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7 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah in the City

By Savannah Cox | December 2, 2015 5:39pm | Updated on December 6, 2015 10:20am
 The holiday is just around the corner — here's how to make the most of it.
The holiday is just around the corner — here's how to make the most of it.
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Hanukkah is just around the corner, and New York City offers an array of ways to celebrate the eight-day holiday.

DNAinfo New York has rounded up a handful of those events to make commemorating Hanukkah, which begins on Dec. 6, easier:

►Attend the lighting of the world's largest menorah

When: Nightly from Dec. 6 to 13
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Park Slope

Looming 32 feet into the sky, the massive menorah lighting has been a holiday staple in the Brooklyn since 1985. Families can attend the lighting and munch on latkes for free, with rabbi Shimon Hecht leading the ceremonies.

Visit the Light Up Your Life! Hanukkah Festival

When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m.; candle lightings from Dec. 6 to 13
Where: 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side

On the first day of Hanukkah, kids can spend the day making dreidels, menorahs and holiday cards at the 92nd St. Y. In the evenings, all are welcome to join the Hanukkah candle lightings and partake in special performances by the School of Music, Harkness School of Dance and 92Y Shababa, among others. Entry is $18.

Go for a sprint at the Running Festival of Lights 5K

When: Dec. 6, 8 a.m.
Where: Shore Rd. and 69th St., Bay Ridge

Start the first day of Hanukkah with a 5k run at the Shore Road Park Pier. Included in the $50-$60 entry fee (you pay the latter if you register day-of) is a long-sleeve shirt, gelt and a Hanukkah-themed medal. After the run, participants will be treated to hot chocolate, fruit and bagels.

Take part in Hanukkah on Ice NYC

When: Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Wollman Rink, Central Park

New Yorkers can skate along to the sounds of the Ta Shma orchestra, nibble on kosher cuisine and watch the lighting of a colossal ice menorah, courtesy of the Chabad Centers of New York City. Regular skating rates apply.

Hit up the 7th annual Latke Festival

When: Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St., Chelsea

For one night only, you can indulge in tasty libations and world-class potato pancakes from dozens of city restaurants. Tickets for the three-hour affair are $65, with all proceeds going to the Sylvia Center, a non-profit organization that focuses on reducing and preventing childhood obesity.

Listen to American-Israeli rock at the Highline Ballroom

When: Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Where: 431 W. 16th St., Chelsea

The American-Israeli rock group Moshav will play a concert at the Chelsea hotspot, and a full dinner will be offered. Tickets range from $15-$35, with a $10 minimum tab for each patron.

Head to the Hanukkah Art Festival with your family

When: Dec. 6 to 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Jewish Children's Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy., Crown Heights

Kids can learn about the history of oil making by pressing oil themselves, an important practice for lighting Hanukkah menorahs. Throughout the eight-day event, children are invited to make stained glass art, decorate donuts, and watch the lighting of a menorah, among other activities. The festival is free with admission ($13).