Cheap and Free NYC Hanukkah/Chanukah 2011 Events Guide!

November 22, 2011-January 16, 2012
Medieval Jewish Art in Context, Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “The second in a series of installations that focus, one at a time, on masterworks of Hebrew manuscript illumination from a national or international collection. The display highlights Jewish artistic culture in the Middle Ages by presenting it alongside contemporary works of art, mostly created for Christians, from the Museum's own collection. This installment will feature the Cervera Bible, a designated National Treasure from the National Library of Portugal in Lisbon. The pages of this Hebrew Bible, one of the most splendid manuscripts of the Middle Ages, will be turned weekly, giving viewers the rare opportunity to see many of its beautiful illustrations.” Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, Suggested donation of $20 a bit much? Simply tell the cashier you’d like to make a donation today and pay what you can afford!

November 25, 2011 - Jan 8 2012, " A New York Hanukkah," New York Historical Society exhibit
From the New York Historical Society, “Hanukkah lamps, or Hannukiot, are candelabra characterized by nine candle branches and used in the ritual candle-lighting associated with the celebration of Hanukkah, the festival that commemorates the 165 B.C.E. liberation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah lamps were made up of eight oil wells or candle-holders, separated from a ninth traditionally used as a shamash, or server, to light the others. These lamps remain distinct from menorahs, which generally have seven candle branches and are not associated with a specific use or holiday. Hanukkah lamps were present in European synagogues by about the 13th century, and often designed in the form of menorahs or as standing table lamps.” New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, cost: $15 for adults, kids seven-13 years old: $5, kids seven and under: Free!

Dec. 2, 2011-January 29, 2012-An Artist Remembers-Jewish Museum Exhibit
Children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak has chosen 33 Hanukkah lamps from the Jewish Museum’s collection to be displayed in the exhibit, Jewish Museum, Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, cost: adults: $12, children under 12: free! Cheap Chick Cheap Tip: The museum is free on Saturdays!

December 3-18, 2011
“The Flying Latke”
Directed by four Flea resident Directors, Arthur Yorinks' “heart-warming tale of Chanukah celebrations, holiday dysfunction, and the miracle of a certain soaring potato pancakeis making a limited engagement run Saturday and Sunday mornings! 11 a.m. Flea Theater, TK addy, $12/ticket, Cheap Chick Cheap Tip: When you order tickets, use code BLOG5 and get $2 off your ticket!

Tuesday Dec 13, 2011
First Class Adult Education: Hanukkah
From the 92Y Uptown, “Hanukkah is one of the most popular holidays in the Jewish year, but what is its true meaning? Learn about the history, customs and philosophy of this fascinating Jewish holiday with Rabbi David Kalb.” 7:30 p.m. 92Y Uptown, Lexington Ave., at 92nd Street, tkts are $25 and can be bought here: http://www.92y.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=73833

December 14, 2011
Holiday Beer Tasting and Reading With Shmaltz Brewing Company
Join Jeremy Cowan, author of "Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah" for a reading and beer tasting! From the Strand, ”Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah is the story of how it took 13 years, extreme Jewish brewing, and circus sideshow freaks to make Shmaltz Brewing Company the international success it is today.” Schmaltz is known for its HE’BREW Coney Island Craft Lagers, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Strand Bookstore, B’way and 12th Street, buy the book or purchase a $10 Strand gift card to attend!

Thursday December 15, 2011
Tablet Magazine's “Eight Days More, a Les Misérables tribute to Hanukkah!”
This is the “stirring musical story of the courageous and honorable Judah Maccabee, relentlessly hunted by the Hellenized high priest Jason.” 7:30 p.m., 92Y Tribeca, 200 Hudson Street, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, buy tkts here: http://www.92y.org/tribeca/tickets/production.aspx?pid=79497

CHERYL Does Chanukah
From the Jewish Museum, “The cat-masked artist collective throws a holiday-themed soiree!” 8 p.m., The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave at 92nd Street, Open bar with beer and wine from 8-9 p.m., c ash bar after 9 pm, $12 in advance, $15 at the door, advance tkts can be bought here: http://www.museumtix.com/program/program.aspx?vid=813&pid=5322763&pvt=jew

