Hanukkah takes place this year from Saturday, December 24 through Sunday, January 1, 2017, and this area offers a variety of ways to celebrate. Here’s what’s happening in Reston and nearby parts of Northern Virginia and DC.
Chabad of Reston-Herndon will host a celebration at Reston Town Center’s ice rink on Sunday, December 25th.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016
Chanukah on Ice
4:30-6pm: Reston Town Center Ice Rink, Reston
Ice skate to lively Chanukah music and enjoy a giant menorah lighting, latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels. FREE, register online.
National Menorah Lighting
4pm: National Eclipse, Washington D.C.
The giant National Menorah will be lit, along with musical performances, latkes, donuts, and dreidels. Tickets are FREE, but must be reserved in advance.
Chanukah Festival
5pm: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N Fairfax Street, Alexandria
Enjoy the lighting of a giant Menorah, a free raffle, family entertainment, hot latkes, chocolate gelt, and dreidels. Each child will receive a light stick. FREE.
Chabad of Reston-Herndon will host Chanukah Wonderland at Lake Anne on Tuesday, December 27th.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016
Chanukah Magic at Lake Anne
4:30-6:30pm: Reston Community Center, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Enjoy the hilarious pirate magic of Captain Silly Bones, lighting of our giant cupcake Menorah, face-painting, balloon shaping, mac and cheese dinner, chocolate coins, dreidles, latkes, Chanukah activities, and more. $5 per person. $18 cap per family. Register online.
Menorah Making Competition
4:30pm: Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Reston
Get creative and build a unique menorah according to the rules below. Bring your completed menorah to Chanukah Wonderland (at Reston Community Center Lake Anne) on Tuesday, December 27th at 4:30PM. Rules: Menorah must have a total of nine branches (including the shamash). Eight branches must be in a straight line and of even height. Scoring At the party, each Menorah will be tagged and guests will vote for the best one. Winner receives a $30 Amazon Gift Card and a Menorah. Contestants will be divided into 2 groups: Ages 5-8 and ages 9-12. One winner from each group.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016
Clarendon Menorah Lighting
6pm: Clarendon Central Park (at Clarendon Metro), Arlington
Enjoy hot latkes and chocolate gelt during the lighting of a 6-foot menorah. There will be lively music and dreidels for all. FREE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016
Mosaic District Menorah Lighting
5pm: Mosaic District, Fairfax
Join the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia for songs and stories celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah. Complimentary Kosher donuts and chocolates provided. FREE.
Photography by Charlotte Geary
Related articles:
The 2016 Guide to Holiday Events in Reston, Northern Virginia, and DC
Ten Fun Facts About Ice Skating at Reston Town Center
The Reston Holiday Gingerbread Village and How It Gives Back to the Community
Photo Gallery: Ice Storm at Lake Anne
Ten Reasons to Come to Lake Anne in the Middle of Winter