Chanukah, among many things, is a time to count your blessings and celebrate the night away for eight days in a row. Here in New York City, you have a wild number of events to choose from, but we’re counting on you to choose the best. Take a look at our recommendations for the top 12 Chanukah events for this holiday season below.
Sadie Hawkins Chanukah Bash
Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.,
22 W. 39th St.
Put on your best vintage date night outfit and head out to the dance — only this time girls make the first move. Ladies are setting the mood for this night by asking the guys out to the dance floor. Better yet, proceeds from the night are going to Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services, providing critical services to families in need. There will be an open bar and big band! Tickets are $60/couple, $40/person. To purchase tickets, visit http://shcb.eventbrite.com/.
The 8th Annual
Sephardic Music Festival
Saturday, Dec. 8 – Wednesday, Dec. 12
The Sephardic Music Festival sets the tone for Chanukah in New York City with five nights of live music featuring some of the most talented Jewish musicians from around the globe. The first night begins at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn and ends the week at Le Poisson Rouge with must-see artists that will reignite your excitement for the holiday. For a full schedule, visit http://sephardicmusicfestival.com/events.
Chanukah Champagne Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 9 at 12 p.m.
Dream Hotel, 210 W. 55th St.
Did someone say brunch? We love brunch! Head over to the lovely Dream Hotel and join MJE for the afternoon with delicious food and brunch cocktails. (Did someone say cocktails? We love cocktails.) We also love this time of year. Tickets are $36 online/$42 door. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.jewishexperience.org/register/event/252/Chanukah-Champagne-Brunch-.
Delancey to Doughnuts: Chanukah Walking TourSunday, Dec. 9 at 10:45 a.m.
400 Grand St.
Chanukah is the perfect time to be reminded of what being Jewish is all about. What better way to do that than visit old synagogues and eat doughnuts? The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy is here to show you the way with a walking tour through the historic downtown neighborhood highlighting important locales — like the Streit’s Matzoh Factory built in 1925 and family run for five generations. This is what being a Jew in New York City is all about. Tickets are $20 adults/$18 students. To book your spot, visit http://www.nycjewishtours.org/calendar.htm#120912.
Chanukah with Dr. Ruth
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
30 W. 68th St.
After your Jewish tour of the Lower East Side, head to the Upper West to celebrate Chanukah with Dr. Ruth as she narrates “The Chanukah Story.” She will be joined by The Western Wind, an a cappella music group, that will perform Yiddish, Ladino, Israeli and modern American tunes for the holiday. We couldn’t make this event up if we tried. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit http://www.westernwind.org/home.html.
Kosher Gospel ExtravaganzaSunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Metropolitan Synagogue, 40 E. 35th St.
If you thought Jewish people can’t do gospel, you never heard Joshua Nelson. Performing at the Metropolitan Synagogue, Nelson will showcase Jewish religious lyrics with the powerful sounds of American gospel music. He calls it “Kosher Gospel” and just the name intrigues us enough to go. Tickets start at $10. To purchase, visit https://hanukkahextravaganza.eventbrite.com/#.
Chanukah in Columbus Circle
Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Columbus 72, 246 Columbus Ave.
Spend your second night of Chanukah in Columbus Circle with one of the largest young professional groups in the City. Ignore the fact that it’s a Sunday night, because between the live spinning and performances, drink specials and an amazing menu from Olympic Pita, you’ll have no choice but to call out of work the next day. Tickets start at $20. To purchase, visit http://nytwchanuka2012.eventbrite.com/#.
The Dreidel LoungeWednesday, Dec. 12 at 12:30 p.m.
131 W. 86th St., 10th Fl.
MJE is on a roll: First an awesome holiday brunch (see above) and now a fun evening out with a jazz quartet, mixology lessons, dancing and prizes. Every half hour, guests will learn a recipe for a new signature cocktail. Dress in your vintage best for a sophisticated night out at the MJE headquarters. Tickets are $15 online/$20 door. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.jewishexperience.org/register/event/249/The-Driedel-Lounge–A-Vintage-Evening-of-Style-and-Sophistication-.
Chanukah Bash at B.B. King!
Thursday, Dec. 13 at 9:30 p.m.
237 W. 42nd St.
Head to Times Square to the famous B.B. King hot spot for one of the biggest Chanukah parties in this town. Hosted by Isramerica, the event expects 800 guests plus Israeli artists that span musical genres. To make it even sweeter, there will be a dessert bar with jelly donuts and chocolates. Tickets are $25 online/$35 door. To purchase, visit http://hanukkahbash2012.eventbrite.com/#.
Beer, Latke and Movie Night
Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
92Y Tribeca, 200 Hudson St.
If you’re exhausted from your weeklong festivities, unwind with a movie night at the 92Y. There will be beer tasting, latke sampling (including a caraway with vodka pickled apples or chickpea with peanut butter latke), candle lighting and dreidel spinning. Kind of sounds like a weird college night out, doesn’t it? Rabbi-in-resident Dan Ain will be there to make sure everyone is having a good time. Tickets are $22 advance/$25 door. For more information, visit http://www.92y.org/Tribeca/Event/Beer—Latke-Hanukkah-Celebrat.aspx?utm_source=92YTri_Feature&utm_medium=Beer—Latke-Hanukkah-Celebrat&utm_campaign=Tribeca.
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Light Up The Night
Chanukah Party
Thursday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Pl.
Head over to the Museum of Jewish Heritage to join 500 young Jewish professionals for dancing, full dinner buffet and prizes. What else do you need to know? Tickets start at $75. To purchase, visit https://webformsrig01bo3.blackbaudhosting.com/898A/YF-Hanukkah-2012.
JCorps Does ChanukahSaturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Greenhouse, 150 Varick St.
Do a good deed and go party! JCorps, one of the biggest Jewish volunteer organizations, is hosting a bash for 800 young, Jewish professionals at Greenhouse. There will be open bar, an amazing crowd and a good cause to drink for. You just did all of your mitzvahs in one night. And, hello, what a great way to close the holiday! For more information, visit http://nyblueprint.com/events/eventdetail.aspx?id=73478&o=s.
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