Saturday December 17, 2011
Major League Dreidel Tournament
If your dreidel is dry and ready bring it on down to the Major League Dreidel Tournament! Doors 6 p.m. show at 6:30 p.m., Knitting Factory, 361 Metroplitan Avenue, tkts are $10-$15 and can be bought here: http://majorleaguedreidel.com/

Menorah Horah: Hanukah Burlesque Show
See the Schlep Sisters in their Fifth annual Hanukkah Burlesque Show! Doors open at 6 p.m., Show starts at 8 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th Street, General admission seating: $15 in advance, $20 day of show, VIP seating: $20 in advance, $25 day of show! Buy tkts here: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3931425&REFID=hl

Jim Vagias Holiday Express
Take a magical train ride around the world to learn how different holidays are celebrated in different countries. Through a series of library books, children learn the celebrations behind Kwanzaa, Diwali, Solstice, Ramadan, Hanukkah and Christmas. All ages. 1 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush Ave. Free!

Saturday December 17–Sunday December 18, 2011
Meet the Holiday: Let’s Celebrate Hanukkah
Celebrate those eight crazy nights at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with food, fun, and crafts! 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m., Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave at St. Marks Ave., Free with museum admission. This event is appropriate for children ages one to five.

Sunday December 18, 2011
My Yiddishe Chanukah: A Musical feast for New York
The National Yiddish Theatre- Folksbiene will present New York music and theater acts featuring Zalmen Mlotek, Annette Ezekiel, and Alicia Jo Rabins of the Klezmer group Golem, Daniella Rabbani, Dmitri "Zisl-Yeysef" Slepovitch, and other special guests. 12 p.m. World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street, free!

Chanukah Celebration at the JCC in Manhattan
Take your whole family to the JCC to celebrate Chanukah by playing dreidel, making art, and decorating cookies! Plus enjoy a story reading by The Runaway Latkes by author Leslie Kimmelman,and a performance by The Little Maestros! 10 a.m., JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th Street, free!

Chanukah Fever with Mama Doni Band
Billed as a “holiday show for the whole family! The 92nd Street Y says, “The award-winning Mama Doni Band will get everyone dancing and singing with this concert celebrating Hanukkah! Rock out to reggae, pop and disco with songs like "La Vida Dreidel," "Chanukah Fever," "The Funky Gold Menorah” and "Latke Man!" 3 p.m., 92ndY Uptown, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, tkts are $15 and can be bought here: http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Event/Chanukah-Fever.aspx

“Latkes and Applesauce”
The Poppy Seed Players will present a musical Hanukkah revue for the whole family! The show will include a Hanukkah version of A Christmas Carol, a mother and daughter making latkes together, a parody of "American Idol," the story of "Thomas, the Shammus" and the klezmer-inspired title tune. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, $20 general admission, Three-concert Poppy Seed Players series subscription: $48! Tkts can be bought here: http://www.classictic.com/en/Poppy-Seed-Players-Latkes-Applesauce/16123/120267

Hanukkah Shofar Olive Oil Workshop at CMOM
"The Children's Museum of Manhattan is holding an olive oil press workshop in honor of Hanukkah. Try your hand at making olive oil from fresh olives with a hand press and discover why oil is important to the celebration. A great hands-on learning experience for children ages 5 and up. 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m." Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Free with admission ($11 for adults!)

