November 30, 2015

Top local celebrations for Hanukkah 2015

Menorah lightings, concerts, parades, more happening from Dec. 6-13

By Sinead Cummings
PhillyVoice Staff

Bob Adler/Chabad of Camden and Burlington Counties

A giant Chanukah ice menorah is lit for the holiday on the ice rink.

Hanukkah begins Dec. 6 this year and will end Dec. 14. During the holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate The Festival of Lights in and around Philadelphia. Many of these events have created a unique spin on the holiday traditions.

Glow in the Dark Chanukah Wonderland

In Ardmore this year, guests have a chance to see a seven ft. glow-in-the-dark menorah, receive glow-in-the-dark face paint, and sport glow-in-the-dark holiday stickers. There will also be a game of "Guess the Dreidel," a donut decorating station and holiday treats available.

While most of the fun takes place in the Ardmore Music Hall, there will be a menorah lighting in Suburban Square at 4:30 p.m. for those interested.

Sunday, Dec. 6
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. | free
Ardmore Music Hall
23 E. Lancaster Ave.
Ardmore, PA 19003

Menorah Lighting and SIX13 Holiday Concert

This family-friendly event features an a cappella group that performs Jewish songs in a variety of styles, from hip hop dance tracks to rock ballads. SIX13 has recorded five award-winning albums and have received national fame for their unique sound.

Tuesday, Dec. 8
7:30 p.m. | $12-$25 per person
Glazier Jewish Center
25 N. State St.
Newtown, PA 18940
(215)497-9925

Cafe Chabad

This 21-plus event is an opportunity to eat, drink, and celebrate during the holiday. A dairy bistro menu, desserts and a wide array of specialty beers will be on hand, or you can BYOB with Kosher certification. Along with the cafe treats, the night will also feature various games for attendees to play while they dine.

Wednesday, Dec. 9
7 p.m. | $25 per person
Cafe Chabad

625 Montgomery Ave

Merion Station, PA 19066

(610) 660-9900

Adult Chanukah Social

Attendees will have a chance to win Eagles tickets in a dreidel tournament, have access to a gourmet latka bar, listen to live music, and also hear some Chanukah-inspired comedy stand-up.

Thursday, Dec. 10
7:30 p.m. | $18 per person before Dec. 6
Lubavitch of Yardley
1444 Yardley-Newtown Rd.
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 933-9679

Chanukah Bowl

Chabad of the Main Line and Chabad of Penn Wayne are hosting a family-friendly holiday bowling event. Pizza and donuts will be provided for attendees between games. A special bowling pin menorah lighting will also take place.

Saturday, Dec. 12
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. | $12
Wynnwood Lanes
2228 Haverford Rd.
Ardmore, PA 19003
(610) 642-7512

Chanukah on Ice

The event will begin with open skating where children and adults can skate to contemporary Jewish music and classic Chanukah songs. There will also be a Chanukah art project to take home.

In addition, guests will be invited to watch a giant Chanukah ice menorah lighting. The menorah will stand over 5 feet tall and weigh over 400 pounds. Tickets to this event include skate rental, donuts, and drinks.

Saturday, Dec. 12
7 p.m to 9 p.m. | $12
The Flyer's Skate Zone
601 Laurel Oak Rd.
Voorhees, NJ 08043
(856) 874-1500

Chanukah LEGO Extravaganza

Children can play while parents grocery shop at this holiday event. A LEGO photobooth will be available for festive pictures, and children can help build a six ft. LEGO menorah or build their own LEGO dreidel.

Sunday, Dec. 13
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. | free
McCaffrey's of Yardley
635 Heacock Rd.
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 933-9679

Car Menorah Parade

Watch as a parade of decorated cars drive through town with menorah's attached to their roofs. A police escort vehicle, a Cherry Hill fire department truck, a Diggerland truck, and a Sambulance will also participate in the festivities.

Sunday, Dec. 13
5 p.m. | free

Chabad Lubavitch

1925 Kresson Road

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

(856) 874-1500