Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple located in Jerusalem in 164 BC. During this eight-day celebration which runs from Sunday, December 18th to Monday, December 26th, Portland has many fun events for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re looking for exciting activities during this beautiful holiday, check out this list of where to celebrate Hanukkah around Portland.
Portland’s Public Menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Bring your family to this year’s lighting of Portland’s Public Menorah, hosted by Chabad of Oregon. Opening night will include delicious authentic Chanukah foods, live music, festivities, and dignitaries, kicking off the eight nights of the festival of lights. The fun starts at 4:00 pm, with the lighting at 5:00 pm.
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland
Date: December 18th – 25th, 4:00 pm -6:00 pm
Price: Free
Menorah Lighting In Wood Village
For those located near Wood Village, Chabad of Oregon is hosting an additional Menorah lighting that promises to be a great time for all. Mayor Scott Harden will be in attendance, along with other City Council members, as you ring in the holiday with music and sweet treats. Spirit Donuts and chocolate coins with satisfy your sweet tooth, while delicious hot drinks will keep everyone warm and cozy. The fun starts at 5:30 pm, so be sure to mark your calendar and bring the whole family.
Location: Wood Village City Hall and Civic Center, 2400 NE Halsey St.
Date: Monday, December 19th @ 5:30 pm
Price: Free
Fire And Ice: Chanukkah Celebration In Lake Oswego
For a can’t-miss Hanukka experience, head over to Millennium Plaza Park, located in Lake Oswego, for a giant Menorah ice carving. Every member of the family will be amazed as they watch a menorah take shape out of the giant ice block, a unique interpretation of the traditional lighting celebration. The kids will have a blast doing crafts, while everyone can fill their bellies at the latke bar or choose a sweet treat like jelly donuts and candy gelt. Of course, there will be live music to round off the night!
Location: Millenium Plaza Park, 200 1st St, Lake Oswego
Date: Sunday, December 18th @ 5:00 pm
Price: Free
DIY Dreidel Making Class And Hanukka Celebration
What would the Festival of Lights be without a dreidel? In this DIY class, everyone can make their own. Learn how to craft a stunning fours sided steel dreidel, beautiful enough to pass down through the generations and sturdy enough to enjoy year after year. This 1.5-hour class will teach your family how to safely clean and paint metal and craft it into a durable dreidel. There will be Hanukkah food as well, making this an unforgettable experience you’ll want to make into a new family tradition.
Location: Standard Steel, 1745 NE Columbia Blvd
Date: Saturday, December 17th, 10:00 am – 11:30 am or 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Price: $36 per dreidel kit
Come enjoy delicious authentic Jewish delicacies created by local vendors at this pop-up food event. You’ll have a great time talking to locals in the neighborhood, tasting a variety of mouth-watering food, and celebrating the holiday. Be sure to come on an empty stomach!
Location: Eastside Jewish Commons, 2420 NE Sandy Blvd
Date: Saturday, December 18th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Price: Free
Come on down to the second annual Jewish Makers Market at Books with Pictures. Everything is crafted by local Jewish artisans, with live music capping off this exciting event. There’s fun for every member of the family, where you can find candles, art, ceramics, and so much more. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and maybe something for yourself as well!
Location: Books with Pictures, 1401 SE Division St
Date: Saturday, December 17th, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Price: Free
Grand Menorah Lighting In The Pearl District
Celebrate the first night of the Festival of Lights in the Pearl with the Grand Menorah Lighting. Hosted y the Chabad northwest Portland, there will be live music, dreidels, tasty treats, and a free take-home Menorah kit so your family can celebrate the holiday with their own homemade Menorah! Warm beverages are available to keep everyone warm and comfortable while you enjoy the beauty of this wonderful holiday.
Location: Tanner Springs Park, NW 10th Ave. & Marshall St.
Date: Sunday, December 18th @ 4:30 pm
Price: Free
