Here are several places in London to celebrate Hanukkah, with menorah lighting and delectable traditional foods.
T he Jewish Festival of Lights is officially approaching, and for the first time in two years, Londoners will gather to enjoy it together. One of the happiest Jewish festivals of the year is this one, which honors the freedom of religion for Jews. Menorah lighting, dreidel competitions, and typical Hanukkah fares like latkes and sufganiyot are all to be expected (jam-filled doughnuts).
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday, this year it spans from 18 – 26 December, therefore we've compiled a list of London's top Hanukkah activities.
1. Mark the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with the Museum of the Home
In-depth research on the history of Hanukkah and the many ways East London households have observed it over time is being done by the Museum of the Home. Their curators will redesign the Parlour to seem like a Sephardi Jewish family having Hanukkah supper in 1745 in collaboration with their Faith and Culture Forum.
On December 14, the museum will offer a Hanukkah dinner that takes inspiration from the Jewish emigration from Spain, Portugal, the Middle East, and North Africa. On December 18, there will also be a Family Celebration Day where kids may learn about the background of Hanukkah. Expect musical performances, craft projects, and doughnut-making and decorating.
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA, Museum of the Home
When: Situational
Hanukkah at the Museum of the Home website
Price: Variable
2. Islington Green candle lighting
Attend the second-largest public menorah lighting in the UK with Chabad Islington. On December 18, there will be a candlelighting event on Islington Green. Together with the Little Angel Theatre, there will be traditional singing, dancing, candle-making, and shadow puppetry. While you're there, be sure to take advantage of the complimentary latkes, doughnuts, Hanukkah gelt, and hot cocoa.
Where: N1 8DU Islington Green
When: December 18 from 17:30 to 19:00 Website: Lighting of the Islington Menorah
Price: Variable
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3. Visit Rinkoff's bakery to indulge in sufganiyot, a doughnut stuffed with jelly.
In addition to offering some of the great bagels in London, this East London hotspot will now be serving Sufganiyot throughout Hanukkah. These jam-filled doughnuts are a must during Diwali.
Where: Stepney Green, London, E1 3BS, 222-226 Jubilee St.
Dates: December 18 to December 26
Rinkoff Bakery website
Price: Variable
4. Attend the Hanukkah Schools Broadcast at the Jewish Museum.
This year's Hanukkah celebration will be a free live-streamed event at the Jewish Museum. Children's live candle lighting, engaging storytelling, and item investigation will all be featured in the show.
Where: on the web
When: December 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Hanukkah school broadcast website
Cost: free
Read More: Best Museum in London
5. Dine at Tongue & Brisket on some classic Jewish fare.
This family-run restaurant makes some of the greatest salt beef sandwiches in London, so it should come as no surprise that their latkas are as wonderful. Grab a crispy, golden-brown latka to enjoy during Hanukkah this year. Hot tip: Treat yourself to a Salt Beef Stack if you're feeling peckish for one of the town's juiciest sandwiches.
Where: There are several places.
When: Anytime
Tongue & Brisket's website
Price: £2