Where to Celebrate Hanukkah Around Tysons

(Updated 12/20/19) This year, Hanukkah begins this Sunday (Dec. 22)  and will end on Monday (Dec. 30).

For anyone looking into public celebrations, there are lots of events around the Tysons area where people can gather and join in the festivities

This Sunday (Dec. 22), the Chocolate Gelt Drop at the Freeman House (131 NE Church Street) will feature the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department as it hosts an evening of live music, menorah lighting and festivities. There will be chocolate gelt’s dropped from the top of a fire truck as well as food. All are welcome to this free event from 5 to 6 p.m.

Temple Rodef Shalom is sponsoring a community dinner next Friday (Dec. 27) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at their place of worship in McLean (2100 Westmoreland Street). They will be serving brisket and Latke, a type of fried potato cake. Tickets are $30 for non-member adults, $18 for kids age 6 to 10 and $10 for kids under 5 years old.

For members of Temple Rodef Shalom, there will be a “low-key” Hanukkah event designed for kids on Friday, Dec. 27, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom (2100 Westmoreland Street). According to the event page, this event is designed for kids who thrive in low stress and relaxed environments. They will have the opportunity to enjoy a story, crafts, a photo booth and food. Tickets are $5.

On Sunday (Dec. 29), the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia will host Light Up the Night! Community Menorah Lighting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Strawberry Park in the Mosaic District. People are welcome to gather and light candles, play games, sing together and eat sufganiyot, a type of round jelly donut.

The same day there will be a Hanukkah Master Chef: Latke Edition around 1 p.m. at 226 W Maple Ave. Attendees are asked to RSVP beforehand for this free event.

“A Festival of Lasers — Laser Tag” is an alternative way for people to celebrate Hanukkah among their peers.

Hosted by Gather DC, an organization designed to bring together people of the Jewish faith, this event invites people to enjoy three games of laser tag as well as snacks, drinks and socializing for $25. The event will take place this Wednesday (Dec. 18) at Ultrazone Laser Tag and Amusement Center (3447 Carlin Springs Road) from 6:45-10 p.m. and allow people to meet others around the 20s and 30s age range.

For the entire week, the Chanukah Wonderland will feature crafts, entertainment and a store from Dec.22-29 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. It will be held at 226 W Maple Ave in Vienna.

Photo via Element5 Digital/Unsplash