Hanukkah Celebrations and Activities for Boston Families

12/13/16 - By Tara D

There are many wonderful ways to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights in Boston, from crafting a menorah by hand to joining in the celebration at a huge hootenanny. We’ve rounded up some special Hanukkah events just for kids and families in the Boston area—read on for details, and keep checking our daily Event Calendar, where we're adding more Hanukkah events all the time!

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Editor's note: We are in the process of updating these events for 2018. Check back soon for new dates!

Menorah Workshop @ Home Depot - Natick
Sunday, 12/18/2016
FREE
Families can join in on a fun activity presented by the Chabad Center in Natick to get ready for Hanukkah as they build their own menorahs out of wood. Note: Parents must accompany children. RSVP in advance.

Chanukah Run-a-Latke Family Fun 5k - Swampscott
Sunday, 12/26/2016
$25/Runner, $75/Family of 4 or more
This scenic 5K on the North Shore starts and finishes at the Chabad House. Free hot latkes, donuts, and Chanukah fun await.

Hanukkah Canata – A Light Through the Ages - Central Reform Temple of Boston
Sunday, 12/18/2016
FREE
Accompanied by Zamir Chorale of Boston, this holiday experience celebrates Hanukkah’s deep spiritual meaning through story and song – and explores messages of major contemporary importance for people of all religious traditions. The program concludes with a dramatic candlelight ceremony.

The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting - Brookline
Tuesday, 12/25/2016
FREE
During the great gelt drop, kids collect as much chocolate gelt as they can as it "rains" down from above. Then everyone celebrates the Festival of Lights with a Community Menorah Lighting Ceremony.

Finding Dory Hanukkah on Ice - Boston
Sunday, 1/1/2017
This event features an appearance by Dory, Judah the Maccabbee, and a giant menorah lighting ceremony on the ice. 

Hannukah Jazz & Chinese - Newton
Sunday, 12/24/2016
In advance by Dec. 20th: $5, After Dec. 20th or at the door: $10

Everyone is welcome to join this celebration, which includes live music, refreshments, a menorah lighting, and more.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights - Boston
Wednesday, 12/14/2016
FREE
Families can enjoy an evening of art and activities at the MFA celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Admission is by donation after 4pm.

Shabbat 4 Kidz - Hanukkah Edition - Brookline
Friday, 12/23/2016
FREE
Shabbat 4 Kidz Hannukah Edition includes tons of family-friendly activities, including Big Joe the Storyteller.

Hanukkah Celebration - Finding Dory ThemeCanton
This event features a Finding Dory menorah making, Hannukah arts and crafts, face painting, balloon art, hot latkes and donuts (kosher), and a magic show.


Photo of Eight Stories: Keshet's Boston Community Hanukkah Party via flickr.