Hanukkah Family Day
From the Jewish Museum, “Construct a sculptural Hanukkah menorah with funky found objects – a Jewish Museum tradition. You can also create a colorfully patterned dreidel, design a scene inspired by Ezra Jack Keats, hear live music and explore the museum’s world-famous collection of Hanukkah lamps. 12 p.m. to 4p.m., Jewish Fifth Ave. at 92nd Street, free w/museum admission ($12 for adults, children under 12, free!) For more details go here: http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/specialfamilydays

Monday December 19, 2011
BAM Latke Festival and Cook-off
Defy the potato and invent an entirely new latke! Or just make your taste buds tingle by sampling all the revolutionary creation of the professional and amateur chefs who are participating in bake-off this year! If you think you can compete against New York’s best, enter your best latke recipe. You can email your recipe to the editors of Edible Brooklyn at info@ediblebrooklyn.com. You could also win a new Breville 5-quart stand mixer! 6:30 p.m., BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue tkts are $30 (a little out of the normal cheap chick price range, but I figure all the yummy latke consumption makes up for it!), and can be bought here: http://www.greatperformances.com/latkefest

December 20-28, 2011
Lighting of the World's Largest Menorah
Celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting of the world's largest menorah, with the lighting of a 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel icon. Every night during the holiday, a candle will be lit. For the Sabbath, the lighting will be at 3:30pm on Friday and 8:30pm on Saturday (on all other days, a candle will be lit at 5:30pm). Grand Army Plaza (at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel), free!

December 20-28, 2011
Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting
Each night of the holiday, the menorah will be lit and revelers can enjoy hot latkes, gifts for the children and live music! Free!

Tuesday December 20, 2011
Chanukah on Ice
Skate around a giant ice menorah as it’s lit for sixth night of Hanukkah. A light dinner, donuts and hot beverages are included in the evening's festivities. All ages. 9 p.m., Wollman Ice skating rink, 830 Fifth Ave at East Dr. Central Park, $25, children ages 3–13 $20; in advance $22, children ages 3–13 $18.

Dec 20-23 and 26-27, 4:30 pm
Hanukkah Lights with Karina and Rebecca
From the 92nd St. Y, “Join our annual Hanukkah menorah lighting in the main lobby. Bring your dancing shoes, and sing and celebrate with Hanukkah chocolate gelt.” 92nd Y Uptown, Lexington Ave. at 92nd Street, free!

Thursday December 22, 2011
Beer+Latke Celebration 92nd Y Tribeca
From the 92ndY Tribeca, “Join us for an evening of beer tasting, latke sampling, candle lighting and dreidel spinning. Brooklyn Brewery’s beer expert Dan Moss will present delicious beer pairings to compliment 92YTribeca head chef Russell Moss’s innovative and daring latke creations. Rabbi-in-Residence Dan Ain will be available for all of your "December dilemma" questions and we'll top the night off with a fierce dreidel competition and a rousing game of Hanukkah trivia led by Jewish Life intern Allison Tick.” 7 p.m., Tribeca Art Gallery, 92nd Y Tribeca, 200 Hudson Street, Tickets are $18 advance, and $22 at the door!

December 22, 23, 26, and 27
Holiday Tour, Jewish Museum
From the museum, “Join us for a Hanukkah themed tour of the permanent exhibition, Culture and Continuity, 1:15 p.m., Jewish Museum, Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, Free with museum admission ($12)!

Friday December 23, 2011
Kinsey Sicks - Oy Vey in a Manger: Christmas Carols & Other Jewish Music
A cappella group the Kinsey Sticks perform new classics such as The Truth About Chanukah, Macaroona, and What's So Funny About Yiddish? Doors open at 6 p.m., Concert starts at 8 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th Street, tkts $30 in advance 9and can be bought here: http://www.highlineballroom.com/bio.php?id=1968 and $35 at the door, $10 minimum per table and the full dinner menu is available.

Hanukkah Dinner with Karina and Rebecca
From the 92Y, “Light the menorah and the Shabbat candles, and eat latkes and challah to celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbat at the same time!” 6 p.m., 9ndY Uptown, 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue, $10 for children, $30 for adults, Free for children under one year.

Hanukah Open Mic Night
“A dinner of latkes and applesauce will be followed by a Shabbat Service at 7 pm, then music and traditional songs, led by Rabbi Jill Hausman. The open mic from 8:30-10 includes an accompanist for participants.” Actor’s Temple, 339 West 47th Street (bet. Eighth and Ninth Avenues)

Saturday December 24, 2011
"Jewmongous"
“Singer Sean Altman celebrates his culture...with songs like "Be My Little Shabbos Goy" and "They Tried to Kill Us (We Survived, Let's Eat)." Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7 p.m., Joe's Pub - 425 Lafayette St., $20 in advance, $25 day of show!

