Best Ways To Celebrate Hanukkah In South Florida
33rd Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival
Gulfstream Park
901 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
(954) 458-1877
www.chabadofsouthbroward.comPrice: Free for general admission/$100 for V.I.P.
Date: December 13
This is the fifth year that Chabad House of South Broward has put on the South Florida Chanukah Festival at Gulfstream Park and the event continues to attract over 10,000 people each year. This year it will begin with a 100-car menorah parade and feature the entertainment styling of internationally known Jewish musical duo 8th Day Band. There will also be goodies of gilt for the children and the night will culminate with the lighting of Florida's largest menorah. In previous years, this event was broadcast worldwide on Jewish TV via Chabad.org making it the most watched Jewish TV show in 2010 and 2011. If you're in town, take advantage of the opportunity to experience this event live.
Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting on Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road at Euclid Circle
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 242-2231
www.chabadonwheels.comPrice: Free
Dates: December 8-16
Come one, come all to the Chabad House Miami Beach's annual Menorah Lighting on Lincoln Road. This is your chance to view the iconic seashell menorah and 2,000-pound seashell dreidel on display on Lincoln Road. Each night of Hanukkah, another candle on the menorah will be lit and children will receive traditional treats of jelly donuts and latkes. On December 9th, there will be a Hanukkah party featuring a live rock band. It all makes for one unforgettable event that is sure to put you in the spirit of the holiday.
Congregation B'nai Zion's Annual Chanukah Party
750 United St.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-3437
www.bnaizionkw.orgPrice: $20 for adults/$10 for kids under 12/Free for kids under 3
Date: December 9
Pack up the kids and bring a menorah and three candles to Congregation B'nai Zion's (CBZ) annual Chanukah party. The event begins with an outdoor menorah lighting and is followed by a small dinner featuring latkes. Participants can either pay in cash at the door or they can pay by check at the temple in advance. It's a great way to teach your children the true meaning of the celebration.
Temple Beth El of Hollywood Menorah Lighting and Latke Party
1351 S. 14th Ave.
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 920-8225
www.templebethelhollywood.orgPrice: $5 for adult members/$7 for adult non-members/$3 for children non-members
Dates: December 8 and 9
Temple Beth El of Hollywood celebrates the first two days of Hanukkah with a menorah lighting and a latke party. The first night features a Havdalah service and a candle lighting on the front lawn followed by a traditional treat of sufganiyot. The second day of Hanukkah promises to be fun with a latke party for all served with apple sauce and sour cream immediately following Religious School. If you'd like to attend, call ahead for reservations.
Chanukah Under the Stars
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus
20350 N.E. 26th Ave.
N. Miami Beach, FL 33180
(305) 932-2829
www.btbrc.orgPrice: Free for admission
Dates: December 12
Taking advantage of the 12/12/12 date, Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus is holding its annual Chanukah Under the Stars party. The event will feature a menorah lighting and a paid dinner plate. There are plenty of activities for the children including spin art, dreidel games, musical performances by the children, cookie decorations and a foam pit. Parents are encouraged to bring a change of clothes for their children so they won't be wet from the foam pit all night. All in all, it adds up to a great time to celebrate Chanukah, eat a great meal (must pay for dinner) and have your children play so much that they'll sleep the whole car ride home.
Related: Best Kosher Food Around Miami
