Hanukkah Festivals and Concerts in New York City

Hanukkah 2008 is from December 21-28, and New York City offers a wide choice of activities. Both locals and visitors to New York City will find plenty of Hanukkah celebrations to enjoy. A long-standing tradition is the lighting of the world's largest menorah at Grand Army Plaza [59th Street and Fifth Avenue. The menorah stands 32 feet tall and weighs two tons. The lighting will take place each of the eight nights of Hanukkah at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Lubavitcher Youth, the lighting is usually followed by singing, dancing, and traditional jelly donuts.

The 92nd Street Y [1395 Lexington Avenue/E. 92nd Street 212-415-5500] has a lineup of family activities around Hanukkah.

Join the festivities at the menorah lightings on December 21, 22, and 23 starting at 4:30pm. Following the lighting, there is dancing and singing. This event is free, and open to all ages.

Sunday, December 14 bring the family for an "around the world" Hanukkah festival, and enjoy live performances, arts and crafts, and delicious food. Participate in activities such as olive-oil pressing, music, and dance from different parts of the world. The festival goes from 10:30am to 1:30pm, and costs $20.00 per adult, $15 per child, and children under 2 are free.

Thursday, December 18, from 1-2pm, children from 2 1/2 to 4 years old can have fun in a workshop where they will make their own menorah to take home. Cost: $35.00.

Friday, December 19, from 6:00-7:30pm, the Y will serve up a Hanukkah dinner featuring traditional potato latkes. Price: $20.00 per adult, $8.00 per child, free for children under 2. Finally, on Sunday, December 21, at 1:00pm, join Shira Kline for a Winter Lights concert with hip Jewish music for the whole family. Tickets are $15.00.

For great adult music, see indie band Yo La Tengo for their Hanukkah performances, Sunday, December 21 to Sunday, December 28 [the eight nights of Hanukkah] at 8:30pm at Maxwell's, across the Hudson in Hoboken [1039 Washington Avenue 201-653-1703]. Tickets are $30 at the Ticketmaster website.

What could be better for Hanukkah than Jewish reggae/hip-hop sensation Matisyahu, who will be performing his "Festival of Lights" concerts throughout Hanukkah. Sunday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 23, and Thursday, December 25, at 8:00pm, Matisyahu will be at Webster Hall [East 11th Street near Third Avenue, Manhattan]. Saturday, December 27 through Tuesday, December 30, at 7:30pm, he will perform at the Music Hall of Williamsburgh, [south side of North 6th Street between Wythe and Kent Avenues] Tickets for all concerts are $35.00, through Ticketmaster.