DMV Hanukkah Guide 2025 / 5786

A collage of cut paper, string lights, hannukiyah, open windows, paper stars, and talking silhouettes. Text: dmv hanukkah guide

Updated 5:02 p.m. on Thursday, December 11th

Dear DMV friends,

Happy Hanukkah! This guide, which we’ll be updating through the end of December, is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to gather together, find a little light as the days grow shorter, and celebrate Hanukkah all over the DMV. There are dozens of organizations putting on incredible Hanukkah experiences this year, but there’s only one spot to find them all in one place: right here!

We hope this guide can be a useful tool as you craft the just-right-for-you combination of community gatherings, happy hours, volunteering opportunities, seasonal menus, holiday markets, classes, menorah lightings, and much, much more that will make this Hanukkah season deeply meaningful (and fun!).

When you see us out and about in December, say hello! We can’t wait for the next chance to gather with you. And, if you’re looking to chat, you can always sign up to grab coffee (or hot chocolate, or boba, or something else) with us!

Chag Hanukkah Sameach – Wishing you a happy Hanukkah,

The GatherDC Team

PS: Not sure where to start? Check out the table of contents in the drop down menu at the top of the screen! And, if we’re missing something, please let us know by submitting your event to our online calendar or by emailing us. We’ll be updating the guide just about every day, so check back early and often!

Tuesday, December 2nd

7:00 p.m. — Chanukah Holiday Market with the EDCJCC
- “Shop handmade goods from independent artists from holiday cards to jewelry to baked goods. It’s Etsy IRL!”

Friday, December 5th

8:00 p.m. — The Dreidel Players Present: Best Hanukkah Show Ever with Sandy Spring Theatre Group
- “A group of (mostly) Jewish theatre makers decide it’s time to do right by Hanukkah and create the best Hanukkah show EVER for playhouses and JCCs nationwide to produce every holiday season…”

Saturday, December 6th

5:00 p.m. — Vodka, Babka and Latkes with Cantor Mann and Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation
- “We will celebrate Havdalah and look forward to Hanukkah with Vodka, Babka, and Latkes.”
12:00 p.m. — Holiday Market with Moishe House Bethesda
- “Join us for a festive outing at the Bethesda Winter Wonderland and Holiday Market!”
8:00 p.m. — The Dreidel Players Present: Best Hanukkah Show Ever with Sandy Spring Theatre Group
- “A group of (mostly) Jewish theatre makers decide it’s time to do right by Hanukkah and create the best Hanukkah show EVER for playhouses and JCCs nationwide to produce every holiday season…”

Sunday, December 7th

11:30 a.m. — Holiday Card Making, Coffee Mingle, & Blind Date with a Book with Stacy’s Social Circles
- “Mingle with others over coffee or cocoa, make holiday cards, and support local makers.”
12:00 p.m. — Annual Holiday Gift Bazaar with Pozez JCC
- “Support local talented artists, gift makers, and the Pozez JCC’s Inclusion & Disability Services program! Local vendors will sell handmade arts, jewelry, photography, baked goods, and more in-person at the J. Partial proceeds will support inclusion at the JCC.”
2:00 p.m. — The Dreidel Players Present: Best Hanukkah Show Ever with Sandy Spring Theatre Group
- “A group of (mostly) Jewish theatre makers decide it’s time to do right by Hanukkah and create the best Hanukkah show EVER for playhouses and JCCs nationwide to produce every holiday season…”

Wednesday, December 10th

7:00 p.m. — Paint and Sip with Mesorah DC
- “Sip, Paint and Flow; Illuminated by Chanukah Lights”
7:30 p.m. — Pre-Chanukah Jewelry Night with Jewish Women’s Circle of Chabad of Bethesda
- “Create stunning jewelry pieces to gift just in time for Chanukah, while connecting with other women in a warm atmosphere.”

Thursday, December 11th

7:00 p.m. — Sufgani-Challah Experience with Challah Back Girls and Temple Beth Ami
- “Together with Sara & Hannah Loffman of Challah Back Girls™, you’ll twist, fill, and taste your way into the Hanukkah spirit—celebrating community, connection, creativity, and delicious dough.”

