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York County Hanukkah Celebrations, Recipes, Games and More!

By Sarah Frane Macaroni Kid York December 4, 2023

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is also known as the Festival of Lights. This eight-day celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after Judah Maccabee and his army of farmers' victory over the Syrian Greeks. Most of us have heard the miracle of the oil lasting eight days when there was only enough to last for one. But did you know that Hanukkah is filled with other miracles too, large and small? Many miracles are part of the Jewish faith. Click here to learn more about the miracle. 

Fill your eight days of Hanukkah with memories by checking out these local Hanukkah events, as well as enjoying some of our favorite Hanukkah recipes, games, and books:


Beit HaShalem Emet Hanukkah Celebration

This Hanukkah, let's light the menorah and be a beacon of kindness and compassion. Small acts of goodness can illuminate the world. Together, let's make this Festival of Lights truly meaningful. 

Join us on December 9, 2023, for our annual Hanukkah Celebration!

Commonwealth Fire Company

2045 North Sherman Street

6:00pm-8:30pm

Our celebration is open to the public and is sure to be a joyous occasion, with loads of games for all ages, food and treats and our course the storytelling of Hanukkah!

To learn more about our open house Hanukkah celebration, visit us on the web at: bhse-york.org or call 717-586-1199!



York JCC Community Chanukah Celebration

Join the York JCC and the York community for our Community Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 10 from 3 - 5 PM at the York JCC.

We are partnering with the Temple Beth Israel religious school for a Sunday funday program filled with ruach, spirit!

We will have crafts, games, and treats to share, including beautiful music of the holiday. We will also play the dreidel game (with a dreidel TOURNAMENT!) and light the menorah together as a community.

PJ Library will also join us with story time and activities!

All are welcome to join us for this free, family-friendly event. For questions, please contact Iris Katz, Jewish Life Coordinator, at ikatz@yorkjcc.org.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!


Sweet Potato Latkes


6 Books About Hanukkah For Kids



How to Play Dreidel