The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and tons of festive fun. And while many people are getting ready for a visit from Santa, we’re thinking about a certain 8 days filled with bright lights, special prayers, and don’t forget about the latkes. The first night of Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 12th, so we’ve rounded up a list of fun Chanukah / Hanukkah events happening in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Annual Chanukah Soirée at W Hoboken {December 12th}
Kick off the Festival of Lights with friends and family at the Annual Chanukah Soirée at W Hoboken {225 River St.} hosted by Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken and Jersey City. Celebrate with a Menorah lighting, open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and of course a latke and donut bar. Tickets are available here.
Chanukah Casino 2.0 at 50 Regent Liberty Harbor {December 14th}
Start practicing your best poker face now because Mesorah NJ is back with their Chanukah Casino on December 14th from 7:30-10PM at 50 Regent Liberty Harbor. Guests will have the choice of black jack, poker, or dreidel tables + bingo. There will be an open bar, themed cocktails, sushi, a Latka bar, music, prizes, and entertainment by Justin Sight, the Blind Magician. *Bonus: all proceeds from the casino chip sales will go to Save a Child’s Heart Foundation. Get your tickets here.
Read More: Hanukkah Decorations You’ll Love: Peace. Love. Light
Jersey City Menorah Lighting at JC City Hall {December 14th}
Join Mayor Fulop and the Jersey City community at JC City Hall {280 Grove St.} for a special night celebrating Chanukah. Sufganiyot and latkes will be served while the Menorah shines bright.
Shabbat Chanukah Dinner at Congregation B’nai Jacob of Jersey City {December 15th}
Gather your family and friends for a Shabbat Chanukah dinner at Congregation B’nai Jacob of Jersey City {176 West Side Ave} starting at 7:30PM. Children under 13 eat free.
Hoboken Hanukkah Bar Crawl {December 16th}
Hosted by Moishe House Hoboken, the annual Hoboken Hanukkah Bar Crawl is happening Saturday December 16th. The crawl will begin at Moishe House for Havdalah and pre-game drinks at 6PM. Don’t be afraid to mingle with the Santas roaming the area, as Hoboken Santacon will also be going on this day. Pick up your tickets here.
Read More: 13 Essential New York City Holiday Activities for December
Community Hanukkah Party at Kaplan Cooperative Preschool {December 17th}
Kaplan Cooperative Preschool {115 Park Ave} and The United Synagogue of Hoboken invite you and your little ones to their annual Hanukkah Party on December 17th from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. There will be a puppet show by Puppetonia, crafts, songs, and a Menorah lighting with Rabbi. Everyone will also have the chance to take part in making gift bags for children in need {they will be accepting donations of new pajamas and small books to go in the gift bags}. And of course — there will be dreidels and latkes for everyone.
Annual Grand Menorah Lighting and Kids Program at Hoboken City Hall {December 17th}
Starting at 4PM inside Hoboken City Hall {94 Washington St.}, kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy crafts, gifts, a ventriloquist, and a great performance by Y Silberstein. Buy your tickets in advance here. Then at 5PM outside of City Hall, the main event will take place, the lighting of the Menorah. All guests are welcome to enjoy hot latkes, donuts, colorful dreidels, Menorah kits, plus more. This event is free to the community.
8 Days Lit {December 12-19th}
For each night of Hanukkah, Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken and Jersey City will be spreading the Hanukkah cheer all over town. From December 12th through December 19th, they will be lighting Menoras and providing donuts and latkes at various locations in Hoboken and Jersey City. Check here for updates on the location of each night.
See More: The Most Beautiful Hanukkah Decor {Made by a Former Hoboken Resident}
We hope your 8 nights of celebration don’t get too crazy. Happy Hanukkah!
