It has not been an easy couple of weeks for American Jews and other minority groups alike. We have seen how violent, ignorant, and empathy-lacking rhetoric and actions are easily parroted, spreading from one source to another. This is sadly not a new phenomenon. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t deeply affecting, or that darkness amplified from one source doesn’t embolden others to echo the same.
However, the story, traditions, and rituals of Hanukkah remind us that the opposite is also true. Light can beget light, love can beget love, and – even when it seems like we are stuck in a hopelessly dim situation – the communities and connections we build have real, true, transformative power.
Whether you’re staying warm at home this December or visiting every Hanukkah market you can, whether you’re gathering with extended family and friends or celebrating on your own, whether you know the family latke recipe by heart or feel like you need to do a little brush-up research on oily foods eaten by Jews around the world, remember this: we all have light to spread. All you need to do is find a place, a person, a community with which to share it.
So…wondering where to go? What to do? Looking to volunteer? To cook? To find the perfect Hanukkah mix on Spotify? Searching for gift-giving inspiration or the perfect place to get take-out? You are in the right place.
This guide is your one-stop-shop for anything and everything Hanukkah in the DMV this year – however, wherever, and with whomever you are celebrating!
We also know we’re not all-knowing – we don’t have a crystal ball (although that would be a great Hanukkah present). If you’re in the know for something we’ve missed, go ahead and let us know here and we’ll include it in the guide!
We will be updating regularly, so pin us to your Favorites bar, add us to your Hanukkah-focused tab group, or just keep us open with all those different Google Sheets tabs you can definitely tell apart.
Most of all, have a Happy Hanukkah, and let all those everyday miracles light the way to 2023!
Love,
The GatherDC Team
Daily
Sunday, December 18th
Monday, December 19th
Tuesday, December 20th
Wednesday, December 21st
Thursday, December 22nd
Friday, December 23rd
Saturday, December 24th
Sunday, December 25th
Gift Guides
Doughnuts and Bakeries
Want to explore even more (kosher, vegan, vegetarian-inclusive) options? Check out Where to Order Hanukkah Meals Around D.C. by Evan Caplan or GatherDC’s Kosher Food Finder!
Guides
Sweets
Savory
Ritual
Tradition (New and Old!)
Reflections
Tuesday, December 6th
Saturday, December 10th
Sunday, December 11th
Monday, December 12th
Tuesday, December 13th
Wednesday, December 14th
Thursday, December 15th
Friday, December 16th
Saturday, December 17th
