Menorah lightings in NYC

Brooklyn's Largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza

It's almost time to kick off the Hanukkah festivities. We found four city menorah lightings that'll help your crew get into the holiday spirit.

Lighting of the World's Largest Menorah
Go big on the first night of Hanukkah as the 4,000-pound, 32-foot-tall gold-colored lamp at the southeast corner of Central Park is lit. Israeli artist Yaacov Agam designed the structure, which holds the Guinness World Record for its superlative size and requires a crane to illuminate its candles. Tue Dec 20–Thu Dec 22 at 5:30pm; Fri Dec 23 at 3:30pm; Sat Dec 24 at 8:30pm; Sun Dec 25–Tue Dec 27 at 5:30pm. Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Ave at 59th St (fifthavenuebid.com). Free.

Lighting of Brooklyn's Largest Menorah
Celebrate the Festival of Lights around a giant menorah, which will be lit at Grand Army Plaza each night of Hanukkah. The fanfare surrounding the nightly event includes live music and hot latkes. Tue Dec 20 at 5:45pm, Wed Dec 21–Tue Dec 28 at 6pm. Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush Ave and Prospect Park West, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-965-9836, chabadparkslope.com). Free.

Chanukah on Ice
Families can celebrate the eight-day fest by taking a spin around the ice rink in Central Park and watching as a giant ice menorah is lit for the first night of Hanukkah. A light dinner, donuts and hot beverages are included in the evening's festivities. Tue Dec 20 6–9pm. Wollman Rink, 830 Fifth Ave at East Dr (212-864-5010, chanukahonicenyc.com). $25, children ages 3–13 $20; in advance $22, children ages 3–13 $18.

Grand Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Hanukkah with loved ones and Chabad Upper East Side at this menorah lighting. Expect fun activities and Hanukkah treats the whole family can enjoy. Sun Dec 25 at 5:30pm. Carl Schurtz Park, E 86th St at East End Ave (212-717-4613, chabaduppereastside.com). Free.

Chanukah Party
This Hanukkah fete offers face painting, arts and crafts, musical performances and plenty of dancing. Tote along your own menorah for a candle-lighting ceremony with other Jewish families while you sip apple cider and nosh on warm latkes. Sun Dec 25 at 3pm. Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent St between Newton and 28th Aves, Astoria, Queens (718-278-2680, astoriacenter.org). $12, children ages 6–12 $5, children under 6 free.