Schuylkill River will glow during Hanukkah. The light display, which will be viewable from several spots across the river, will feature 6,400 LED bulbs illuminated in blue and white colors from sunset to sunrise during select hours from Dec. 25 through Dec. 30. Hanukkah in Manayunk Philly's Manayunk neighborhood will mark the Festival of Lights with a community menorah lighting and latkes served at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, at Canal View Park, 4418 Main St. Manayunk's shops will also participate in Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah giveaways on Instagram. Menorah Lighting at Suburban Square On Thursday, Dec. 26, at 5 p.m., Suburban Square in Ardmore, Montgomery County, will be the setting for a large menorah lighting. The event will also feature Hanukkah-themed activities for children and delicious foods, such as apple cider, doughnuts, and pretzels. Hanukkah at Sesame Place Celebrate Hanukkah with family-friendly activities from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31 at Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road in Langhorne. Kids can play a dreidel game and join their favorite Sesame Place pals at the Furry Friends Dance Party. Hanukkah Bash and Concert at the Chevra The Chevra group invites young Philadelphia-area Jewish professionals and grad students to Rittenhouse Square for one of the city's largest Hanukkah festivals. Cocktails, an ugly Hanukkah sweater contest, menorah lighting, and music from Chevra's house rock band will come together on Saturday, Dec. 28, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are required. Discover more Hanukkah events through Visit Philadelphia.