Where To Celebrate Hanukkah In Lower Manhattan

Six reliable Downtown options for you and your family to observe this year’s Festival of Lights.

1. Menorah lighting at the Seaport
Pier 17 will roast its candles Sunday, December 22, at sundown. But come early for latkes, live music, face-painting and even a little Hanukkah on ice at the Winterland Rink. Activities start at 3p.

2. Menorah lighting at the New York Stock Exchange
Another option is to swing by 18 Broad Street on Monday, December 23, at 4p and spend the holiday with Lower Manhattan’s finance folk. Live music, latkes, donuts and paying tribute to victims of anti-Semitism. RSVP by December 16 to secure a VIP spot.

3. Hanukkah with FDNY Engine 4
On Tuesday, December 24, come through Ladder 15 at 42 South Street to serve dinner to local firefighters and, in return, get a look-around at all their gear. A menorah lighting will follow. Celebration begins at 4p.

4. Chinese dinner and a movie
Spend Christmas Day on Stone Street while watching the little-known 2010 title Reuniting the Rubins (Timothy Spall is in it; an incredible actor, imho) and a hearty serving of Chinese cuisine. The screening starts at 7p.

5. Hanukkah party at the Andaz 
Enjoy an open bar, sushi buffet, more latkes and a menorah lighting on one of Lower Manhattan’s chicest hotel rooftops. Thursday, December 26, 6:30p – 9p.

6. Menorah lighting at Bowling Green Park
On Sunday, December 29, commemorate those who arrived in Lower Manhattan 365 years ago at the location of the first Jewish community in North America with a grand menorah lighting, latkes and sufganiyot. Festivities begin at 4:30p, and admission is free.