Pittsburgh is ready for Chanukah! Check out the list below of several fun and family friendly events being held all over greater Pittsburgh to celebrate the Festival of Lights!
The eight-day festival of Chanukah begins tonight. In commemoration of the miracle of the oil, we kindle the Chanukah lights — oil lamps or candles — each evening for eight days, increasing the number of lights each evening. Tonight, the first night of Chanukah, we kindle one light. (In the Jewish calendar, the day begins at nightfall; this evening, then, commences the 1st day of Chanukah). Learn more about proper Menorah lighting times here.
DECEMBER 7
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh will Host Israeli Survivors of the October 7 Hamas Attack for Global “Light the World” Chanukah Event.
Survivors will share their stories and experiences from the horrific Hamas Attack, and light the Menorah beginning the first night of Chanukah.
Chabad of the South Hills’ Chanukah Menorah Parade will travel across Mt. Lebanon. The parade ends at the South Hills Lights Festival, where family fun includes music, a photo booth, latkes and doughnuts. Admission is free.
Also on December 7, there will be a downtown Pittsburgh Menorah lighting at 5:00 PM at the Portico of the City County Building.
DECEMBER 8
On December 8, there will be a Menorah Lighting on the Green at McCandless Crossing lead by Temple Ohav Shalom.
DECEMBER 9
On December 9, there will be a Queer Hannukah Social held by Congregation Bet Tikvah. Tickets can be purchased for $10 and the event will be held in the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Goldstein Room.
ASCEND Point Breeze is hosting a Chanukah Bash. Come dressed to climb and enjoy music, food and play dreidel and other games. There will also be a photobooth and ugliest Chanukah sweater contest.
DECEMBER 10
On Dec. 10, the Squirrel Hill Chanukah Walk along Murray Avenue includes an afternoon with a juggling act, dreidel craft and cookie making. Catch the Menorah Lighting, too, with hot latkes, doughnuts and live music.
The annual Greenfield Chanukah Festival will feature a grand helicopter gelt drop! This year’s event will also honor Senator John Fetterman for his support of the Jewish community.
DECEMBER 11
Bring the kids over to the Seesaw Center in Castle Shannon for Hanukkah Story Time!
DECEMBER 12
Celebrate the sixth day of Chanukah with Chabad of Squirrel’s annual Grand Menorah Parade on Dec. 12. Vehicles topped with giant menorahs will cruise through Squirrel Hill and Shadyside to Schenley Plaza, where a menorah lighting and celebration will take place under the big tent.
