By Brooke Thompson
2020 may have been a crazy year, but it’s good to find comfort in these uncertain times with familiar holiday activities. One of these activities is the traditional Menorah Lighting ceremony. This fun event begins Chanukah for the Jewish community and can be enjoyed either in the comfort of your own home or socially-distanced in the community. The following is a list of where you and your family can watch Menorah Lighting ceremonies on Long Island.
Psst…..Looking for more safe, family-friendly holiday activities? Check out: 13 Spectacular Holiday Light Drive-Thru Attractions in 2020: Your Guide for NYC, Long Island, Upstate New York and New Jersey.
Christmas Tree Lighting and the Lighting of the Menorah Ceremony – In Person – Hempstead
It’s time to light up the Menorah! Come join Mayor Don Ryan and Rabbi Abe (Beth Israel) in the lighting ceremony! The event is free and starts at 4:30 on December 8.
99 James A. Garner Way 11550 Hempstead, New York (Village)
Andrew J. Parise Park’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony – In Person – Cedarhurst
Check out the Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Andrew J. Parise Park. This socially distanced event starts off the first night of Chanukah with the lighting of Menorah with the Chabad of the Five Towns. Donuts and dreidels will be given to the children attending the event. Masks are mandatory for participation. The Menorah Lighting ceremony starts on December 10 at 6 pm.
257 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst, NY
Grand Menorah Parade – In Person – Commack
If you are looking for another fun, socially distanced event, celebrate the first night of Chanukah with the Car Menorah Parade. Car line-up begins at 5 pm at Chabad of Mid-Suffolk (318 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, NY), and leave at 6 pm to go to The Chai Center (501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, NY). The parade ends with the Grand Menorah Lighting that will be held in The Chai Center parking lot at 6:45. Tune your radio to hear the music of the parade while enjoying delicious donuts and latkes.
The first 50 cars to RSVP get a free car Menorah and a flag for the parade while Chanukah Beanies are given to the first 100 participants. If you would like your car to be part of the parade, register your vehicle in advance.
318 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, NY
Drive-In Menorah Lighting Ceremony – In Person – Bar Beach
Kick off the first night of Chanukah with the Drive-In Menorah Lighting and Concert. Watch the Menorah lighting on a giant, 20 ft LED screen from the comfort of your car. The event will be hosted by the Master of Ceremonies Len Berman and also features live music and a light show. A pre-packaged kit that contains donuts, latkes, dreidels, chocolate gelt, and a menorah will given to each participating vehicle.
To participate in this event, pre-register for the event at Chabadpw.org/Chanukah2020. There is an admission fee of $20 per vehicle. The event starts at 5 pm on December 10.
80 Road, Port Washington, NY
This story first appeared on NewYorkFamily.com.
