Call it Hanukah, or Hanukkah, or Chanukah. However you spell it, Hanukah 2012, Brooklyn's got an array of community festivals that are open to the public. They include three nights of concerts by global hit musician Matisyahu, places to eat latkes (free!) and the chance to watch one of the world's biggest menorahs' get lit every night of the eight day "Festival of Lights." And, read about the Brooklyn Latke Festival and Cook Off.
1. Annual Latke Festival (Brooklyn Academy of Music: Fort Greene)
Oh what fun 'tis to munch while the latkes are sizzling away! Two venerable foodie institutions, Edible Brooklyn and Great Performances, are joining forces to produce the Third Annual Latke Festival. Latkes will be produced by some of the city's hippest latke chefs, including hot potatoes from The Plaza and Brookyln's own Mile High Deli. Judges include many notables, too.- Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music
- When: December 10, 2012
- Admission: $30.00. Ticket information at: http://www.greatperformances.com/latkefest
- Contact: http://www.ediblebrooklyn.com
2. Lighting of Menorah at Borough Hall with Boro Prez Markowitz
It's fun to join in with Borough President Marty Markowitz for the festive lighting of the official menorah in Downtown Brooklyn in front of Borough Hall. Get the details.. This is night #3 of Hanukkah.3. Menorah Lightings at Grand Army Plaza and in DUMBO
The Chabad organization makes Hanukkah a big, public fun event, with song, some food and festivities, at two locations in Brooklyn. One is at Grand Army Plaza near Prospect Park. The other is in DUMBO. Get the times and locations here.4. Huge Public Menorahs are Lit (Park Slope & DUMBO)
This is night #5 of Hanukkah. Join in the fun and see when and where you can attend a public lighting of a really huge menorah.5. Hanukkah Event at Brooklyn Children's Museum (Crown Heights)
The Brooklyn Children's Museum runs a wonderful little program for the tiniest Hanukkah celebrants, kids five and under. It's called Let’s Celebrate Hanukkah. From their website, "Explore the culture and traditions of Hanukkah. Discover how people around the world celebrate this holiday and create a Hanukkah-inspired craft to take home. "- Where: Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Crown Heights
- When: Sat. Dec 14, 2012, 2:30 P.M.
- Admission: $9 per person. Admission is free for Museum members and children under 1 year of age.
- Contact: 718 735-4400
6. Happy Hour Greenpoint Shul (Greenpoint)
A cozy happy hour to celebrate the festival of lights at a local shul in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
- Where: 108 Noble St. in Greenpoint
- When: 6:30-8:30 P.M.
7. Spin the Dreidel Tournament & Concert (Williamsburg)
Spin the Dreidel Tournament
Have family Hanukkah fun with games and music at the annual Spin the Dreidel Tournament . Music includes: Hanukkah Gone Metal with Gods of Fire, Category Sixx with William Ocean, Young New Yorkers Chorus, MLD Tournament. It's for all ages. Where: Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave. When: Saturday December 17. Doors: 6 P.M. / Show: 6:30 P.M. Admission: $10.00 - $15.00 Website: http://ny.knittingfactory.com
8. Dreidel Games for Grown Ups, No Gelt No Glory
You can dreidel till you're dizzy in Williamsburg and Greenpoint this Hanukkah. Events include 9 P.M. spins at the Full Circle Bar at 318 Grand Street. Proceeds go to charity.
