articles

Hannukkah and Menorah Lighting on the North Shore

November 29, 2025

🕎 2025–2026 Hanukkah & Menorah Events on/near the North Shore, MA

#EventWhere / OrganizerWhat Makes It Family Friendly
1Community Menorah Lighting, Marblehead91 Pleasant Street, Marblehead (outside National Grand Bank) — hosted by JCC North Shore and local synagoguesSongs, communal menorah lighting, Hanukkah treats; open to all ages. jccns.org




2Danvers Public Menorah Lighting (Danvers Square)Danvers Square — hosted by Chabad of the North Shore Community menorah lighting, holiday treats & gathering; welcoming & open to all. 
3Salem Public Menorah Lighting & CelebrationLappin Park, Salem — via Chabad Beverly‑Salem / North Shore ChanukahCrafts for kids, glow-swag, music, gelt-drop (from fire truck ladder), menorah lighting — major family appeal. North Shore Chanukah
4Gloucester “Lobster Trap” Menorah LightingDowntown Gloucester — celebrated by Temple Ahavat Achim GloucesterA fun & unique menorah made of lobster traps, a festive lighting with latkes, cider — great for kids & community togetherness. Northshore Magazine
5Newburyport Menorah Lightings (Market Square)Newburyport downtown — by Congregation Ahavat Achim NewburyportNightly menorah lighting during Hanukkah, open to all — friendly for families who’d like to attend multiple nights. Newburyport
6Amesbury Public Menorah LightingIn front of Amesbury Public Library — via local community / Chabad outreachCommunity menorah lighting, welcoming gathering, open-to-all event. Newburyport
7Reading Annual Community Menorah Lighting & CelebrationReading, MA — community-wide public menorah lighting & festive celebration (crafts, latkes, sufganiyot, hot cocoa, dancing)Great for families, includes kids’ crafts & communal celebration.
8“Chanukah on Ice” — Lynnfield (North Shore-area)Market Street rink (Lynnfield / North Shore region) — by Chabad of the North ShoreSkating + menorah lighting + Chanukah treats + glow-swag — fun, active, and family-friendly. North Shore Chanukah




✅ What to Know & Watch

  • These events tend to happen in late December, aligned with Hanukkah each year. Because the Hebrew calendar changes — check the event website as soon as possible for updated dates/times.
  • Many events are free and open to all, or very low cost — perfect for families.
  • Family-friendly features often include kids’ crafts, gelt (chocolate coins), latkes/donuts, music or DJs, menorah lighting, and community togetherness.
  • Some events (like Gloucester’s lobster-trap menorah lighting or “Chanukah on Ice”) are more interactive — great for kids who enjoy movement & fun experiences.
  • A few towns offer multi-night celebrations (e.g., Newburyport, Amesbury) — ideal for families who want to celebrate more than once.