Friday, December 12th

12:30 p.m. — Hanukkah Lunch Out with J-Men’s Group at Pozez JCC
- “A chance to schmooze and eat with friends at own cost.”
8:00 p.m. — The Dreidel Players Present: Best Hanukkah Show Ever with Sandy Spring Theatre Group
- “A group of (mostly) Jewish theatre makers decide it’s time to do right by Hanukkah and create the best Hanukkah show EVER for playhouses and JCCs nationwide to produce every holiday season…”

Saturday, December 13th

7:00 p.m. — Havdalah & Hot Chocolate + ZooLights with Adas Israel Young Professionals
- “We’ll offer hot chocolate, meaningful connections, uplifting songs, and information on how to get more involved at Adas.”
8:00 p.m. — The People’s Hanukkah Celebration with Religious Action Center
- “Join us for an evening of music, story, and community. Together we’ll move through musical themes of darkness, twilight, and light, exploring how each can shape resilience and renewal.”

Sunday, December 14th

10:00 a.m. — Annual Menorah Run with Nice Jewish Runners DC
- “This ~2 mile run is a great opportunity to celebrate the holiday and test your Strava drawing skills!”
10:00 a.m. — Chanukah Party with the EDCJCC
- “Join us for our annual Chanukah celebration featuring a bounce house, music, arts and crafts, snacks and more!”
10:30 a.m. — Six13 Hanukkah Concert with Adas Israel Congregation
- “Join us for a morning of soaring harmonies, joyful energy, and Hanukkah spirit for all ages.”
10:30 a.m. — Spiritual Exploration: Cultivating Hope + Resilience this Hanukkah with the Den Collective
- Register by December 11th
- “Join Rabbi Aderet as we explore contemplative traditions such as Hitbodedut—a personal, spontaneous conversation with God or your inner self—and reflect on Jewish texts and liturgy to discover practices that nurture meaning, hope, and resilience.”
10:00 a.m. — Chanukah in the Dark Performance and Party with Theater J
- “Join us at the annual EDCJCC Chanukah celebration featuring a bounce house, music, arts and crafts, snacks and more! Make it a true celebration with a performance of Chanukah in the Dark following the party!”
12:00 p.m. — Happy Hanukkah DMV with Sunflower Bakery
- “Come meet our amazing staff and students while learning about Sunflower’s workforce development and disability employment programs in the Pastry Arts, Hospitality and Culinary Arts industries.”
2:00 p.m. — The Dreidel Players Present: Best Hanukkah Show Ever with Sandy Spring Theatre Group
- “A group of (mostly) Jewish theatre makers decide it’s time to do right by Hanukkah and create the best Hanukkah show EVER for playhouses and JCCs nationwide to produce every holiday season…”
3:00 p.m. — Chanukah with New Synagogue Project
- “We invite everyone to bring their own menorah to light together, and display in our community menorah room, where we’ll learn about each menorah’s history and other community or family Chanukah traditions!”
3:00 p.m. — Chanukah Festival with Temple Rodef Shalom
- “Enjoy a latke and donut before heading into the sanctuary to enjoy some Chanukah melodies with musical artist, Jason Mesches.”
3:30 p.m. — National Menorah Lighting with American Friends of Lubavitch
- “Perhaps the most prominent public Chanukah program in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House in Washington, DC.”
4:00 p.m. — Chanuka Concert with HaKol, the EDCJCC, and Bet Mishpachah
- “HaKol, the new Capital Jewish Chorus, will present their inaugural concert and sing-along to welcome the first night of Chanuka”
4:00 p.m. — First Night of Hanukkah with metrobar
- “Join us as we light our menorahs (yes, it’s fine to BYO menorah too!) and enjoy hot drinks with friends at metrobar! We’ll be lighting the menorah at 4:30pm (give or take).”
4:30 p.m. — Chanukah Party with Kol Ami
- “Join us as we celebrate the Festival of Lights with candlelighting and delicious food”
4:30 p.m. — Hanukkah Lawnikah: A Celebration of Light, Latkes and Lotsa Fun with the Bender JCC
- “Join in community to light the 1st candle, pose in our Hanukkah Inflatables village, and marvel at a firebreather and light show.”
4:30 p.m. — Skate the Night: A Festival of Lights with Rodef 2100
- “We will skate from 4:30-6 PM then head to Night Hawk for pizza, sufganiyot, and lighting the menorah.”
5:00 p.m. — Chanukah Extravaganza with Tifereth Israel Congregation
- “Spend the first night of Chanukah singing, eating latkes and sufganiyot, and enjoying festive drinks, adult learning, crafts, a dreidel tournament, and more.”
6:00 p.m. — Drinks and Dreidels 2025 with Young Jewish Professionals of Alexandria-Arlington
- “Join our annual Chanukah Party for Young Jewish Professionals!! Doors open 6:00 PM! Enjoy A Chinese Buffet and Fine Wine, Beer, Latkes”

