Hanukkah Happenings 2022
Happy (almost) Hanukkah everyone! With most events happening in-person again this year (plus some online options), there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate together here in Southern Maine.
Here are 11 great Hanukkah Happenings to help keep your annual traditions full of life and full of light!
For Hanukkah crafts, recipes, music and activities, check out our Hanukkah Hub.
Chabad of Brunswick/Jewish Women’s Circle
Menorahs & Martinis
Chabad Jewish Center- Brunswick, ME
Tuesday, December 6th | 7:00 PM
Design and decorate your own magnificent granite Menorah to illuminate your home. Spend a delightful time with friends, and enjoy Latkes, desserts and drinks in a relaxed setting. Discover your inner fire, while exploring the relevance of Chanukah in our day to day lives. Bring your sister, your mom, or a friend.
Price $12/person – no one will be turned down due to inability to pay.
PJ Library Southern Maine
Menorah Making at the Children’s Museum
Sunday, December 18th | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Beth Israel Congregation (Bath)
Latkes, candles, games and songs
Chabad of Maine
Join the Grand Parade or meet at City Hall to light the menorah!
Temple Shalom
Congregation Etz Chaim (Biddeford)
Congregation Etz Chaim, 34 Bacon St., Biddeford, ME (or online )
Sunday, December 18th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM (or 6-8 p.m. to join online)
It’s Been Four Long Years but the in-person York County Community Chanukah Party is back in action (with online options as well)!
Admission Information:
- Preregistration is strongly encouraged
- Cost for in-person attendance (payable at the door) is $6/person and $15/family if preregistered; or $10/person and $25/family if not preregistered
Information on Potluck (5:00 – 6:00 PM):
- Please bring a dairy or veggie dish to share
(no meat, please) - Latkes, beverages, and desserts will be provided
Online Participation (6:00 – 8:00 PM):
To join in online, please register
And Don’t Forget the Community Menorah Lighting
Corner of Main and Lincoln Streets, Biddeford
December 18th at 4:30 PM | December 19th – 25th at 5:30 PM
Gather with us on each night of Chanukah to light the community menorah at this annual event sponsored by the Heart of Biddeford & Congregation Etz Chaim. Enjoy holiday doughnuts on the first night of Chanukah before heading over to the Chanukah Party!
Chabad of Brunswick
Chanukah Celebration and Grand Menorah Lighting
Town Mall, Brunswick, ME
Tuesday, December 20th | 5:00 PM
Celebrate Jewish pride and unity this Chanukah together with local dignitaries and community leaders! Brunswick’s 5th annual Public Menorah Lighting will be a SPECTACULAR night out with family and friends.
Enjoy hot potato latkes, fresh donuts, chocolate ‘gelt’ thrown from the Brunswick Fire Dept Fire Truck, balloon twisting & juggling show! Make your own donuts and dance to the Chanukah music. This event is for all ages. Fun for the entire family! The Menorah will be lit at 5:30pm.
Temple Beth El
Wednesday, December 21st | 5:00 – 8:00PM
Join us for some old school (ie pre-pandemic) Chanukah fun at TBE! We will indulge in fried treats, delight in the musical emanations of Sonja and Friends (again!), and light candles together. BenReuben’s Knishery will also be there selling their delicious knishes.
We hope to see you there!
Chabad of Maine
Chanukah Smores Night w/ Friends of Congress Square Park
Congress Street and High Street, Portland, ME
Thursday, December 22nd | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Menorah Lighting, Chanukah songs, Hot Latkes and Donuts, Dreidels, Smores, and more!
Congregation Bet Ha’am
Light Up the Night Family Hanukkah Celebration!
Bet Ha’am’s Social Hall/Sanctuary – 81 Westbrook Street, South Portland
Friday, December 23rd | 6:00 PM
Please join Bet Ha’am for the Annual Family Service & Community Candle Lighting
5:30 PM – Pizza Dinner
6:00 PM – Shabbat Service with Community Candle Lighting
Bring your own menorah and 7 candles. Stay for a delicious Oneg with homemade potato latkes. For the young and young at heart, there will be dreidel games and more! There is no cost for dinner, but donations are welcome. Families are encouraged to bring a potluck dessert to share.
Hanukkah Gift Shops:
Bet Ha’am (81 Westbrook Street, South Portland):
Temple Beth El (400 Deering Avenue, Portland):
Come on down to TBE’s Chanukah Gift Shop to pick up Chanukah essentials and extras! We will have candles, chanukiyot (both for candles and electric), dreidels, and gelt, as well as a variety of Chanukah themed gifts.
Hours will be as follows:
- Sundays, December 11 and 18 from 9am-12pm
- Tuesday-Thursday, December 13-15 from 10am-3pm
Maine Jewish Museum (267 Congress Street, Portland):
The Museum gift shop is open and full of wonderful options for the upcoming holiday season! We have one-of-a-kind gifts made by Jewish artists with a Maine connection. 50% of your purchase goes to the artist, and 50% benefits the Maine Jewish Museum! Come see our selection of unique menorahs, new jewelry pieces, ceramics, Chanukah candles, and even cool stuff for the kids!
Love to shop but hate to wrap? We’ve got you covered! The Museum is offering Holiday Gift Wrapping for the next four Sundays from 1-3 pm (November 27, December 4, December 11, and December 18). Stop in with your purchases or do your shopping right here!
Did we miss your Hanukkah event? Email Trevor at tgeiger(at)mainejewish.org and we’ll try to include it.
Blessings of peace , light and joy for your community . Thank you for the good you do every day through outreach to refugees in Portland.
And thank you Sister, for the healing work you do every day. A very happy and healthy Christmas to you.
Shalom / Salaam / Peace