Free Community Menorah Lightings Near You This Hanukkah
Find free dates, times, and addresses for Hanukkah menorah lightings from Dec. 5 to Dec. 8 across the U.S.
Yes, you can attend free community menorah lightings in several U.S. cities this Hanukkah. The gatherings below offer free admission, public candle lightings, music, and family activities.
Hanukkah 5787 runs from sundown Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 to nightfall Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, according to Hebcal in its current calendar page.
A hanukkiah is the nine-branched candelabrum lit with one more candle each night.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Free lightings on the first weekend
Houston's 31st Annual Chanukah Fest is a free public festival at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St. Chabad Outreach of Houston lists Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026 from 3 p.m.
in its 2026 event page. Festivities lead to menorah lighting at 6 p.m. plus fireworks.
In Snohomish County, the Chabad Jewish Center hosts the free 15th annual SnoCo Menorah Lighting. My Lynnwood News reports Sunday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.
at Lynnwood City Center light-rail station. The listing notes a 9-foot menorah, music, treats, menorah kits and Gelt Drop. In Lansdale, the free 27th Annual Railroad Plaza Menorah Lighting occurs Dec.
5 at 6 p.m. with music, hot chocolate, crafts and photo booth, as listed by the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. The City of Pompano Beach hosts Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Celebration on Dec.
6, 4–7 p.m. at Palm Aire Gazebo, 623 Oaks Drive. The city describes it as a welcoming community celebration of Hanukkah traditions.
Free lightings on Monday and Tuesday
Chabad of Hunt Valley hosts free-admission Grand Menorah Lighting at Hunt Valley Towne Centre on Monday, Dec. 7, 2026. Family activities start at 4:30 p.m.
with lighting at 5:30 p.m. The plush activity needs advance registration, according to the Chabad of Hunt Valley registration form. Downtown Fernandina Beach holds a free annual outdoor Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on Tuesday, Dec.
8, 2026 at 5–6 p.m. The Amelia Island Tourist Development Council lists music, latkes, doughnuts, gelt, kids crafts and giant-menorah lighting with dignitaries in its 2026 activity listing.
What happens besides the lighting?
Most listings pair the lighting with music and food for children and families. Expect latkes, doughnuts, gelt, hot chocolate and packaged treats, depending on the city. Some sites also list crafts, photo booths and menorah kits to take home.
Several events center on a large public menorah. Houston adds fireworks, Lynnwood plans a Gelt Drop, and Fernandina Beach includes dignitaries at the giant-menorah lighting. Check the local listing for start times, since lightings occur in the evening after daytime activities.
How to keep the outing free and simple?
All the community lightings above list free admission. You can arrive for the lighting time even if you skip earlier activities. The National Menorah ceremony is held on the Ellipse across from the White House.
Its tickets page still displayed the Dec. 14, 2025 event. Recheck 2026 ticketing and reserve free tickets in advance, as noted on the tickets page from American Friends of Lubavitch.
- Match the date to your city: Dec. 5, 6, 7 or 8.
- Arrive 15–30 minutes before the listed lighting time.
- Register in advance only where noted for Hunt Valley's plush activity.
- Recheck the local page on the day for weather or time changes.