Monday, December 15th

5:30 p.m. — Lights, Candles, Action! with Pozez JCC
- “Celebrate the Festival of Lights and feel the joy at this community festival!”
6:00 p.m. — Chanukah Festival with Chabad of Alexandria-Arlington
- “Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!”
6:00 p.m. — Menorah Lighting with Hill Havurah and Capitol Hill BID
- “This year’s celebration will take place on the second night of Hanukkah…The “Men in Blue” will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa.”
7:00 p.m. — Chanukah Bash with Mesorah DC
- “Open Bar, Latke Bar, Sushi Bar, Live Music. $10 earlybird registration till Dec 1.”
7:00 p.m. — Hanukkah Latke Exchange with Moishe House Arlington
- “Come with latkes for others to taste or come to taste others’ latkes”
7:30 p.m. — Celebr8 Chanukah with Chabad of Bethesda
- “Free drinks, donut bar, latkes, music, and more!”

Tuesday, December 16th

6:00 p.m. — Light Up Arlington – Clarendon Menorah Lighting with Chabad of Alexandria-Arlington
- “Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!”
7:00 p.m. — Spotlight On: Stories by LGBTQ+ Jews in the Federal City with the Capital Jewish Museum
- “Inspired by themes of Hanukkah, including perseverance, bravery, and light, join us for an inspirational and imaginative evening of live storytelling featuring the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Jewish Washingtonians.”
7:15 p.m. — Artisanal Doughnut Making with Chabad East DC
- “Join fellow women for a hands-on doughnuts workshop!”

Wednesday, December 17th

5:30 p.m. — Hanukkah Glow and Dance Party at Mosaic District with Pozez JCC
- “Bring your friends and family to Mosaic to light the night in the glow of colorful lights (glow sticks) and cheer (singing and dancing) of Hanukkah!”
5:30 p.m. — Hanukkah Happy Hour with GatherDC
- “[J]oin GatherDC at Hook Hall for an evening of connection, community, and fun! We’ll also be lighting the menorah at 5:40 pm, so come a little earlier if you’d like to be part of that moment.”
5:30 p.m. — Menorah Lighting at National Landing with Chabad of Alexandria-Arlington
- “Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!”
6:00 p.m. — Community Menorah Lighting: A Chanukah Celebration with The Stacks
- “Join us on December 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM for a festive evening of lighting the menorah, music, and enjoying traditional treats. Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of Chanukah with our community.”
6:30 p.m. — Chanukah Dinner with GLOE
- “Join GLOE to celebrate the Festival of Lights at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, a historic queer space. Let’s light up the night with community, connection, and warmth.”
6:30 p.m. — 2025 Annual Hanukkah Party with National Museum of American Jewish Military History
- “Join us at our annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song! Explore the museum and we’ll eat, play games and sing.”
7:00 p.m. — Guilt Free Gelt with Moishe House Adams Morgan
- “[L]earn about the chocolate industry with Moishe House Admo. We’ll be discussing (and eating) fair-trade chocolate gelt for the holiday.”
7:00 p.m. — Hanukkah Hotties: Singles Social Hour with Stacy’s Social Circles
- “Join us for Hanukkah Hotties, a fun singles mixer with Stacy’s Social Circles— ice breakers, candle lighting, sufganyiot and drink specials.”
7:00 p.m. — Lyrics and Light: Shabbat Music with Sixth & I
- “[D]ive deep into songs most often played during our Friday Night Services and learn more about the meaning behind Shabbat prayers.”

