Get ready to dust off your menorah, because Hanukkah is almost here. To help get you in a holiday mood, we’ve rounded up all of the coolest Hanukkah events for families in Monmouth and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. And there’s no need to wait—the celebrations start before the holiday even begins. You can make your own menorah at Home Depot, take in a concert or two, decorate your own donuts, and more. Happy Hanukkah!
Hanukkah begins on Saturday night, Dec. 24, 2016 and concludes on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017
Olive Oil Press & Menorah Making
Learn how olive oil was made during the time of the Maccabees and make your own menorah. RSVP requested.
Perrineville Jewish Center, 855 Perrineville Road, Perrineville
Sunday, Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m.
Hanukkah Craft Workshop
Make a holiday-themed craft and learn about the holiday. Best for children ages 2 – 6 years.
Highland Park Conservative Temple, 201 S. 3rd Ave, Highland Park
Sunday, Dec. 11, 10 – 11 a.m.
Hanukkah Concert & Donut Decorating
A concert by popular children’s recording artist Yosi Levin followed by donut decorating. RSVP requested.
Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen
Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.
Menorah-Making Workshop @ Home Depot
Build your own menorah, get your very own Home Depot apron, and enjoy music and holiday snacks. Sponsored by Chabad of Western Monmouth. RSVP required.
Home Depot, 170 Union Hill Rd (Shop Rite Plaza), Marlboro
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Shabbat K’tanim—Hanukkah is Coming
A festive service for infants to first graders with singing, age-appropriate prayers, and Hanukkah-themed stories, followed by a kiddush.
Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 220 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
Friday, Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m.
Rick Recht Concert 
Say goodbye Shabbat with a family-friendly havdalah ceremony followed by a free concert featuring Rick Recht and his opening act, Mr. Sam. RSVP required, sponsored by Temple Rodeph Torah and PJ Library.
Solomon Schechter Day School, 22 School Road East, Marlboro
Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.
Chanukah Together
Celebrate Hanukkah with music, dancing, crafts, a PJ Library story, and snacks. For children ages 5 and under and their families.
Temple Beth Miriam, 180 Lincoln Ave, Elberon
Sunday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.
Bagels & Blocks
Explore the Jewish value of generosity while decorating gifts to be donated to others. Includes free play, a PJ Library story time, and snack.
Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls
Sunday, Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m.
Hanukkah Celebration
Get ready for Hanukkah with crafts, music, PJ Library books, holiday-themed snacks, and other activities. For children ages 5 and under and their families. RSVP requested.
Congregation Bnai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegans Lane, North Brunswick
Sunday, Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m.
My Jewish Journey—Hanukkah
Explore the holiday of Hanukkah through art, food, music, stories, crafts, and other activities. For children ages 2 – 6 and their families, advance registration required.
Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen
Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.
Hanukkah Party
Schmooze, play games, and enjoy latkes whipped up by the Men’s Club.
Congregation Torat El, 301 Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst
Sunday, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m.
Family Shabbat Dinner
A family-friendly Shabbat service for families with children ages 2 – 7, followed by dinner. RSVP required.
Congregation B’nai Tikvah North Brunswick
Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m.
Hanukkah Carnival
Crafts, games, donut decorating, moon bounce, and other Hanukkah fun, including a pizza lunch. Advance registration requested but not required.
Center for Jewish Life, 176 Rt 79 North, Marlboro
Sunday, Dec. 25, Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Six13 Concert
Celebrate the first day of Hanukkah by grooving to the beat of the renowned Jewish acapella group Six13.
Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, 220 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
Sunday, Dec. 25, 7 p.m.
Edison Township Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration
Celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah with the lighting of the Edison Township menorah, music, and holiday treats.
JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd, Edison
Thursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.
Shlock Rock Chanukah Concert
Dance and sing along to Jewish music favorites Shlock Rock, sponsored by Congregation Ohav Emeth.
Highland Park High School, 102 North 5th Ave, Highland Park
Thursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.
