Find festive Hanukkah events around the Main Line and Philadelphia to make your holiday shine.

Hanukkah (Chanukah), the Jewish, eight-day “festival of lights,” is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting — adding a flame each night — along with special prayers, dreidel playing, fried foods, and more. From menorah lightings to donut decorating, and story times to sing alongs, the Main Line will glow with the warm, vibrant spirit of Hanukkah this winter.

So, brush up on those dreidel-spinning skills and get ready to catch some gelt. Here’s where you can join Hanukkah festivities around around the Main Line.

Hanukkah Events in Chester County

Light up your holiday season at these wonderful Hanukkah events happening throughout Chester County. There’s something special for everyone to enjoy throughout Chesco this December.

Hanukkah Fun in Chester County: Crafts, Donuts, Pizza and a Mitzvah!

December 7, 2025, from 4–5:30 pm
A Chester County synagogue

Bring your family to brighten the season at a pre-Hanukkah celebration at a local synagogue. Kids ages 2–8 (siblings welcome) will enjoy crafts, donut decorating, and supporting a winter mitten drive — plus pizza for everyone. This free event requires pre-registration for all attendees, children and adults. Exact address provided once you sign up.

Chanukah at the Courthouse

December 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm
Chester County Courthouse, 2 N. High Street, West Chester

Gather in the golden glow of the season at the Chanukah celebration at the historic Chester County Courthouse. Enjoy an incredible fire performance by Jensen Brooks. Then, nosh on donuts, latkes and cider, enjoy Chanukah music, and experience a fire truck dreidel drop. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

Mickey’s Hanukkah Party!

December 19, 2025, from 5–7 pm
The Barn Yard, 305 2nd Ave., Suite 212, Collegeville

Mickey’s Hanukkah Party offers a way for the preschool set to celebrate the festival of lights. The Barn Yard will have a craft corner, donut bar, games, and will light a menorah and offer holiday photo opps with Mickey. First child is $35 and includes one adult; second child is $25. Extra adults are $10. Tickets are available online.

Hanukkah Event at Kesher Israel

December 19, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 pm
Kesher Israel Congregation, 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester

Celebrate together at a Hanukkah event at Kesher Israel in West Chester complete with joyful Kabbalat Shabbat Services, candle lighting, and a delicious community dinner. Families with little ones — come early for a special Toddler Pre-Party from 5:30-6 pm. Don’t forget to bring your own menorah to add your light to the celebration. Registration is requested by December 12th.

Dazzling Delaware County Hanukkah Events

Enjoy vibrant holiday happenings with your family throughout DelCo this Hanukkah.

Havertown Holiday Festival

December 6, 2025 (rain date 12/7), from 12–7 pm
Brookline Blvd., Havertown

The Havertown Holiday Festival goes all out in a wintertime celebration of the holidays of many faiths, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Kids will love meeting costumed characters, getting their faces painted, and creating festive crafts, while the whole family can enjoy live holiday music. Additionally, explore the holiday marketplace, watch an exciting ice sculpture demonstration, and capture memories in the brand-new giant snow globe photo booth until 4:30 pm.

For those interested in Hanukkah-focused Festival happenings, David and Jodie Brown will entertain the crowd with Jewish music at 1:30 pm. Also, a Hanukkah-themed craft will be available from 12–2 pm. Entrance fees are $5 per person or $20 per household; children 3 and under are free.

Light Up Wayne Hanukkah Festival and Menorah Lighting

December 14, 2025, from 12:30–2 pm
Wayne Train Station, 145 North Wayne Ave., Wayne

“Light up” Wayne with friends and neighbors this December at Wayne’s Hanukkah Festival and Menorah Lighting at the Wayne Train Station. Bring the whole family for a festive celebration featuring a pop-up Hanukkah shop, a Hanukkah-themed photo booth, children’s crafts and stories, joyful music by Cantor Coyot and the Shir Squad of Temple Brith Achim, free food from The Kibitz Room, and a magical Menorah Lighting — complete with hot chocolate and coffee from Mad Anthony in Wayne. Don’t miss the inaugural offering of this special event that is sure to become an annual tradition.

Menorah Workshop at Home Depot

December 21, 2025 at 11 am
Home Deport Concordville, 200 Hatton Dr., Glen Mills

Chabad of Aston hosts a Hanukkah workshop where kids can get hands-on and create their own menorah with the help of The Home Depot. Additionally, participants can enjoy complimentary Chanukah treats while they craft. Space is limited, so an RSVP is necessary.

Menorahs and More: Hanukkah Events in Montgomery County

Get your glow on at these memorable Hanukkah events in Montco.

Hanukkah at Hogwarts

December 12, 2025, starting at 5:30 pm
Temple Brith Achim, 481 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia

Hanukkah meets Hogwarts at Temple Brith Achim’s Hogwart’s Shabbat. This Hanukkah event is perfect for families of all backgrounds — Harry Potter fans, those exploring Jewish traditions, or anyone seeking a magical Friday night out. No Jewish background required.

Start with the Sorting Hat ceremony at 5:30 pm, then explore stations including a potions class, wand making, dreidel duel, menorah ring toss, Tri-Wizard tournament, and a photo booth. Additionally, enjoy performances including a Defense Against the Dark Arts lecture, Shir Squad Hanukkah songs, a magic show with Dumbledore, and experience the “spells” (blessings) of Hanukkah. Finally, feast on a complimentary dinner with Lumos Latkes, Golden Snitches (chicken tenders), Sufganiyot Spells (jelly donuts), and more. All families, faiths, and muggles welcome.

