Hanukkah, the eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights, begins this year on Sunday, November 28, and ends the evening of Monday, December 6.
Along with special songs and games, the festivities include eating Hanukkah foods, which have been prepared in oil, including latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), among other edible delights.
Here are ten Hanukkah events taking place in and around Seattle this year:
Lights Up at the J
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This holiday season, Stroum Jewish Community Center is creating its own magical world of lights for families to explore. Walk among light-covered trees, make shadow puppets, play with color changers, and explore an imaginative light exhibit. The display is best experienced in the dark, so plan to stop by after 4 pm.
When: November 28 to January 3
Time: 4 to 9 pm
Where: Stroum Jewish Community Center — 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island
Admission: Free
Chanukah at The Royal Room
Celebrate the third night of Hanukkah with three great bands. First up is I Am What I Am: the music of John Zorn’s Masada led by Wayne Horvitz, followed by Seattle’s hot klezmer brass band: Shpilkis, and The Klein Party who’ll woo the crowd with Klezmerish Music from All the Old Countries.
When: Tuesday, November 30
Time: doors at 5:30 pm, show at 6:30 pm
Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Avenue S, Seattle
Admission: by donation
Outdoor Menorah Lighting in Issaquah
Join the Chabad of the Central Cascades as they light the Grand Menorah in Downtown Issaquah. There will be Jewish music, latkes, doughnuts, chocolate gelt, and arts and crafts stations.
When: Tuesday, November 30
Time: 5 pm
Where: Front Street N and NW Dogwood Street, Issaquah
Admission: Free
Fire And Ice Chanukah Soiree
Celebrate Chanukah with fellow young professionals. There’ll be a liquid nitrogen ice cream bar, top-shelf bar, gourmet latke bar, donut wall of fame, menorah lighting ceremony, live music, and a DJ spinning.
When: Tuesday, November 30
Time: 8 to 11 pm
Where: Downtown Seattle
Admission: $40 to $50; tickets available online
Public Menorah Lighting at Green Lake
The annual menorah lighting at Green Lake will include latkas, sufganiyot, balloon twister, Hanukkah music, and The Dreidel Man.
When: Wednesday, December 1
Time: 5 pm
Where: 7900 E Green Lake Drive N, Seattle
Admission: Free
Light Up The Night Pizza Fest
This Hanukkah celebration includes a giant menorah lighting, mitzvah tank, donuts, gourmet pizza, hot latkes, hot drinks, and music.
When: Thursday, December 2
Time: 5 pm
Where: Westlake Park
Admission: Free
Festival of Lights at Supernova
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Spin dreidels and eat chocolate gold coins as you celebrate the Festival of Lights under the disco ball. Join Supernova for Drag Queen performances, costumed gogos, and DJs that keep the dance floor moving.
When: Friday, December 3
Time: 9 pm to 4 am
Where: 110 South Horton Street, Seattle
Admission: $20; tickets are available online
Annual Grand Chanuka Celebration
The Chabad of Shoreline is hosting its annual Chanuka celebration at Shoreline City Hall. The event will include a public menorah lighting, children’s program, raffles and gifts, traditional Chanuka delights, and music from a live klezmer band.
When: Sunday, December 5
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Shoreline City Hall
Admission: Free
Wordless Joy to Last Eight Nights
Seattle Jewish Chorale invites you to join their short virtual recital. The recital celebrates family, community, and of course, Hanukkah.
When: Sunday, December 5
Time: 2:15 pm
Where: online
Admission: free
Giant Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop
Join the Chabad of NW Seattle and the Fire Department in a Giant Menorah Lighting celebration. The event will include a gelt drop from a firetruck, firetruck tours, latkas, jelly doughnuts, music, and a raffle for a grand prize.
When: Sunday, December 5
Time: 4:30 pm
Where: 5420 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle
Admission: Free