Photo courtesy of Beth El Hebrew Congregation
This year in particular, it is important to make the holidays feel special. While many traditional ways of celebrating and large gatherings are limited, there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate the joy and light of the season.
Hanukkah (sometimes spelled Chanukah), also referred to as The Festival of Lights, begins Thursday at sundown and lasts for eight days.
The Office of Historic Alexandria has written up a history of Hanukkah in Alexandria on their website here. They also have instructions on how you can create a cardboard menorah using toilet paper and paper towel tubes, tissue paper, paint and all of the stickers and glitter you like.
Nightly Menorah Lighting in Del Ray
Dec. 10 – 18 at 6:30 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. on every night of Hanukkah, members of the Del Ray community will light the community menorah at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square located at 2301 Mount Vernon Ave. Everyone is welcome to attend but masks and social distancing are required.
Hanukkiyah Lighting in the Parking Lot at Beth El Hebrew Congregation
Dec. 10 – 18 at 6 p.m.
Clergy of the Beth El Hebrew Congregation, located at 3830 Seminary Rd., will be lighting the menorah in the parking lot every night of the holiday at 6 p.m. An RSVP is required as there is a limit of 25 cars per night. Register on the congregation’s website https://www.bethelhebrew.org/.
Hanukkah Craft Party Workshop at KidCreate Studio
Dec. 13 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
KidCreate Studio located at 724 Jefferson St. is hosting a Hanukkah craft party workshop for kids ages four to nine. The craft will be a golden menorah with glittery candles that glow in the dark! Masks are required for the class and extra safety precautions will be in place. The cost of the class is $35.10 for members and $39 for non-members. Register for the class here.
Chanukah Festival in Old Town Alexandria
Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington for a free outdoor celebration at the Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.) on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can witness the lighting of a giant menorah and enjoy pre-packaged latkes and donuts, hot cocoa, chocolate, dreidels and music. Registration, masks and social distancing are required.
