PJ Library Chanukah Events

Happy Chanukah Banner with young child looking at lit menorah and candles reflecting in window.

 

Celebrate the Festival of Lights
with PJ Library and Our Partners!

Chanukah begins on Wednesday, December 25th and ends Thursday, January 2nd.  During that week, Jewish families around the world will gather to celebrate the Festival of Lights with latkes, dreidels, gifts, giving back and more.  You can join a community celebration or use our resources to create a celebration at home.

Jump to a section:

At-Home Chanukah Events

Get details for each of these using the links below.

Military Mitzvah Chanukah Card Project

Volunteer to send cards by December 3rd or 16th

PJ Library and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington are partnering to share a wonderful opportunity with you to send Chanukah greeting cards to Jewish military members and veterans! Sign up to get details.
Military Mitzvah Chanukah

Bim Bom Bags: Chanukah

Order by Monday, December 16th

Bim Bom Bags are the perfect way to bring Jewish holidays and celebrations into your home with learning, crafts, snacks, and more. Most appreciated by kids 2–7 years old.

  • DC families: Order from the Pozez JCC and click “pick up from the Edlavitch DCJCC/Melissa Sanchez”
  • Northern Virginia families: Order from the Pozez JCC
  • Montgomery County families: Order from the Bender JCC

Sweeten Your Hanukkah: Virtual Sufganiyot Making Class

Sunday, December 29th | 2:30 PM

Celebrate Hanukkah with a sweet twist! Join us for a fun and interactive virtual cooking event where we’ll make sufganiyot (jelly donuts) together from the comfort of your kitchen. Led by an amazing team, you’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare and fill these delicious treats while hearing a bit about their significance during Hanukkah. Perfect for all skill levels, this event is great for individuals, families, or anyone who loves holiday baking. Donut miss it!

Virtual Chanukah Candle Lightings

Every night of Chanukah, December 25th-January 1st | 5:30 PM (except Shabbat; see below)
Zoom

Pre-Chanukah Events

All events require pre-registration using the links below.
Jump to this week’s events

Tiny Lights: Tales for Chanukah

Saturday, December 7th | 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 8th | 3:00 PM
Theater J at the EDCJCC (Washington, DC)

Taking inspiration from the great Chanukah tales of master storyteller Issac Bashevis Singer, our theatrical storytellers will weave tales out of words, a few simple props, and theatrical devices—and then teach you and your young kids how to do the same! Most appreciated by kids 4–11 years old. See below for times on December 14th-15th.

Drag Queen Havdalah

Saturday, December 7th | 5:00 PM
Temple Shalom (Chevy Chase, MD)

Help us to add light to the world through sparkles! There will be hands-on dress-up activities followed by local Drag Queen Tara Hoot reading stories with messages of tolerance and respect, themed to Chanukah. We will close with a glitzy Havdalah ceremony (to end Shabbat) and a pizza dinner. Open to all ages.

Hanukkah Glow Party

Saturday, December 7th | 5:00 PM
Congregation Beth Emeth (Herndon, VA)

Light up your Hanukkah with a glow party that will spark a month of joy and learning! Dance, create, and sing with Gesher Jewish Day School, Growing Jewish Families, and Beth Emeth. Most appreciated by kids under 6 years old.

MILTON Chanukah STEM Event

Sunday, December 8th | 10:30 AM
Washington Hebrew Congregation (Washington, DC)

Join MILTON at Washington Hebrew for a fun morning of science exploration around Chanukah! Most appreciated by kids 3–6 years old.

Crafting in the Park: Hanukkah – Woodbridge

Sunday, December 8th | 2:00 PM
Woodbridge
, VA

Get into the Hanukkah spirit with a fun and creative outdoor activity! Join Brie for a mystery craft that’s sure to spark your imagination and bring some festive cheer. If the weather cooperates, we’ll also enjoy a cozy campfire to keep us warm and add a magical touch to the afternoon. Perfect for families and kids of all ages, this event is a great way to celebrate Hanukkah, connect with others, and enjoy the light. All supplies will be provided.  RSVP for location.

Story Time at CJM: Add Your Light to the World

Thursday, December 12th | 10:00 AM
Capital Jewish Museum (Washington, DC)

Cool days and long nights call for a Hanukkah celebration! This Story Time will explore the Festival of Lights with books, songs, and stories perfect for the holiday season. Most appreciated by kids ages 5 and under.

