National Menorah Lighting
Dec. 10, 4 p.m.
This year’s lighting of this magnificent menorah–the world’s largest–is a free event with limited seating and extra safety precautions due to COVID restrictions, and can be seen via television newscasts, internet feeds and other media by tens of millions across the nation and around the world. Order tickets here. // 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Chanukah Drive-Through Theater
Dec. 10, 6 p.m.
The Chabad Jewish Center has a new COVID-safe celebration for you and your whole family. Enjoy hot Latkes, delicious doughnuts and treats from the safety and comfort of your own car while you watch the feature presentation and their giant Menorah lighting. Register here. // 505 Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon
Light Up the Night! Community Candle Lightings (Virtual)
Dec. 10-17, 5:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 11
The Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia has 7 nights of virtual candle lightings followed by a little fun from Dec. 10–17 at 5:30 p.m. (Dec. 11’s lighting will occur at 4:30 p.m., before Shabbat, followed by a Shabbat candle lighting). Register in advance here.
Chanukah Drive – In Celebration at Gainesville Middle School
Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.
This event in the parking lot of Gainesville Middle School features a virtual Chanukah display on outdoor projector screens, 8th Day concert video and special messages. Stay in your car and tune in via FM. Register here. // 8001 Limestone Drive, Gainesville
Chanukah Scavenger Hunt and Grand Menorah Lighting
Dec. 13, 4 p.m.
Get your family and friends into the car and light up the town! Every car will receive a bag of treats and clues before driving around town on a wild Chanukah Scavenger Hunt. Pick up objects and do the themed activities at all the stops, then meet up at Lake Anne for the grand menorah lighting and raffle. Register here. // 11654 Plaza America Drive Suite 775, Reston
Clarendon Menorah Lighting
Dec. 13, 5 p.m.
Come out for the Clarendon Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration organized by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington. There will be a lighting of a giant 9-foot menorah, latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt and dreidels for all. COVID restrictions will be in place including requiring masks, social distancing and limited capacity. Pre-registration is required to attend this free event. // 1307 N. Highland Street, Arlington
Festival of Lights
Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.
Experience the festival of lights and share in the spirit and joy of the Festival of Lights at The Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Old Town Alexandria. Staged at The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, the festival will include a lighting of a giant 6-foot menorah, latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt and dreidels. Lively music will fill the night and there will be free light sticks for every child. Admission is free but there is limited capacity due to COVID restrictions and social distancing measures. Appropriate face masks required when not eating. Register here. // 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria
Chanukah Zoom Night
Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.
The Chabad Jewish Center presents a community-wide Chanukah party in your home. Please have your menorah ready to light while cantor, Shlomo Adler will lead the group in Chanukah blessings and songs. Then fun Chanukah games will ensue.
Chanukah/New Year’s Virtual Mixology Lesson
Dec. 17, 7:30-8 p.m.
The Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia presents Cary Greene, CEO of Made to Measure Cocktails, who will be showcasing his skills to assist you in crafting some unique cocktails/mocktails. Cary will discuss what makes a delicious cocktail and will allow plenty of time for Q&A. The cost is free, and recipes will be provided in advance so be sure to register before the event.
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