"A Delightfully Jewish Christmas"
Join NYC's Top Jewish Comedians Ray Ellin, Lenny Marcus, MODI, Dan Naturman as they take humorous shots at that “other” big December holiday!, Doors open at 6 p.m., Show starts at 8 p.m., BB King’s, 237 West 42nd Street, Tkts are $25 in advance, $30 day of show, and can be bought here

Hanukkomedy
From 92Y Tribeca, “This night of comedy will feature Sandy Marks (HBO’s Comedy in the Park), MC Mr. Napkins (Comedy Central Records, Montreal Comedy Festival), Todd Barry (Bored to Death, The Wrestler) and Janeane Garofalo (Wet Hot American Summer, Criminal Minds) Join us for laughter, merriment and the occasional dreidel joke at this extra-festive comedy show hosted by Liam McEneaney (Tell Your Friends! The Concert Film!). 8 p.m., 92Y Tribeca, 200 Hudson Street, Tickets $13 adv / $15 door!

Occupy Chanukah
Occupy Chanukah is a community gathering of music in the celebration of the Festival of Lights. The Hebrew word “Chanukah” translates to “"Establishing" or "Dedication". There is a tremendous uprising of a sub culture of both Jewish and Israeli influenced music in various genres including, Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Hip Hop, Pop, and Soul, that have been emerging onto the American music scene. This “Neo Jewish Rock” scene will be celebrated with the gathering of the tribes for a night of music this Chanukah on Dec 24, 2011. Two concerts will be held coast to coast as Knitting Factory-Brooklyn and The Federal in North Hollywood celebrate the season with the top music artists on the "Neo Jewish" music scene. A community-wide Menorah lighting will kick off the night at 8pm at both venues.

Saturday December 24, and Sunday December 25, 2011
The Matzo Ball
Mix and mingle at the nation’s biggest party for Jewish singles! 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., $30-$55, Various Venues, For more info and to buy tkts go here: http://nyc.letmypeoplego.com/events/ages-21-42/880-nation-s-biggest-jewish-singles-event-16-years-in-a-row-the-ball-2011-in-nyc

Sunday December 25, 2011
Christmas Day Jewish Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Join Discovery Walking Tours this Chanukah, and “discover sites of Jewish heritage and biography in the East and West Village, including the homes of Emma Lazarus, who wrote the inscription to the Statue of Liberty, and activist Emma Goldman; the Yiddish Rialto theatre district; the Hebrew Technical School, which served as an early place of apprenticeship for many Jews; the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Building; the homes of Bob Dylan and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the place where Barbra Streisand got her start; and sites associated with David Sarnoff, Billy Crystal and Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor whose anti-Semitism almost prevented Jews from remaining in Manhattan.” 12:15 p.m., Call 212-465-3331 for reservations and meeting place, $18!

I Lift My Lamp: A Statue-esque Hanukkah
Go to The Museum of Jewish Heritage for a day of homage to Emma Lazarus and the Lady of the Harbor featuring Statue-inspired crafts, tours, and films.
11 a.m. An American Tail (1986, 86 min.)
1 p.m. Saboteur (1942, 109 min.)
3 p.m. Ghostbusters II (1989, 105 min.)
12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. craft activities for ages three to ten.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Free with Museum admission ($12 for adults, $8 students and seniors)!

Klez for Kids Concert
“Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest play right in the heart of the landmark Museum at Eldridge Street, encouraging kids to sing, dance and learn Yiddish. The festivities conclude with an audience-participatory shtetl wedding. 1 p.m., Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $6 for children under 12!”