Little Bookworms at the Library: Burke

Friday, December 13th | 10:30 AM
Burke Centre Library (Burke, VA)

Bring your little ones to our Chanukah-themed story time, where we’ll dive into enchanting tales that teach about Jewish holidays and values. Each session by JFamily Ambassadors at the Pozez JCC is packed with fun, laughter, and learning—perfect for sparking a love of reading in your child. Most appreciated by children under 6 years old.

Gingerbread Dreidel Hanukkah

Sunday, December 15th | 9:45 AM
Bender JCC of Greater Washington (Rockville, MD)

The Bender JCC and the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School are thrilled to welcome author Jane Breskin Zalben to share her book about interfaith families, Gingerbread Dreidels. (Pre-order the book and have the author sign it.) Snacks and crafts to follow! INCLUDED BONUS! Families are welcome to join us afterwards at 11am for a free special music performance by Mt. Vernon Virtuosi in the social hall.

JFamily Chanukah Party

Sunday, December 15th | 10:00 AM
Edlavitch DCJCC (Washington, DC)

Join JFamily at the EDCJCC for our annual Chanukah celebration featuring music with Mr. Gabe, arts and crafts, stories, snacks and more! The Chanukah party is geared toward ages 1-5 but all are welcome. This year, join us just for the Chanukah party, or make it a double feature with our Theater J performance of Tiny Lights, geared towards ages 4-11.

Tiny Lights: Tales for Chanukah

Saturday, December 14th | 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 15th | 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
Theater J at the EDCJCC (Washington, DC)

See above for details.

Sing-a-Long with the Hazzan

Sunday, December 15th | 11:00 AM
Fairlington Park (Arlington, VA)

This monthly musical program led by Hazzan Dienstfrey of Agudas Achim is an opportunity to introduce our children to Judaism through song, and a chance to connect with other families from the community. Meet us in the park and stay for the Farmers Market and playground! Most appreciated by kids 0-5 with their caregivers.

Kid and Family Hanukkah Celebration

Sunday, December 15th | 12:00 PM
Kesher Israel (Washington, DC)

Join us for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and lunch! We will have a Mad Science Chanukah show that will delight everyone!

Dosas and Dreidels: An Afternoon with Author Pamela Ehrenberg

Sunday, December 15th | 2:00 PM
Chantilly Library (Chantilly, VA)

Enjoy an afternoon of reading, movement, games and fun with Pamela Ehrenberg, author of books for young people. The event will feature her book Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas. All are welcome (best suited for ages three to eight). Please register all attendees.

Temple B’nai Shalom Chanukah Party!

Sunday, December 15th | 5:00 PM
Temple B’nai Shalom (Fairfax Station, VA)

Join Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station, VA as we celebrate the festival of lights together. All are welcome!

Did you purchase a Bim Bom Bag to create for the holiday at home? The ordering deadline is today! DC and Northern Virginia families: Order here and Montgomery County families order here.

Oh Gaydel, Gaydel, Gaydel Queer Chanukah Happy Hour and Comedy Show

Monday, December 16th | 6:00 PM
Shakers DC (Washington, DC)

Light up the night when you celebrate at the largest Chanukah happy hour in the DC area for LGBTQ Jews and our friends! Enjoy a comedy show, specialty drinks, sufganyiot, dreidel, and more. Most appreciated by adults 21 years and older. 🙂

Chanukah: Finding Light in Hard Times

Sunday, December 22nd| 2:00 PM
Edlavitch DCJCC (Washington, DC)

Sometimes things don’t go the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean that everything is bad. We will learn the story of the Maccabees who made the best of a hard situation and think about ways we can find light in darkness. Most appreciated by kids in grades K-3.

Oseh Hanukkah Party!

Sunday, December 22nd| 4:00 PM
Oseh Shalom (Laurel, MD)

Discover the inner fire of the holiday with games, crafts, candlemaking, pizza dinner, singalong, fire building, and more!

Events During Chanukah

Wednesday, December 25th – Thursday, January 2nd

All events require pre-registration using the links below.

See the community service events on December 25th, too.

Young Families December Playdate

Wednesday, December 25th | 9:30 AM
Congregation Olam Tikvah (Fairfax, VA)

Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents from across Northern Virginia are invited to join Olam Tikvah for a morning that includes: an inflatable specifically designed for little jumpers, Chanukah crafts and activities, snacks, and lots of family schmoozing.

