Hanukkah Events in the Washington, DC Area

National Menorah Lighting
December 20, 2011, 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.

Hannukah Carnival
December 4, 2011, 10:30 am-12:30 p.m. DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW, Washington, DC. Moon bounce, games, crafts, treats and fun for the whole family.

JCC Gallery Art Show & Sale
December 4-25, 2011. 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.

Hanukkah on Ice
December 15, 2011, 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 18, 2011, 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 22, 2011. 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.

Matzo Ball
December 24, 2011. 9 p.m. Eden, 1716 I St NW Washington, DC. $30. Singles Hanukkah party organized by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals.

Hanukkah Festival in Alexandria
December 25,, 2011 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 25, 2011, 11 a.m-3 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.