Hanukkah Events in the Washington, DC Area

National Menorah Lighting
December 13, 2009, 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.

Mama Doni & the Mama Doni Band
December 13, 4:30 p.m. Tikvat Israel Congregation, 2200 Baltimore Rd., Rockville, Maryland. (301) 762-7338. In a spirit of outrageous fun, the band brings their special brand of “funky music with a Jewish twist” to their Maryland debut, with an all-ages family Chanukah show.

Lights, Latkes and Laughs
December 13, 2009, 1-3 p.m. Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland (301) 881-0100. Celebrate with your family and friends, enjoy the story of Chanukah with Now This! Improv Theater, homemade latkes, face painting and more.

Hanukkah Festival in Alexandria
December 13, 2009. 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.

Hanukkah on Ice
December 10, 2009, 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.

Grand Menorah Festival of Lights
December 21, 2009, 4 p.m. Bethesda Row, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Chabad of Bethesda-Chevy Chase sponsors an event, featuring the largest Lego menorah in the Washington area, entertainment, crafts for the kids, latkes and chocolate coins.

Hanukkah Miracles and Magic
December 13, 2009, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. Wahington DC. (202) 777-3278. The miracle of Chanukah comes to life with food, crafts, singing and more.

Chanukah Wonderland
December 6, 11-18, 2009. Kentlands Market Square, 120 Market St. Gaithersburg, MD. Hanukkah activities sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery include make-your-own-menorah, Hanukkah sand art project, a Grand Hanukkah party and more.

Matzo Ball
December 24, 2009. 9 p.m. Ultrabar, 911 F St. NW, Washington, DC (888) 633-5326. $30. Singles Hanukkah party organized by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals.