Chanukah, though known for its numerous spellings (Hannukah, Hanukkah, or any other similar variation), is best known as the Festival of Lights, and will soon be lighting up a town near you!  The first night of Chanukah is Sunday, December 6th, thus kicking off the eight day long celebration.  Many towns and temples are hosting their own menorah lighting events on either the first night of Chanukah, or every night of the holiday. All of the menorah lighting events are family-friendly and free to attend, and many of them also include food, treats, music, and dancing!

Here are some of the public menorah lightings and other fun events happening this holiday season:

Annual Long Beach Menorah Lighting at Kennedy Plaza - FREE!
1 West Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-431-1000
Sunday, December 6th, 5:00 PM
Free event
Long Beach’s menorah lighting is sponsored by the BACH of Long Beach, and will include music, treats, and dancing.  One light will be lit each night of Chanukah.

Ronkonkoma Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Raynor Beach County Park - FREE!
Ronkonkoma Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11777
Sunday, December 6th, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Free event
The first lighting of the menorah at Raynor Beach will be held in this ceremony on Sunday night.

Kings Park Menorah Lighting at Kings Park Library Park - FREE!
Main Street/Route 25A, Kings Park, NY 11754
Sunday, December 6th, 11:00 AM
Free event
This early ceremony will mark the first night of Chanukah, albeit a bit earlier in the day, outside of the Kings Park Library.

Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Congregation Beth Shalom - FREE!
441 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702
631-587-5650
Sunday, December 6th, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Free event
All are invited at Congregation Beth Shalom to light the menorah for the first night of Chanukah.

Community Menorah Lighting in Patchogue at Capital One Plaza - FREE!
Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
631-207-1000
Sunday, December 6th, 5:00 PM
Free event
Rabbi Joel Levinson from Temple Beth El will lead this celebration of Chanukah.

St. James Chamber Menorah Lighting at Deepwells - FREE!
2 Taylor Lane, St. James, NY 11780
Monday, December 7th through Monday, December 14th, 5:00 PM (4:00 PM on Friday)
Free event
Celebrate each night of Chanukah by lighting another candle on the menorah and sharing in special goodies available every night!

Manetto Hill Jewish Center's Community Menorah Lighting - FREE!
244 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, NY 11804
516-935-5454
Monday, December 7th, 5:45 PM  - 7:45 PM
Free event
Join in on the community menorah lighting, with light refreshments to follow.

Town of Islip Menorah Lighting at Islip Town Hall - FREE!
655 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751
631-224-5430
Monday, December 7th, 5:00 PM
Free event
Islip’s menorah lighting will take place in front of the Town Hall.