Macaroons Performance
The Macaroons will perform three Hanukkah concerts for families at The Jewish Museum. Families can enjoy a guitar-based sound that recalls everything from the Kinks to Queen to the Shins. The Macaroons will perform such songs as “Hurry Up and Light The Candle” and “Mezuzah.” Shows will be at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., The Jewish Museum, Avenue at 92nd Street, $20 Adults; $15 Children, JM Family Member Prices: $17 Adults; $13 Children. Tkts can be purchased here: http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/familyconcerts. The concert is appropriate for children ages five and up.

Jewish Christmas Day LES Walking Tour
Spend the day with Big Onion on their original tour – created by them in 1991! “Stroll through more than 150 years of Jewish history on the East Side. Our tour combines historic and religious sites, politics and people of what was once the largest Jewish community in the world. Stops could include: the founding site of the B’nai B’rith, the Jewish Daily Forward building, the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, and sites associated with Rabbi Jacob Joseph, Abraham Cahan, and Lillian Wald. 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Meet at the SW corner of Essex and Delancey Streets, in front of the American Choice Deli/Chase Bank, $18 for adults! Pay at tour.

Chinese and a Movie: "Raiders" and "Jurassic Park"
Ditch that "Christmas Story" marathon and chow down on an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet as you watch Spielberg-directed action-packed flicks! Booze will be available at the bar!(Food from 2pm until it is all gone.) Doors open at 2 p.m., 2:30pm – Raiders of the Lost Ark, 4:30pm – Jurassic Park, 92Y Tribecs, 200 Hudson Street, tkts are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and can be bought here: http://www.92y.org/Tribeca/Event/Chinese-And-A-Movie.aspx

Chanukah Party
Observe the festival of lights in Queens! Families can enjoy face painting, crafts, musical performances, and dancing. Bring your menorah for a candle lighting ceremony with other Jewish families! Apple cider and warm latkes will also be provided! 3 p.m., Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent St between Newton and 28th Aves, Astoria, Adults: $12, children ages 6–12: $5, children under six free!

West End Synagogue Chanukah Celebration
The West End Synagogue will be hosting its own Chnukah celebration today featuring a performance by singer-songwriter Michelle Citrin (star of YouTube videos "Rosh Hashanah Girl" and "20 Things to Do with Matzah").There will also be Chanukah crafts and latkes, and chocolate gelt. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. West End Synagogue, 190 Amsterdam Ave (at 69th St.), $5 suggested donation, $18 per family. Appropriate for all ages.

From Delancey to Doughnuts: A Chanukah Walking Tour
The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy is presenting its From Delancey to Doughnuts: A Chanukah Walking Tour today! The tour starts at the LESJC Kling and Niman Family Visitor Center where the photo exhibit “If You Live in New York, displays the works of photojournalist Julian Voloj, and focuses on NYC LES Jewish community, The second stop is Congregation Kehila Kedosha Janina, a little-known host to a congregation of Romaniote Jews, and a presentation by resident scholar and museum director, Marcia Haddad Ikolomopolis. The last stop is Congregation Bnai Jacob Anshe Brzezan (Stanton Street Shul), which contains one of the few remaining examples of Mazalot (a sacred Jewish art form featuring zodiac symbols usually depicted in mural form.) The program concludes with lighting the menorah, soufganiot (doughnuts), and coffee.11 a.m. Meet at the LES JC Kling & Niman Family Visitor Center, 400 Grand Street between Clinton and Suffolk, Adults: $16; seniors and students: $14, $2 more the day of tour, buy tkts in advance here: http://www.nycjewishtours.org/events_calendar.htm#122511

December 27, 2011
Hanukkah Crafts
Create Hanukkah crafts in Central Park,12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Park, Chess & Checkers House (Mid-Park at 65th Street), free!

You can also take the opportunity to visit the Children's Galleries for Jewish Culture (http://www.cgjc.org/) and the Jewish Children's Museum (http://www.jcm.museum/!)

Ny Mag’s Hannukah Dessert Guide!
http://nymag.com/guides/holidays/hanukkah-desserts/

Hanukkah Food Guide
http://www.alwayshungryny.com/thought-for-food/entry/alwaysholidays-eight-crazy-deep-fried-nights/

Check out this latke recipe!
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/turmeric_latkes_with_applesauce.html