Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is the Jewish rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It lasts for eight days, this year beginning on Dec. 22 and lasting until Dec. 30. Each night, those celebrating light a candle on the Menorah in commemoration.
In Hunterdon County, there are several public Menorah lightings and other celebrations in honor of the holiday:
(Please note that the spellings used here are consistent with internet postings for ease of searching.)
Magician & Chanukah Dinner
When: Sunday, Dec. 22 from 4:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Where: Flemington Jewish Community Center, 5 Sergeantsville Road, Flemington
The evening begins with a group candle lighting, followed by a magic show and holiday dinner. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students, and children under 4 are free. RSVP requested. Get more info here.
“Under Construction” Chanukah Party
When: Sunday, December 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Chabad of Hunterdon County, 56 Payne Road, Lebanon
Celebrate the holiday with a uniquely themed party! Participate in live building of a giant menorah. Enjoy wood working Chanukah crafts. Personalize a hard hat. Dig for gelt, and compete in the inflatable wrecking ball challenge. Plus, there will be tasty treats! Tickets are $12 per person. Register here.
Chabad of Hunterdon County Menorah Lightings
Hosted by Chabad of Hunterdon County and sponsored by ShopRite, there are four Menorah lightings planned throughout the county. They will include crafts, give aways, free Menorahs, singing, hot latkes, gelt, doughnuts. They are:
Lambertville
When: Monday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Corner of Union and Bridge streets, Lambertville
Frenchtown
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Corner of Bridge and Harrision streets, Frenchtown
Hampton
When: Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 6:30 p.m
Where: Bagelsmith, 172 Perryville Road, Hampton
Clinton
When: Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Terrace of Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton
Hanukkah Food
Celebrating Hanukkah at home? Here are a few Hunterdon Happening List Winners to check out for your holiday treats.
Latkes
Try Hunterdon Happening List Winner Lovin’ Oven in Frenchtown for delicious latkes.
Doughnuts
Chocolate in the Oven in Milford gets high marks for its fried dough delicacy, voted Hunterdon Happening List Winner for best doughnut.
Chocolate Coins
Hunterdon is home to many fabulous chocolatiers, including Hunterdon Happening List winner Sciascia Confections in Stockton and finalist Chocodiem in Clinton. Libby Beans in Frenchtown and La Cohcolate Box in Lambertville are also good choices. They’re Hunterdon Happening list winners for Best Candy.
We Are Supported By:
