Menorah Lighting Celebrations in and around Portland

Photo by cottonbro studio

Celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah at menorah lighting celebrations in and around Portland..

Hanukkah 2023 begins on the evening of Thursday, December 7 and ends on the evening of Friday, December 15.

Events are held on various dates during the week of Hanukkah. These events are free to attend and open to all ages. 

Also happening this weekend, you can get free admission at the Oregon Jewish Museum.

Is your community hosting a menorah lighting celebration? Send me a message with the details.

Menorah Lighting Celebrations in and around Portland

Menorah Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square 

Thursday, December 7 at 5 to 6 p.m.

Chabad of SW Portland is looking for 1,800 people to ignite 1,800 Chanukah candles and join together as 1,800 voices in singing “Maoz Tzur Yeshuati” at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Portland Police and security will be present and there will be a large tent for participants to avoid the rain. 

The event also hosts live music, Drendelmen and dignitaries and latkas for purchase.

Pioneer Courthouse Square is located at 701 SW 6th Ave. in downtown Portland.

Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration

Sunday, December 10 at 4:30 p.m.

Join Chabad Northwest Portland for a Chanukah Celebration including:

• Live music with beautiful Jewish melodies.
• Warm apple cider and Chanukah treats.
• Free Menorah kits to bring the light of Chanukah home.

The event is held at Tanner Springs Park, NW 10th Ave. and Marshall Street in Portland.

Light Up Hillsboro

Thursday, December 7 at 4:45 p.m.

Chabad Jewish Center Hillsboro is hosting a public menorah lighting with: 

• Doughnuts
• Latkes
• Fire show
• Music

There is also full security by Hillsboro police. This event is at Orenco Station Plaza, 943 NE Orenco Station Pkwy in Hillsboro.

Gresham Giant Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 10 at 4-6 p.m. 

Gresham Chabad Jewish Center is hosting a 15 foot tall giant menorah lighting complete with these activities:

• Fire juggling show.
• Jewish book fair.
• Chanukah music and spirit.
• Donuts and chocolate coins.
• Dancing Dreidels.

The event is held at the Gresham Arts Plaza, 401 NE 2nd St. in Gresham.

Community Chanukah Celebration in Vancouver

Thursday, December 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join the Vancouver Chabad Jewish Center for the annual menorah lighting, including:

• LED dance show.
• Donuts.
  Bring canned goods to add to the CANORAH, a giant Menorah made of cans.

The event is held at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St. in Vancouver.

Sandy Chanukah Celebration

Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy Chanukah, the festival of lights, in Sandy with a community menorah lighting and celebration hosted by the Gresham Chabad Jewish Center.

At the event you can enjoy:

• Chanukah music.
• Donuts and chocolate coins.
• Dancing Dreidels.

The event is at Centennial Plaza, 39295 Pioneer Blvd. in Sandy. 

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Looking for more holiday events in Portland? Here’s a full list: