Hanukkah Events in the Washington, DC Area

National Menorah Lighting
December 9, 2012, 4 p.m. The Ellipse, 1600 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (202) 332-5600. Celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah with speeches, music, activities for kids and the lighting of the National Menorah by Rabbi Levi Shemtov. This event is free, but tickets are required.

All Fired Up for Chanukah!
November 28, 2012, 6-8 p.m. All Fired Up - Cleveland Park, 3413 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC. Paint ritual holiday items, like menorahs, dreidels, Star of David boxes and non-Judaica items.

JCC Gallery Holiday Boutique and Craft Show
November 25-December 16, 2012. Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland (301) 881-0100. Shop for decorative home items, jewelry, stained and fused glass, paintings, menorahs/chanukiot, quilting, textiles and fiber, challah covers, mezuzot, seder plates and more.

Chanukah Party at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History
December 13, 2012, 6:30-8 p.m. 1811 R Street, NW, Washington, DC. Festivities include Latkes, Jelly donuts, and gelt, singing, storytelling, treasure hunts and tours of the museum.

Hanukkah on Ice
December 9, 2012, 6-8:30 p.m. Pentagon Row Ice Rink, 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington, Virginia. Ice menorah carving show, menorah lighting and ice skating.(703) 370-2774. $10 per person, includes skate rental.

JCC Chanukah Celebration
December 8, 2012, 6-7:30 p.m. Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland 301-348-3880. Celebrate Chanukah with lots of latkes (potato pancakes) and loads of fun, all leading up to a premiere screening of Chanukah: The Missing Menorah, a new series from the creators of Sesame Street.

Hanukkah Celebration at Bethesda Row
December 9, 2012, 5:30 p.m. Bethesda and Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, MD. The family-friendly event features live music, entertainment, hot latkes and chocolate gelt. Sponsored by Chabad of Bethesda-Chevy Chase. This year’s theme is ‘Chanukah Balloonarama’ and will feature a giant Balloon Menorah created by Ms. Balloons, who will also perform a balloon show and make balloon souvenirs for each child in attendance.

Matzo Ball
December 24, 2012. 9 p.m. Ultrabar, 911 F Street NW Washington, DC. $30. Singles Hanukkah party organized by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals.

Hanukkah Festival in Alexandria
December 10, 2012, 6 p.m. Crown Plaza Hotel, 901 N Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA. Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington sponsors a Menorah Lighting, dreidels, lakes and donuts. (703)370-2774.

Hands on Hanukkah at the JCC
December 9, 2012, 10 a.m-12 p.m. Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031 (703) 323-0880. The event includes arts and crafts, games and activities, moon bounce, face painting, balloon artist and more.