A celebration of the rededication of the Holy Temple, Hanukkah is a significant Jewish holiday that is observed for eight days and nights.  Known by a variety of different names, including Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and the Feast of Dedication, the holiday begins each year on the 25th day of Kislev, which is the third month of the civil year and the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year, according to the Hebrew calendar. This year, the holiday begins in the evening on Saturday, December 24th, and ends on Sunday, January 1st.

During the period of observing the holiday, eight candles on a menorah are lit to commemorate each night.  Though Hanukkah is comprised of eight nights, there are actually nine candles on the menorah, with the center one, the shamash, being used to light the other eight.

Since the holiday is best experienced in the company of family and community members, there are public menorah lightings that are set to take place across Long Island. From Jewish temples to events organized by local town chambers, both Nassau County and Suffolk County have plenty of ceremonies to attend to help the community get into the spirit of the holiday!  Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or simply want to respect and participate in the tradition, check out the list of upcoming holiday events below!

Massapequa Park's Menorah & Christmas Tree Lighting
Village Square, Massapequa Park, NY 11762
516-798-0244
Saturday, November 26th at 5 PM
Free Event
Come and gather around Village Square for the Annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting.  There will be entertainment at the showmobile by the Massapequa High School Cheerleaders and Kickline.

Menorah Workshop at The Whaling Museum
279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
631-367-3418
Sunday, December 4th at 2:30 PM
Museum Admission + $5
Participants in this interactive workshop will learn about whale oil and olive oil, see oil lamps, and create their own menorahs.

Hanukkah Celebration at The Dolphin Bookshop
299 Main Street, Port Washington, NY 11050
516-767-2650
Sunday, December 11th, 10:30 AM
See Event Listing For Pricing
Join Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf from Port Jewish Center for storytime and a craft at The Dolphin Bookshop during this Hanukkah celebration.

PJ Library Hanukkah Storytime at Turn of the Corkscrew
110 North Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-766-4300
Sunday, December 11th, 2 PM - 3 PM
Free Event
Children ages 8 and under are invited to learn all about Hanukkah during this special storytime event at Turn of the Corkscrew Books & Wine.

Plainview Hospital Holiday Spectacular & Tree and Menorah Lighting
888 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803
516-719-2418
Sunday, December 11th from 3 PM - 6 PM
Free Event
Come out to enjoy great photo opportunities with a menorah, petting zoo, arts & crafts and more during this festive event!

Hanukkah Candle Lighting at North Fork Reform
27245 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY 11935
631-734-2096
Saturday, December 24th, 4 PM - 5 PM
Free Event
North Fork Reform Synagogue will hold a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 24th, to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah.

Temple Beth El's Chanukah Menorah Lighting
45 Oak Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
631-475-1882
Saturday, December 24th at 5:15 PM
Free Event
Temple Beth El in Patchogue will be marking the first night of Chanukah on Saturday, December 24th by lighting the first candle on the menorah.

Manetto Hill Jewish Center's Menorah Lighting
244 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11803
516-935-5454
Saturday, December 24th, 5:45 PM - 7 PM
Free Event
Manetto Hill Jewish Center will be lighting the first candle on its Hanukkah Menorah on Saturday, December 24th, to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.

Ronkonkoma's Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Raynor Beach County Park
Ronkonkoma Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
631-963-2796
Monday, December 26th, 7 PM - 8 PM
Free Event
Join the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce for the annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on the third night of the holiday.

Menorah Lighting at the St. James Triangle
Route 25A and Lake Avenue, St. James, NY 11780
Friday, December 30th at 4:30 PM
631-584-8510
Free Event
There will be goodies for all during this menorah lighting celebrating the 8 nights of Chanukah!