Thursday, December 18th

12:00 p.m. — Lunchtime Live! with Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington
- “Learn a new dish with our workshop hosts as they prepare and discuss their favorite holiday foods from their own faith traditions.”
1:00 p.m. — Donuts & Dreidels Hanukkah Social with Pozez JCC
- ” Join us for an afternoon filled with festive cheer — spin the dreidel, savor delicious sufganiyot (donuts) and crispy potato latkes, and enjoy lively musical entertainment!”
6:00 p.m. — A Very Garlic Chanukah with Garlic Girl Vintage
- “Swing by Garlic Girl Vintage next Thursday to light candles, have a nosh, enjoy community, and browse for last(ish) minute gifts. We’ll have a few menorahs (vintage and less so!) but feel free to BYOM if you like! All are welcome.”
6:00 p.m. — Ladino End-Of-Year Concert and Reception with the Embassy of Bulgaria and SHIN-DC
- “Holiday concert with Hanukkah candlelighting”
6:00 p.m. — Shehecheyanu: a Jews for Janeese Chanukah Launch Party with Jews United for Justice Campaign Fund
- “Kick off the Jews for Janeese campaign at our Chanukah launch party, featuring live music, latkes and doughnuts, candle lighting, and a chance to hear from Councilmember Lewis George about her vision for the District.”
6:30 p.m. — Chanukah Match-Up Dinner with DC Minyan
- “Whether you are new to DC Minyan or have been a member for years, this event is a great opportunity to meet new people over a delicious meal and celebrate Chanukah with a shared candle lighting.”
6:30 p.m. — LGBTQ+ Hanukkah Game Night with Washington Hebrew Congregation
- “Join the LGBTQ+ Group as we nosh, play games, light a hanukkiah, bathe in togetherness and holiday joy, shuffle up some new friendships and enjoy old ones.”
7:00 p.m. — Drinks and Dreidels with Chabad of Northern Virginia
7:00 p.m. — Fried & Festive: A Chanukah Party with Sixth & I
- “Work some miracles during our dreidel competition, come dressed to impress in your favorite ugly Chanukah sweater, and tell us if you’re team sour cream or team applesauce as you vote for your favorite latke toppings.”
7:00 p.m. — Hanukah Freedom Concert and Coffee House with Am Kolel
- “A Hanukah celebration and benefit concert featuring interactive Jewish, folk, and social justice musical performances.”
7:00 p.m. — Parsha, Pizza, Latkes and Prep with Moishe House Columbia Heights
- “Join us at Moishe House Columbia Heights for a cozy evening diving into the weekly parsha over hot, delicious pizza and latkes.”

Friday, December 19th

2:00 p.m. — Pearlstone Chanukah R&R Weekend Begins with Pearlstone Retreat Center
- “Enjoy the holiday of light with comfort food from the Pearlstone kosher kitchen, communal menorah lighting, singing, games, yoga for all ages and our beautiful farm backdrop.”
6:00 p.m. — “Be The Light” Hanukkah Shabbat with Washington Hebrew Congregation
- Virtual attendance available
- “Following a joyful Shabbat service for all ages, the evening will feature sufganiyot and latkes so good you’ll swear they’re a miracle, Hanukkah-themed activities and crafts for kids, and a community candle lighting”
6:30 p.m. — Hanukkah Shabbat + Pop-Up Youth Choir with Temple Micah
- “Celebrate Hanukkah at Temple Micah! Be sure to bring your menorah and candles to light with us.”
6:30 p.m. — Shabbat Chanukah Evening Service with Temple Rodef Shalom
- “Our Friday night service, during the Shabbat of Chanukah, features Koleinu and our cantors presenting a Sermon in Song of Chanukah Music Around the World! Come light the 6th Chanukah candle as we celebrate Shabbat together.”
7:00 p.m. — Chanukah Shabbat and Dinner with Rabbi Jenna with Sixth & I
- “In celebration of the 6th night of Chanukah, enjoy holiday songs and reflections. BYO menorah for a community candle lighting during dinner”
8:30 p.m. — Menorah Mingle with Young Folks of Kemp Mill and Chabad of Silver Spring
- “The Menorah Mingle will occur on Friday evening Shabbat Hanukkah December 19th at 8:30 pm at Chabad of Silver Spring! In the downstairs near the C teen lounge. 🕎✨🕎🥳”

Saturday, December 20th

6:00 p.m. — Shine Together: Family Hanukkah Celebration with Magen David Sephardic Congregation
- “Join us for a festive Hanukkah celebration!”
6:30 p.m. — The Lullaby Project: Mark the Winter Solstice and Hanukkah with Temple Micah
- “Join us for Hanukkah and the winter solstice as we light the menorah and share in a genre of music that helps us ease into the nighttime—lullabies.”
7:00 p.m. — Latkes & Vodka(s): Celebrate Hanukkah with Friends in 20s, 30s and 40s with the Bender JCC
- “Gather with new and old friends in their 20s, 30s and 40s to celebrate Hanukkah, enjoy a Latke and Vodka bar, games and music.”

Sunday, December 21st

3:00 p.m. — Jews of Color and their Families Chanukah Celebration with the EDCJCC
- “Join our Jews of Color and their Families Affinity Group to celebrate Chanukah and to light the 8th candle together.”
4:00 p.m. — Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Sufganiyot with Panel Decor Hub Washington
- “Come celebrate Hanukkah at our new showroom! Candle lighting courtesy of Rabbi Shlomo Baitch.”
5:00 p.m. — Shine the Light: Hanukkah Celebration with Jewish Vegan Life
- “Join Jewish Vegan Life for an inspiring evening of light, music, and delicious plant-based food as we gather to celebrate Hanukkah in the spirit of compassion — for people, animals, and the planet.”

