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.

This winter, the Main Line will glow with the warm, vibrant spirit of Hanukkah. From menorah lightings to creative community events, our area offers plenty of ways to put a sparkle in your holiday. Want to try your hand at challah braiding or decorating donuts this year? Maybe nosh and shop at a festive Hanukkah market? Or bundle up and get your glow on at a community menorah lighting? Find out where it’s all happening in our Hanukkah events calendar listing below. Then get ready to embrace eight nights of joy, light, and community spirit.

Try Your Hand at Traditional Hanukkah Foods

During Hanukkah, traditional foods include donuts, also called sufganiyot, and latkes, a fried potato pancake. These “oily” foods commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days in the ancient temple menorah. We found a round up of recipes for you to try on the Chabad of Penn Wynne’s website and of course, Pinterest!

Don’t celebrate Christmas? Check out our post, How to Spend December 25th to get one local parent’s ideas for how to make the day meaningful in your own way!