The holiday season has already begun, and with it comes the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration focused on the re-dedication to the Holy Temple. NYC is no stranger to the Jewish community. As a matter of fact, approximately 12% of New York’s population is Jewish.
With the first recorded Jewish settler arriving to the New York coast in 1654, the NYC Jewish population is the largest, after the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area in Israel. If you are travelling and want to make this Hanukkah extra special, NYC has plenty of activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Where can I celebrate Hanukkah in NYC?
World’s Largest Menorah Lighting
Starting on Sunday December 2nd, this famous giant menorah will have its first lighting! The menorah will be lit over eight nights. It’s so big they have to use a crane to do light it. There will be live music, latkas, and suvganiot.
Where: Grand Army Plaza; 60 Plaza Street East, Brooklyn (50 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: December 2nd at 4:30pm; December 3rd – 6th at 6pm; December 7th at 3:30pm; December 8th at 7pm; December 9 at 5:30pm
Hanukkah Family Celebration
This year, the Museum of the City of New York will be hosting a collection of images of Jewish culture. Take your little ones to this marvelous museum initiative and learn about Hanukkah. There will also be an activity to create a menorah while enjoying traditional snacks. Registration is preferred, but not required.
Where: Museum of the City of New York; Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, Manhattan (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Sunday, December 9th at 11am
Historic NYC Jewish Sites - Museum of Jewish Heritage
Although we can’t change the past, we can learn and grow from it. The Museum of Jewish Heritage is dedicated to preserving testimonies and memories of Holocaust survivors in hopes to contribute to the world-wide commitment to not forget this painful time in history.
Through extensive collections and educational exhibitions, the museum wants to give visitors information about Jewish heritage and history so people from different backgrounds can understand and appreciate the different facets of Jewish culture.
Where: Museum of Jewish Heritage; Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place, Manhattan (35 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Sunday – Tuesday 10am – 6pm, Wednesday – Thursday 10am – 8pm, Friday 10 am – 3pm
Historic NYC Jewish Sites - Kehila Kedosha Janina, Synagogue and Museum
Visit the last Romaniote synagogue on the Western hemisphere. Kehila Kedosha Janina wants to keep the Romaniote traditions alive. Part of that mission consists of keeping records, maps, photographs, and brochures in a museum section of the synagogue. They welcome everyone from all Jewish backgrounds and are open to hosting Smicha events.
Where: Kehila Kedosha Janina; 280 Broome Street, Manhattan (25 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Museum, Sunday 11am – 4pm to the general public. Saturday 9:30am for Shabbat Shacharith Services.
NYC Kosher - Restaurants Katz's Delicatessen
Kat’z Delicatassen isn’t only a deli place. As one of the oldest delis in New York, Kats’z has build up quite a reputation. Offering the best quality meat, customers from outside and inside New York are delighted with Katz’s pastrami and cured meat. With a very flexible schedule, enjoy a meal at almost all hours during this Hanukkah.
Where: Katz’s Delicatessen; 250 East Houston Street, Manhattan (25 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Monday – Wednesday 8am – 10:45pm, Thursday 8am – 2:45 am, Friday – Saturday 24 hours, Sunday 12am – 10:45pm
NYC Kosher - Breads Bakery
If you are desperate for the best babka this Hanukkah, consider visiting Breads Bakery. Breads Bakery offers plenty of handmade breads, but their babka has quickly risen to fame among both Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Enjoy a warm and sweet babka with your family and friends after a cold Hanukkah day.
Where: Breads Bakery; 18 East 16th Street, Union Square (20 min drive from The Lombardy Hotel)
When: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 9pm, Saturday 6:30am – 8pm, Sunday 7:30am – 8pm
Staying in New York City - About The Lombardy Hotel
The Lombardy Hotel welcomes visitors celebrating all holiday traditions. We’re in a great neighborhood for your New York City stay in proximity to everything Midtown Manhattan has to offer, including a Whole Foods just blocks away. You’ll be walking distance to everything you need and want, whether it’s work, fun or food: dozens of major corporations as well as the boutique shopping district, sought after museums, Central Park and other classic NYC attractions.