Monday, December 22nd

6:30 p.m. — Dreidel Time at Brighton Gardens with Moishe House Bethesda
- “Join us for Dreidel with Brighton Gardens, our every-other-month visit with the Brighton Gardens Senior Center filled with connection, fun, and a little healthy competition.”
7:00 p.m. — The UnKosher Comedy Tour: Festival of Laughs Recap with Stacy’s Social Circles
- “The best young Jew-ish stand up comedians in the DC area share their hilarious recap of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, and are here to make you laugh if you are having a tough week.”

Wednesday, December 24th

9:00 p.m. — Bagel Ball 2025
- “We’ll be spinning beats all night, drink specials + heavy snacks (including bagels, of course!), and there will be tons of people to mingle with.”
9:00 p.m. — Matzoball
- “Matzoball®, the nations #1 holiday party is back and coming to Washington D.C.”

Thursday, December 25th

9:00 a.m. — December 25 Day of Service with the EDCJCC
- Registration required
- “D25 is one of the EDCJCC’s signature volunteer events, with hundreds of volunteers spreading holiday cheer across the DC metro area.”
10:00 a.m. — Wrapped in Tradition with the Capital Jewish Museum
- “Enjoy classic traditions and make new ones with drop-in activities and projects for visitors looking to learn, play, and give back.”

All the Weird and Wonderful Tchotchkes You Need for Hanukkah This Year from Hey Alma
Baked Goods from Baked by Yael
Black & White Cookie Charm from Catbird Jewelry
Build-a-Brick Menorah from Judaica Plaza
Hanukkah Gelt from See’s Candies
Hanukkah Greeting Cards from Right Place Studio and Shop Made in DC
How to Have a Ralph Lifshitz Hanukkah from Hey Alma
Jewish Wisdom Ball from Offbeat Judaica
Kosher Marshmallows from The PoshMallow
Pickle Menorah from Modern Tribe
Sufganichallah from Challah Back Girls
The 2025 Ultimate Hey Alma Hanukkah Gift Guide from Hey Alma
Wire Kippot and Jewelry from Renaissance Woman Kippot
Woodworking from Baked by Yael
30 Hanukkah-Inspired Gifts For You and Your Loved Ones from 18Doors

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Baked By Yael
- Gift baskets of baked goods, challah, babka, cake pops, and more
Bethesda Bagels
- Includes family packages and a la carte options
Bread Furst
- Available for pickup December 6th to December 24th
Buffalo & Bergen
- Latkes available for pickup or delivery
Call Your Mother
- Available for pickup or delivery between December 8th and December 24th
Georgetown Cupcake
- “Happy Hanukkah Dozen” available for delivery December 1st to December 15th
Sababa
- Available for pre-order or pickup December 14th to December 22nd

Maryland

Bethesda Bagels
- Includes family packages and a la carte options
Call Your Mother
- Available for pickup or delivery between December 8th and December 24th
Silver and Sons BBQ
- Hanukkah menu available for pickup on December 14th and December 19th
Summer House
- Latkes available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery from November 28th to December 23rd
Sunflower Bakery
- Available beginning December 4th

NoVA

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Bethesda Bagels
- Includes family packages and a la carte options
Call Your Mother
- Available for pickup or delivery between December 8th and December 24th
Celebrity Delly

How-To and and History

Hanukkah from Exploring Judaism
Hanukkah Holiday Glossary from Chabad.org
Hanukkah: The Basics from 18Doors
Hanukkah 2025 from My Jewish Learning
History: The Hanukkah Story from Reform Judaism
How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah from My Jewish Learning
The Surprising Origin of the Dreidel from My Jewish Learning
What You Need to Know About Hanukkah from My Jewish Learning
Why Do We Eat Latkes on Hanukkah? by Aly Miller

Reflections and Other Fun Reads

An Iranian Jewish Hanukkah, made in America by Rachel Sumekh from eJewish Philanthropy
December: Judith and the Hanukkah Story from Jewish Women’s Archive
Publicizing the Miracle: Jewish Pride, Hope, and Vulnerability This Hanukkah by Rabbi Ilana Zietman
Songs for Hanukkah from Exploring Judaism
The Best Hanukkah Gift Won’t Actually Cost You Anything by Leila Sales
This Hanukkah, Try Latkes With a Dairy Twist by Savoy Curry from Jewish Women’s Archive

The views and opinions expressed by the organizations featured on this guide and on this website are solely those of the original organizations. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the organization GatherDC, the GatherDC staff, the GatherDC board, and/or any/all contributors to this site.