Somehow December is almost halfway over, which means the holiday spirit is in full force around NoVA, and Hanukkah is right around the corner. Ring in the Festival of Lights at one of these regional Hanukkah celebrations.
TBS Chanukah Party
Sunday, Dec. 15, 5-6:30 p.m.
Start your Hanukkah celebration at Temple B’nai Shalom. Watch the menorah be lit as you sing holiday songs, munch on delicious latkes, participate in special games and let the kids create cute marshmallow dreidels and latke flippers. Registration is required. // Temple B’nai Shalom: 7612 Old Ox Road, Fairfax Station; free
Celebrate Chanukah
Sunday, Dec. 15, 7-9 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with a beautiful performance by Zemer Chai. Guests will be serenaded by the Jewish Chorale of the Nation’s Capital with an awe-inspiring holiday concert full of Jewish music. // Congregation Adat Reyim: 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield; $25-$36
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Pre-Chanukah Celebration – When Harry Met Sally: The Jewish Deli in Pop Culture
Thursday, Dec. 19, 1-3:30 p.m.
Join author Ted Merwin as he discusses his most recent book Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli. Learn about how the Jewish deli became a staple in 20th-century pop culture from the comedian John Belushi’s “Samurai Deli” skit to the hit movie When Harry Met Sally. A boxed lunch will be provided to those who register by Monday, Dec. 16. // Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia: 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax; $28
National Menorah Lighting
Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m.
Take a trip to the nation’s capital for the lighting of the National Menorah. Enjoy a night of celebration with the family as you stay warm with hot latkes and doughnuts while “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and the Three Cantors fill The Ellipse with music. // The Ellipse: Constitution Avenue between 15th Street NW and 17th Street NW, Washington, DC; free
Chanukah at the Gateway
Sunday, Dec. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at the seventh annual Chanukah at the Gateway party. Join local dignitaries and government officials for the grand menorah lighting. Stop by the Maccabee Fun Space, where guests can enjoy crafts, raffles, delicious food and much more. // Virginia Gateway: Atlas Walk Way, Gainesville; free
Chanukah on Ice!
Sunday, Dec. 22, 6-8:30 p.m.
Join the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington for a memorable holiday jubilee. Enjoy a night of ice skating at the outdoor rink as the giant 6-foot menorah lights up Arlington. // Pentagon Row: 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington; $10-$13
Drinks and Dreidels 2019
Monday, Dec. 23, 6:30-9 p.m.
Calling all young Jewish professionals! Ring in the holiday season with a fun adult-only Hanukkah Party. Guests will be able to enjoy an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a dreidel competition. // Spider Kelly’s: 3181 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; $10-$25
Clarendon Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 6 p.m.
Head over to Clarendon Central Park for the annual menorah lighting ceremony. Bundle up and brave the elements as you watch the city light up the 6-foot menorah. Other festivities include live Hanukkah music, chocolate gelt and dreidels and free raffles. // Clarendon Central Park: 3140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; free
Chanukah Festival
Thursday, Dec. 26, 6:30 p.m.
Join the Alexandria community as The Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Old Town. Spend the night with family and friends as you sing and dance to classic Hanukkah tunes and snack on delicious potato latkes and chocolate gelt and dreidels. // The Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria; free
Chanukah Brisket & Latke Dinner
Friday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Accompany the members of Temple Rodef Shalom for a delectable holiday dinner. The menu for the night features brisket, latkes and other delicious sides and desserts. Participants must register by Sunday, Dec. 22. // Temple Rodef Shalom: 2100 Westmoreland St., Falls Church; $8-$30
Light Up the Night! Community Menorah Lighting at Mosaic
Sunday, Dec. 29, 4:30-6 p.m.
As Hanukkah starts to come to an end, light up the Mosaic District at its community menorah lighting. Guest can join in singing songs, feasting on tasty doughnuts and playing dreidel. // Mosaic District: 2901 District Ave., Fairfax; free