Virtual Chanukah Candle Lightings

Every night of Chanukah, December 25th-January 1st | 5:30 PM (except Shabbat; see below)
Zoom

Enjoy the beauty and joy of Chanukah as we light up the night (virtually) around the DMV. Whether you have your own Chanukiyah (8-branched menorah for the holiday) to light along with us or not, please join us each night as we spread light throughout our entire community. A partnership of the Pozez JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Bender JCC, PJ Library, Growing Jewish Families, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

NOTE: Friday, December 27: Virtual lighting will occur at 4:15pm followed by a Shabbat cndle lighting. Saturday, December 28 lighting will occur at 6:00pm with Havdalah, followed by lighting the Hanukkah menorah.


“Donut miss” the Virtual Sufganiyot Making Class  on Sunday, December 29th | 2:30 PM

Hanukkah at the J: Community Menorah Lighting

Monday, December 30th | 5:30 PM
Pozez JCC (Fairfax, VA)

Join us at the Pozez JCC for a celebration of Hanukkah! Embrace the festive spirit with our community as we light the menorah together, sing traditional songs, enjoy lively entertainment, and spin the dreidel. Family-friendly activities start at 5:30 PM, building up to the beautiful menorah lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM.

This evening promises warmth, connection, and celebration for all ages. Bring your family and friends, and let’s make it a memorable sixth night of Hanukkah with our whole community.

Pajamuary Morning Movie Magic

Tuesday, December 31st | 10:00 AM (arrive by 9:45 AM)
University Mall Theater (Fairfax, VA)

It is almost time for our annual PAJAMUARY! We are so excited to collect pajamas for those who need them, that we are kicking it off in December with a morning movie: Moana. We will also have our very own preview of Shalom Sesame Chanukah – The Missing Menorah! Bring a new pair of pajamas, eat popcorn, have a soda and hang out with friends at University Mall Theater.

For every pair of pajamas donated, the donor will be entered to win a 4-pack of tickets from University Mall Theater. Include your name and email (on a piece of paper) with the pajamas you donate in order to be enter the raffle.

Events on December 25th

December 25th Day of Service

Wednesday, December 25th, with options leading up to the day
Use Christmas Day to do community service, or get involved in D25 before the day, including a gift drive, gift wrapping, and donating baked goods. Get more details and register (after November 25th) at edcjcc.org/d25

CJM Family Program: Hanukkah Cheer

Wednesday, December 25th | 11:00 AM

It’s a countdown till sundown! Prepare for the first night of Chanukah (and the seven nights after it) with crafts and activities for the whole family. Color a card and decorate custom wrapping paper to gift loved ones, design a dreidel, and craft a menorah to link each candle with something you want to celebrate. See the ongoing exhibitions in a new light with a Hanukkah themed scavenger hunt and read a variety of holiday books from the children’s library.

Also check out the Young Families December Playdate at Olam Tikvah in Fairfax (see above or the link for details).

Chanukah Resources

 

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Family-Friendly Chanukah Events Cosponsored by PJ Library in Greater Washington

Coffee & Browsing at Merry Pin

Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible

Prenatal and Postnatal Group for Parents and Parents-to-Be

Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Friday Morning Brunch Bunch

Friday, February 21, 2025 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am

JFamily Shabbat Morning Schmooze

Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Shabbat Family Jam with Morah Ariel

Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible

Campfire S’mores Havdalah

Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Family Pottery Painting: Create Your Own Seder Plate

Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Rhythm ’N’ Ruach with Auntie A: Music ’n’ Yoga

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Wheelchair Accessible

Rhythm ’N’ Ruach with Auntie A: Music ’n’ Yoga

Thursday, February 27, 2025 - Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Prenatal and Postnatal Group for Parents and Parents-to-Be

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Friday Morning Brunch Bunch

Friday, February 28, 2025 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Gan Shabbat with Morah Jen

Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible
The Key from Spain book cover

Key from Spain, the Story of Flory Jagoda 

Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Purim in Four Acts

Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible

Shabbat Family Jam with Morah Ariel

Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible

JFamily Purim Party

Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible

Shalom Baby at the J

Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Story Time at Capital Jewish Museum

Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Story Time at CJM: The Purim Superhero!

Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Wheelchair Accessible

Shabbat Family Jam with Morah Ariel

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wheelchair Accessible