The Festival of Lights doesn’t officially begin until December 7th, 2023 this year, but it’s never too early to start filling the calendar with local Hanukkah events and ways to celebrate. This year’s holiday will go from December 7th through 15th, and for the Jewish community, it’s a time to spend time with loved ones. We’ve rounded up all of the Hanukkah events happening in Northern New Jersey to start planning. We also included a few places that are offering Hanukkah holiday treats. Whether celebrating with a family or a group of friends, and whether you say ‘Chanukah’ or ‘Hanukkah’ 2023, there’s something for everyone this season. Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Hanukkah 2023 in New Jersey and beyond!
Events
Light Up the Night Chanukah Party | 30 Park Street, Montclair
December 13th | 7:30PM
Montclair bar Just Jake’s, located at 30 Park Street, will host a Hanukkah-themed event on Wednesday, December 13th. There will be live music, Kosher treats, and a menorah lighting. A $15 cover fee is required for the event. Learn more here.
Menorah Lighting 2023 |
December 11th | 6PM
Families can join an afternoon celebration featuring songs, blessings, and the lighting of the menorah. Elected officials and MAPSO faith leaders will be present at the event. Click here to learn more.
Read More: Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant — A Top-Rated Jewish Deli in Newark
SOPAC: SO Jewish Comedy Night | One SOPAC Way, South Orange
December 16th | 8PM
SO Jewish Comedy Night will be presented at SOPAC in South Orange, NJ. This event will bring a light-hearted evening of Jewish-themed comedy. Performers Liz Glazer and Judy Gold will be joining forces at this event. For more information, click here.
Maccabee Bar Pop-up | 64 Downing Street, New York
November 28th – December 31st
This Hanukkah pop-up bar will return for its 2nd year. Maccabee Bar was originally started in 2018 by bartender Naomi Levy when she saw a huge gap in the holiday market. With that in mind, she created the Maccabee Bar which is a Hanukkah wonderland with special decor, specially-themed cocktails, and traditional bites. Learn more here.
Jersey City Menorah Lighting 2023 | 280 Grove Street, Jersey City
December 4th | 1PM
The Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs will host its annual menorah lighting. It will take place in downtown Jersey City by City Hall, located at 280 Grove Street. Learn more here.
The Annual Chanukah Soiree | 225 River Street, Hoboken
December 7th | 7:30PM
The Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City community will host an event for young Jewish adults at the W Hotel, located at 225 River Street in Hoboken. The event includes a Menorah Lighting, an open bar, a sushi bar, and a latke + doughnut station. For more information click here.
8 Nights of Hanukkah with Yo La Tengo | 6 Delancey Street, New York
December 7th – December 14th | 7:30PM
Indie Rock Band ‘Yo La Tengo’ will bring its traditional Hanukkah Run to Bowery Ballroom in New York City over the eight nights of the holiday starting Thursday, December 7th to Thursday, December 14th. Each concert will feature a surprise opener and comedic performance before the trio takes the stage. For more information click here.
USH Community Shabbat + Hanukkah Dinner | 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken
December 8th | 6:30PM
Guests can join the Tribe for Shabbat services, candle lighting, and a Hanukkah-themed Dinner. For more information click here.
Treats
Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen | Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
This Jewish deli is selling crispy potato latke selections that come in a half dozen with housemade crème fraîche and applesauce for $36. Additional latkes and sauces can be ordered also but at an additional cost. People can fill out the order form here. Pick-up options are available and free delivery for local Jersey City residents. If located elsewhere, there is an additional delivery cost.
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant + Catering | 894 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
View this post on Instagram
This Bergen County spot has been around since 1976 serving Jewish communities. It provides Kosher Catering, Kosher Delicatessen, appetizers, and indoor dining. There are Kosher deli chicken and sandwich platters available for catering options. Families can also opt to dine in. Menu items include salads, appetizers, and overstuffed sandwiches.
Liv Breads | 275 Essex Street, Milburn
View this post on Instagram
Liv Breads gives the traditional sufganiyot a healthy twist by filling baked brioche buns with strawberry jam, dulce de leche, or Nutella. For more information click here.
Michaeli Bakery Sufganiyah | 115A Division Street, New York City
View this post on Instagram
Michaeli Bakery in the Lower East Side, NYC is back with its special Hanukkah delights in a wide range of flavors. Find out more here.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Mikki + Al’s has a curated full menu for the holiday. For food options, there is herb-roasted chicken, barley and mushrooms, oven-braised brisket, and gravy. To accompany dinner, there are other treats like latkes, jelly doughnuts, sour cream, or house-made apple sauce.
Susan Lawrence Catering | 26 North Greeley Avenue, New York
This company offers a holiday menu consisting of more than 20 Hanukkah preparations including the famous babka, chicken soup with matzo balls, and braised pot roast. For more information click here.
See More: Holiday Pop-up Markets + Bars in New Jersey
Sweet Kneads by Ridhma | 38 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
This Kosher-certified boutique bakery specializes in baking classes, parties, and custom desserts that are vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free. Hanukkah dessert boxes are now available for pre-order and feature tiny desserts like doughnut holes. Call (973)-320-9030 to order and make sure to let them know to make the dessert boxes vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free if any dietary restrictions.
Yuki’s Bakery + Coffee | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
This Jewish and Israeli spot is now taking orders for Hanukkah treats. For the holiday, Yuki’s will be selling strawberry jelly and chocolate sufganiyots. The word ‘sufganiyot’ means jelly doughnuts in Hebrew. To place an order, call 201-455-6401 or talk to a team member. These doughnuts are both dairy-free and nut-free.
