This year, Hanukkah starts at nightfall on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and ends at nightfall on Jan. 2. The eight-day-long wintertime festival of lights observed in the Jewish faith, Hebrew for “dedication,” celebrates the recovery of Jerusalem, specifically the reclaiming of the Holy Temple, and is observed by a nightly menorah lighting along with reciting special blessings, prayers and songs.
Throughout the South Fork community, there’ll be a bunch of menorah lightings at places of worship, civic organizations, village centers and cultural institutions. Celebrations are slated to include live music, refreshments, readings, and a MenorahCade! Food is another component central to the Hanukkah holiday, and a couple of our fave SoFo restos and markets are serving up some specialty items in honor of the week-long celebration.
No matter your faith, remember to be respectful and kind to one another. At the end of it all, it’s what matters the most.
East Hampton/Amagansett/Montauk
On Dec. 25, kick off the festival of lights with the lighting of a 12-foot menorah as Chabad of the Hamptons hosts its Grand Outdoor Hanukkah Celebration at Herrick Park (67 Newtown Lane) beginning at 3:30 p.m. There’ll be latkes, donuts, hot cocoa, a gelt drop and plenty of hip Hanukkah swag, plus live acrobatic entertainment from Wacky Chad and all sorts of fun for the whole family.
A kids Hanukkah block party brunch is Thursday, Dec. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children ages 5 to 12 (with a caregiver) at Chabad’s 13 Woods Lane location. There’ll be a dreidel waffle bar plus an opportunity for kid attendees to make their very own LED-powered glowing Hanukkah sculpture. Don’t miss a pair of menorah lightings hosted by Chabad: Dec. 26, it’s the menorah lighting at the Montauk Village Green at 4:15 p.m. and on Tuesday, Dec. 31, there’s a lighting at the flagpole on Main Street and Atlantic Avenue in Amagansett. Donuts, hot drink and music will be at both!
The Jewish Center of the Hamptons is hosting “Pop-up Chanukah,” where attendees are welcome to join in to light the menorah on each night of the holiday at some of East Hampton Town’s most beloved spots. On the first night, Wednesday, Dec. 25, there’s a lighting at 5 p.m. at Old Hook Windmill (42 Main St.). On Thursday, Dec. 26, the center will hold a menorah lighting inside the newly finished lobby of Guild Hall (158 Main St.) beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, it’s “Shabbat & Chanukah on the Beach” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, there’ll be a lighting at The Clubhouse (174 Daniels Hole Road), and on Sunday, Dec. 29, there’ll be a 5 p.m. lighting at Nick & Toni’s (136 North Main St.). On Monday, Dec. 30, there’ll be a lighting at BookHampton (41 Main St.) at 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, Jan. 1, there’s one at Amagansett Wine & Spirits (203 Main St.), also at 5 p.m.
Drive through the streets of East Hampton with Chabad of the Hamptons at the annual MenorahCade on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 6 p.m. Show your Jewish pride with festive lights and a bright menorah on the roof of your car. To reserve one for your vehicle, click here. Car line-up is at 17 Woods Lane and starts at 6 p.m., while the parade is scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, Dec. 27, there’s a pre-Shabbat. menorah lighting at Chabad at 4 p.m., with a special Shabbat dinner at a private residence starting at 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-329-5800.
If you get hungry during all this festive fun, don’t forget to hit up Rowdy Hall (177 Main St., Amagansett, 631-324-8555) for lunch or dinner. They’re expected to be offering Hanukkah specials, like potato latkes and red wine braised brisket, Thursday and Friday night (Dec. 26 and Dec. 27).
Sag Harbor/Shelter Island
Sag Harbor’s Temple Adas Israel hosts a menorah lighting at the end of Main Street on Long Wharf, between Windmill Beach and Bay Street Theater, the temple hosts the lighting of the first candle on the menorah happening around 6 p.m. Hot chocolate and donuts will be served. On Sunday, Dec. 29, the Center for Jewish Life (located at 24 Long Island Ave.) hosts “Chanukah Winter Wonderland” from 1 to 3 p.m. Activities will include a snowman bounce, dreidel snow globe craft and winter carnival games. Treats will include hot cocoa, latkes, chocolate coins and snow cones. An art openting for “Visions of Jerusalem,” a photography exhibit by Brian Gorin will also occur, same time same place.
The 11th annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Shelter Island will take place on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. in front of the police department headquarters (44 North Ferry Road). Rabbi Berel Lerman will be on hand for the ceremony along with live music, holiday treats and a festive celebration brought to us by the Center for Jewish Life in Chabad Sag Harbor All are welcome to join.
The annal menorah lighting in Southampton Village is on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Southampton Chamber of Commerce (76 Main St.) at 1:45 p.m. An outdoor concert with music from Daniel Fogel and Band will be there. Brought to us by the Southampton Jewish Center.
Bridgehampton/Sagaponack/Southampton
There’s a menorah lighting at the Bridgehampton Community House at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, with the Center for Jewish Life. All are welcome to enjoy Hanukkah treats, crafts and music as a welcome the Festival of Lights.
All are welcome to meet on the front lawn of the Hampton Library (2478 Main St.) in Bridgehampton to light the community menorah, donated by the Bridgehampton Village Improvement Society, the Friends of the Library, and the Bridgehampton Association. Starts at 4 p.m. Hot cider and cookies will be served inside. Across the street, don’t miss chef Jason Weiner’s “Chanukah 5785,” featuring his world-famous latkes, matzo ball soup, braised brisket, roasted chicken, jelly donuts and much more latke adjacent goodies available at L&W Market (2493 Montauk Highway). Pre-order by 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 for pick-up Friday, Dec. 27 or Saturday, Dec. 28, between 2 and 3 p.m. both days.
There’ll be a menorah lighting in Sagaponack Village on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 4:30 p.m. Set for the lawn of on Sagg Main Street and Cemetary Lane, the community lighting is done in collaboration with Center for Jewish Life.
The annal menorah lighting in Southampton Village is on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Southampton Chamber of Commerce (76 Main St.) at 1:45 p.m. An outdoor concert with music from Daniel Fogel and Band will be there. Brought to us by the Southampton Jewish Center.