Hanukkah Donut Decorating

December 13, 2025, from 1–2 pm
Gladwyne Library, 362 Righters Mill Rd., Gladwyne

Children ages 5 and up can enjoy a sweet time preparing for Hanukkah at the Gladwyne Library’s Donut Decorating event. Traditional Hanukkah foods include donuts as these “oily” confections commemorate the oil lasting for eight days in the ancient temple menorah. Here, the Gladwyne Library will provide fresh donuts, colorful sprinkles, and all the frosting you can imagine, so bring your creativity and your appetite for this tasty celebration. Registration required and space is limited.

The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop

December 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm
Penn Wynne Library parking lot, 130 Overbrook Parkway, Wynnewood

Chabad of Penn Wynne and the Penn Wynne Fire Company invite all to the Great Chanukah Gelt Drop. Join the community to light the Menorah, enjoy latkes and donuts, and make Chanukah crafts. With the help of local firefighters, catch chocolate Chanukah coins as they parachute down from the top of the firetruck ladder.

The Gelt Drop will be preceded by a car Menorah parade. This parade is led by the firetruck leaving from the Penn Wynne Fire Station at 1440 Manoa Road at 3:30 pm. Both events are free and open to all.

Tropic-Anukkah Hanukkah Event at Har Zion Temple

December 16, 2025 at 5 pm
Har Zion Temple, 1500 Hagys Ford Rd., Penn Valley

Get swept away at a tropical Hanukkah celebration with Har Zion Temple. Bring the whole family for island-inspired games and activities, a lively sing-along with Cantor Herman, and all your Hanukkah favorites — crispy latkes, sweet sufganiyot, and specialty drinks. Come ready to celebrate the Festival of Lights with a splash of sunshine.

Bryn Mawr Chanukah Festival

December 21, 2025, from 3:30–5 pm
The Bryn Mawr Gazebo, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr

Join The Chabad House for the Bryn Mawr Chanukah Festival. To start, enjoy live music from DJ Rak-Dan Entertainment, traditional latkes and sweet donuts, fun crafts and face painting, inflatables, a spectacular giant menorah lighting, and an exciting Chanukah gelt drop! Next, listen to greetings from local dignitaries and community leaders. Come together in Bryn Mawr to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Please RSVP for this free event that is open to all.

Philadelphia Hanukkah Events

Shine a Light – The Weitzman

December 14, 2025, from 2-3:30 pm
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia

Gather for the first night of Hanukkah with an afternoon of community and creativity perfect for families with young children (ages 2-8). Enjoy Hanukkah-themed sensory play with Adoughma and a lively performance of “Two of a Kind” featuring Rodney Whittenberg. Also, don’t miss the optional PJ Library book exchange — bring gently used children’s books and swap them for new titles to take home. Please register to shine a light on joy, learning, and the magic of coming together during the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah Event at the Please Touch Museum

December 21, 2025, from 11 am–4:30 pm
Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

December 21 is Hanukkah Celebration Day at the Please Touch Museum. Join in the festivities at an engaging story time with Bubbie Lisa where she will share “The Magic Latkes.” Experiment with winter weaving in the Creative Arts Studio Workshop and with Lights and Space in the Makerspace Workshop. Hanukkah activities are free with general admission.

Being Together at Christmas 2025 – Annual Day of Family Fun

December 25, 2025, from 10 am–3 pm
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East (corner of 5th and Market), Philadelphia

Join The Weitzman for their annual day of family fun on Christmas Day. Kick off the festivities with live performances and hands-on activities the whole family will love. Kids of all ages can enjoy Adoughma sensory-friendly dough play fun, plus an exciting self-directed scavenger hunt and engaging concert with Lolly Hopwood.

Get creative at make-and-take craft stations featuring winter-themed foam sticker picture frames, paper lanterns, and coloring sheets. Little ones will delight in a sensory-friendly play zone complete with a foam floor, blocks, and puzzles. The celebration continues with classic winter movies in addition to the Museum’s core exhibition. Register in advance for discounted admission.

Hanukkah in Bucks County

Yardley Chanukah Village

December 14, 2025, from 3–5 pm
Main Street, Yardley

Head to Yardley for a wonderful holiday experience as Main Street transforms into a festive Hanukkah celebration for all ages. First, start your adventure by picking up a free map at the Post Office and taking a leisurely stroll down Main Street. Along the way, discover delightful Chanukah activities, fun giveaways, and special treats from participating vendors. Then, stay for the menorah lighting at Buttonwood Park and firetruck gelt drop. This Chanukah event is a heartwarming way to create holiday memories with kids, parents, and grandparents alike — everyone’s invited to share in the joy. RSVP required.

Hanukkah Event at Sesame Place

December 19–22, 2025 (see park hours)
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Sesame Place’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony. To start, join a local cantor, Baby Bear, who celebrates Hanukkah with his family and Sesame Street friends as they light the menorah and sing holiday songs. Then, learn all about Hanukkah at a special story time, experience a Baby Bear meet and greet, play a festive game of dreidel, and make a Hanukkah craft.

Hanukkah Pop Up Shop

December 21, 2025, open all day
Temple Judea, 38 Rogers Rd., Furlong

Temple Judea in Doylestown Borough offers a fun Hanukkah shopping experience for your gift-giving needs. For instance, this holiday fair will feature crafts and Hanukkah items including fidget toys, gelt, kitchen items, Mensch on a Bench, and other fun finds. This Hanukkah event is free and open to the public.

Hanukkah’s Eight Crazy Nights

Hanukkah’s eight days of festivities will surely go by quickly, so be sure to make the most of the holiday with your family this year. We wish you a vibrant holiday filled with special moments spent together in the menorah’s warm glow.

Did we miss your family’s favorite local Hanukkah happening? Post about it in the comments. 

Lead photograph courtesy of Please Touch Museum. Laura Swartz and Beth Gilbert-Crowell contributed to this article.

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