The holiday season is a wonderful time to come together with neighbors, families, and friends to celebrate traditions, create memories, and enjoy the warmth of community. As part of The Jenkins Group’s commitment to highlighting meaningful local experiences, we’re excited to share ways you can experience Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights — in and around the South Shore and Greater Boston.
🎉 Understanding the Tradition: What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem more than two millennia ago. Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah, welcoming light into the darkest days of winter and symbolizing hope, resilience, and community. Traditional foods — like latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) — reflect the holiday’s theme of light and oil. Families also play games like dreidel, exchange gelt (chocolate coins), and gather for prayer and celebration.
📅 Local Hanukkah Happenings You Won’t Want to Miss
Here’s a round-up of community celebrations, menorah lightings, family-friendly events, and cultural experiences you can enjoy this month:
🕎 Menorah Lightings & Community Celebrations
-
South Shore Public Menorah Lightings (Chabad of the South Shore)
Chabad hosts multiple menorah lightings across the South Shore, such as the first night at Hingham Shipyard, additional lightings in Holbrook, and a special gathering at Plymouth (Water Street across from Plymouth Rock) on December 21, 5:00–5:30 PM. These celebrations typically include traditional treats, music, and family activities. Chabad of the South Shore -
Chanukah Menorah Lighting — Plymouth, MA
Bring your family to the historic Plymouth Rock area for an uplifting menorah lighting ceremony, complete with festive music, hot drinks, chocolate gelt, and dreidels — a beautiful way to share holiday spirit with neighbors and visitors alike.See Plymouth
🎶 Festivals, Concerts & Family Events
-
Annual Hanukkah A Cappella Concert — The Vilna Shul, Boston (Dec 7)
Feel the joy of the season with performances by Boston’s finest a cappella groups and youth choirs — perfect for families and music lovers alike.The Vilna Shul -
Chanukah Festival — JCC Greater Boston, Newton (Dec 14)
A fun, inclusive celebration filled with arts & crafts, entertainment, seasonal treats, and even a dreidel tournament.JCC Greater Boston -
Hanukkah at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Dec 18)
Explore Jewish art, live music, candle blessings, and creative activities throughout the evening in one of Boston’s most iconic cultural spaces.The Vilna Shul
👶 Activities for Families & Little Ones
-
Little Wonders: Chanukah — Brookline (Dec 21)
A sensory-rich program designed for children ages 0–3, celebrating the lights, sounds, and colors of Hanukkah — a great chance to build early memories with other local families.JCC Greater Boston -
Gather & Glow: Chosen Family Hanukkah Party (Dec 6)
An affirming community event with crafts, snacks, and fun for LGBTQ+ families and friends — offering a warm, inclusive holiday experience.JCC Greater Boston
✨ Your Local Holiday Season Starts Here
Whether you’re lighting the first candle or the last, attending a community menorah lighting in Hingham, or enjoying music and art in Boston, Hanukkah is a beautiful reminder of light in the darkest months — and the joy that comes from sharing traditions with those around us.
From all of us at The Jenkins Group, we hope your holiday season is filled with warmth, connection, and light. If you’re new to the area or looking to share local experiences with family and friends, we’re always here to help you make the most of community life on the South Shore and beyond.
💛 Wishing you a bright and joyful Hanukkah!
