Local Brief
Your guide to celebrating Hanukkah around D.C.
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Grab a latke and menorah shot at Ivy & Coney's pop-up bar. Photo: Nathan Howard for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Hanukkah kicks off Sunday with eight light-filled nights of celebration around D.C. — and events through December.
Why it matters: Whether you're looking for a family-friendly festival, bagel bash or a Hanukkah pop-up bar — we got you.
"Chai-vy & Cohen-y" Pop-Up Bar
Ivy & Coney's beloved Hanukkah pop-up in Shaw lights up with plenty of kitsch — think menorah and sufgani shots, latkes, and free-flowing Manischewitz. Go for a nightly menorah lighting and free gelt through Hanukkah, and movies and Chinese on Christmas Eve.
📅 Through December
"Chanukah in the Dark" at Theater J
A kid-friendly musical about finding light in dark times — short (1 hour), sweet and perfect for ages 5+. Arrive early to the Logan Circle stage on Dec. 14 for the DCJCC Hanukkah party (10am) with crafts, snacks and music, followed by the performance.
📅 Through Dec. 21
🎟️ Ticket prices vary; $18 for the party
The National Menorah Lighting
The annual ceremony on the White House Ellipse is as Big Hanukkah as it gets — music by the Marine Band and Jewish artists, a giant menorah, and "special guests" (typically, the President and VP).
📅 Dec. 14, 3:30pm
🎟️ Free RSVP
First Night of Hanukkah Party at Metrobar
A Jewish run club, dating group and Kesher Israel team up for the Edgewood bar party with a menorah lighting (BYOM optional) and hot drinks.
📅 Dec. 14, 4pm-8pm
A family-friendly festival in Old Town
Old Town's Chanukah Festival at The Lyceum brings music, latkes, doughnuts, crafts and a community menorah lighting.
📅 Dec. 15, 6pm
🎟️ Free RSVP
Fried & Festive Party at Sixth & I
Don your kitschiest sweater and get ready for latkes, doughnuts and drinks — plus a team sour cream vs. apple sauce competition (IYKYK) and a toy drive.
📅 Dec. 18, 7pm
🎟️ Tickets $18
The Bagel Ball at Public Bar Live
A Christmas Eve tradition: dancing, drink specials and bagel snacks — plus an upstairs lounge with cards and games.
📅 Dec. 24, 9pm
🎟️ Tickets $32