Hanukkah (alternately written as Chanukkah/Chanukah) is an eight-day, wintertime festival of lights, observed by Jewish People all around the world. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (Second Temple) at the beginning of the Jewish Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire during the 2nd Century BC.
Celebrating Hanukkah commonly involves lighting the candles of a nine-branch candelabrum called a menorah or hanukkiah. One branch, the shammash or “attendant,” is placed above or below the others, with its candle serving to light the other eight candles, representing the eight days of the festival.
The observational date for Hanukkah varies each year, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar. It may occur at any time between November 28 and December 27 in the Gregorian calendar. This year’s celebration begins on December 14, 2025.
Because there are so many residents throughout the Delaware and Maryland regions boasting proud Jewish descent, several celebratory Hanukkah events are slated to take place in these locales specifically, in the coming week. Here’s a sampling of just some of those happy happenings to look forward to.
The Grand Menorah Lighting at Dewey Beach
December 14, 5 p.m.
Hosted by Chabad Southern Delaware, all are welcome to attend this annual lighting of a 9-foot Menorah in the Sunset Room at Hyatt Place Dewey Beach. Latkes and hot chocolate will be served during the event. Click here to learn more.
Rehoboth Menorah Lighting
December 21, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Chabad Southern Delaware will also be hosting a menorah lighting ceremony with prayers and songs at the Bandstand in neighboring Rehoboth Beach. Latkes and doughnuts will be served during the event. Find out more on the website.
Annual Hanukkah Concert with the Baltimore Klezmer All-Stars
December 20, 5 p.m.
Taking place at the Charles, this annual klezmer tradition will return for the seventh night of Hanukkah. Go to the website to purchase tickets and for all other additional information.
Celebration at the Inn in Berlin
December 18, 4 p.m.
The Town of Berlin is getting into the Hanukkah happenings on Thursday afternoon, with the Inn hosting an array of happy happenings. Children’s activities will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the menorah lighting, latkes, and more at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Follow the link for all additional details.
Chanukah Fire Truck Parade
December 16, 6 p.m.
In celebration of the holiday, a fire truck parade with flashing lights, blaring sirens, and a giant shining menorah will make its way through Rockville and Gaithersburg neighborhoods on Tuesday evening. The route will make several stops, within a two-hour duration, concluding with a Community Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Party. Visit the website for all additional information.
Darnestown Menorah Lighting
December 14, 5 p.m.
Darnestown Civic Association is marking the first night of Hanukkah with a free menorah lighting at Darnestown Heritage Park. Visit the website for more.
HanuCon
December 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It’s Hanukkah meets Comic Con at Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Pikesville. Here is a truly original celebration, featuring pop culture, comics, TCG, sports, toys, Hanukkah gifts, and all things Jewish. Learn more on the website.
Hanukkah Celebration at the Collection
December 14, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Head to the Collection in Chevy Chase for an all-out Hanukkah celebration. The featured event will include a menorah lighting, music, kosher treats, and crafts for the whole family. Follow the link to learn more or to RSVP for this event.
Lego Menorah Lightning at Bethesda Row
December 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Postponed from its original December 14 to the 21, you’re invited to witness a menorah lighting like no other, made entirely of LEGOs and created into a stunning, giant display. Come out and build along with other LEGO fans. Other highlights of the evening include an exciting magic show and live Chanukah music. Be sure to get your custom Chanukah LEGO set souvenir! You can find out more about this event on the website.
Light up the Night Hunt Valley
December 14, 4 p.m.
Touted as “Hunt Valley’s biggest Chanukah celebration,” the free event will be held on location at Hunt Valley Towne Center and feature a wide range of entertainment and treats. Included in the lineup will be a live DJ, airbrush artist, and savory provisions, like latkes, doughnuts, and more. Click here to find out more.
Menorah Lighting in the Square
December 14, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hosted by Chabad Israeli Center of Rockville, a community menorah lighting will take place, accompanied by music and traditional treats. All are welcome. Click here for additional information.
National Museum of Jewish Military History
December 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This year’s annual Hanukkah Party at the National Museum of Jewish Military History will take place on location at the museum in D.C. Arrive early for museum tours. The party will be a celebration laden with latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt, and song, with music by Machaya Klezmer Band. More information can be found on the website.
Third Space Jewish Events
December 14, 18, 21
Third Space in Baltimore has three upcoming events to celebrate Hanukkah with. The first is on December 14 from 1 p.m., presented as the Jewish Studio Project Hannukah Party. Click here for details. Then on December 18, it’s the Hannukah Brew Ha Ha featuring rapper Kosha Dillz from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the link for more. Be sure to check out a very unique event—the Jews of Color Hannukah Party as part of the JOC Mishpacha Project on December 21 from noon to 3 p.m. Learn more about all Third Space events on the website.
National Menorah Lighting
December 14, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The one and only National Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place on location at the Ellipse of the White House on December 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hailed as the world’s premier celebration of Chanukah, the event is attended by thousands every year and seen via TV newscasts, internet feeds and other media by tens of millions across the nation and around the world. Visit the website to learn more.
There are many other Hanukkah celebrations taking place at various other venues throughout the region. Some other places to check out in a convenient range to you and yours include local libraries, temples, synagogues, and even more surprising places, like the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, for instance. Neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania have their fair share of events, too, so be sure to check out venues there as well.