Are you looking for kid-friendly Hanukkah celebrations that are also bearable—or actually even fun—for parents? Whether you want to burst into song at a luxurious theater or sip cocktails while playing Hanukkah “Jeopardy!,” we’ve got you (and your kids) covered.
STEAM celebration
What does Hanukkah have to do with science? Lots: Join Boston’s Jewish Community Day School on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 1:30 p.m. for hands-on, parent-friendly science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities. Kids will learn about light, create holiday crafts, challenge a friend in a dreidel competition, sing songs and more. It’s geared to kids between 2 and 10. Register in advance.
Family Hanukkah crafts
Medford’s Temple Shalom hosts a family Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 10, at noon. Kids can make menorahs, get their faces painted and play dreidel while munching on latkes; adults can enjoy lunch and a touch of philanthropy: Bring a donation of kids’ winter clothing for Cradles to Crayons. Need a quiet space to play? Visit the sensory-friendly area starting at 11:30 a.m., open throughout. Register ($20 per family) at 781-396-3262 or email events@templeshalommedford.org.
Cocktails and dreidel competitions
Visit Temple Israel in Sharon on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. for a Hanukkah extravaganza: Enjoy a latke bar, play in a dreidel tournament, snack from a sufganiyot pyramid—and bring your own menorah for a decorative competition. There are cocktails for grownups. Register here.
Menorahs and mocktails
The Boston Synagogue hosts a family-friendly party on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 11:30 a.m.: Build a menorah, play Hanukkah “Jeopardy!,” gorge on latkes and sufganiyot—and sip sparkling blue mocktails and cocktails. Register in advance.
Musical memories and movies
Harmonize with Music at the Blissful’s Evan Haller at Chestnut Hill’s Showcase SuperLux on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m.: He’ll lead a holiday singalong with seasonal tunes and special Hanukkah songs. Register for free; then check out a movie.
Haller also brings his tunes to Vilna Shul on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. for a family-friendly concert complete with brunch. Register ($25) in advance.
Feline fairy tales
Everyone loves Brookline’s Puppet Showplace Theatre, which stages “Hanukkats” on Saturday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 17. The show tells the story of Hanukkah through cat characters like Judah Meowcabee; kids will be entertained, and parents will enjoy the dark peace and quiet. Grab tickets ($12) in advance.
Light up the night
The Seaport turns into a holiday wonderland throughout December, with its Snowport pop-up of seasonal snacks, curling lanes, gondola rides and indie vendors. Browse, stroll and sip on Sunday, Dec. 10, as Chabad of Downtown Boston illuminates a 9-foot-tall menorah at 6 p.m. at One Seaport.
