It’s soon time for Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights. The eight day festival remembers the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It takes place this year from sundown Sunday, December 22nd to sundown, Monday, December 30th. Each night of the celebration another candle is lit on the menorah in remembrance of the lights that kept burning in the Temple in Jerusalem for eight days, despite only enough oil to keep the flame alive for one.
Several events are planned throughout Montgomery County as part of the annual celebration. Join in the fun by attending one of the events below. And there are also local markets and bakeries that are ready to help with your meal preparations.
Celebration Events
jkidphilly Congregational Parent Ambassador Program: Dreidels and Cookies
When: Sunday, December 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Track 3 Microbrewery & Coffeehouse, 1650 Limekiln Pike, Dresher
Get in the holiday spirit by decorating cookies and playing dreidel. There will also be storytime! Get more information and register here.
Hanukkah Storytime at Upper Merion Township Library
When: Tuesday, December 17 from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia
Come celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with stories and songs. This event is geared toward children under the age of 6.
Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu Presents “The Bowl Games”
When: Saturday, December 21 at 9:15 a.m.
Where: 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park
Join Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu in the third annual Hanukkah Bowl. Challenge your Hanukkah/Jewish literacy. This family-friendly event will feature lots of Hanukkah fun and unusual, interesting prizes!
Menorah Building Workshop at Home Depot
When: Sunday, December 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 751 Horsham Road, Lansdale
Build your own menorah! Children will receive a free worker’s apron, menorah pin and certificate. There will also be refreshments. Get more information here.
jkidphilly Congregational Parent Ambassador Program: Chanukah Extravaganza
When: Sunday, December 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Main Line Reform Temple, 410 Montgomery Avenue, Wynnewood
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with a fun-filled afternoon of games, crafts, lighting the menorah and decorating mini doughnuts. Click here for more information and to register.
Chanukah at Montgomery Mall
When: Sunday, December 22 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: 230 Montgomery Mall, North Wales
Enjoy fun, arts and crafts, and a surprise menorah! The Chabad Youth Choir will also be performing.
Railroad Plaza
When: Sunday, December 22 at 6 p.m.
Where: 201 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446
Join festival goers for the first night of Hanukkah and the lighting of the Menorah. The celebration will take place at the Railroad Plaza Park, adjacent to the SEPTA train station. The Horns of Hanukkah, an all French horn ensemble, will perform.
Germantown Jewish Centre
When: Events all week from December 22 – December 30
Where: 400 West Ellet St., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Join the Germantown Jewish Centre community for festivities throughout the holiday! The fun begins on Sunday, December 22 at 6 p.m. with the annual “You’ll-Like-It-A-Latke” dinner, followed by Spin the dreidel, a Hankukah story and music. Then head outside for the Hanukiyah lighting. Warm up afterward with hot chocolate and sufganiyot. The dinner is $7/person or $25 for a family of four or more. Each year, Men’s Club volunteers at the Centre assemble this menorah on the lawn, bringing light to the holiday and the whole neighborhood. Register by December 18.
Elmwood Park Zoo
When: Saturday, December 28 at noon
Where: 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA 19401
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Zoo!. Kids can make some holiday themed crafts and play games at the Trail of the Jaguar exhibit. Then head on over to the Eagles Deck for the lighting of the menorah. This event is free with paid zoo admission.
Catering and Meal Prep Assistance
Looking for some help this holiday? Several local markets are ready to help you with catering specials and menu preparation.
McCaffrey’s Food Markets
Center Square Plaza
1301 Skippack Pk., Blue Bell, PA
800-717-7174
www.mccaffreys.com
McCaffrey’s offers a full line of kosher-style foods with both complete meals and ala carte items. Select a complete family brisket dinner or other favorites like Matzo Ball Soup, Seven Fruit Haroset, Orzo Cranberry Saffron Almond Salad or Jewish Apple Cake. Order online, in store or by phone.
Panache Kosher Catering by Foodarama
4510 Adams Cir., Bensalem Pa 19020
Delivery to Montgomery County
215-633-7100
foodarama.com
Choose from three complete meal options offered by Panache Catering. A large menu of ala carte items is also available including Grilled Vegetable & Mushroom Strudel, Homemade Kugel or a holiday cake tray. Call early for holiday delivery.
Wegmans
Stores in King of Prussia, Collegeville, Montgomeryville and Malvern
www.wegmans.com
Wegmans offers several options for your meal preparations. Take advantage of their catering services and order from their line of complete double-wrapped kosher entrees, sides, and meals. Or visit their website for menu ideas and recipes with built-in shopping lists. Order ahead and pay online for all catering selections. Pick up in-store only.
Where to Find Baked Goods for the Holiday
The Rolings Bakery
7848 Montgomery Ave, Elkins Park, PA 19027
www.rolingsthebakery.com
Izenberg’s
401 Fayette St., Conshohocken, PA 19428
www.izenbergs.net
Buy The Dozen
219 Haverford Ave., Narberth, PA 19072
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