Every year in New Orleans, Hanukkah is celebrated with food, fun, and festive events. We’ve got a Menorah Parade and plenty of options for latkes. Here’s how we’re celebrating Hanukkah in New Orleans, this December 25 – January 2.
Hanukkah Events
Mobile Menorah Parade
Celebrate Hanukkah with the annual Mobile Menorah Parade on Saturday, Dec. 28. This car parade starts at 7:30 p.m. in Uptown New Orleans (Freret and Broadway). It goes down St. Charles into the CBD to Poydras to Convention Center Blvd to Canal to N. Peters to Esplanade to Frenchman to Royal to St. Charles and back Uptown.
Chanukah @ Pelicans
Enjoy an outing to a Pelicans basketball game on Monday, Dec. 30. Head to the Jameson Sports Bar section 104 for happy hour and the menorah lighting at 5 p.m. The game tips off at 7 p.m. against the LA Clippers. Purchase tickets here.
Community Chanukah Celebration
This family-friendly event at the New Orleans JCC is open to the New Orleans community and will feature The Hebrew Hammers, a local brass/funk band playing lively Chanukah songs and upbeat tunes to get everyone into the holiday spirit. On December 19, guests will enjoy homemade latkes, traditional sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and a light vegetarian dinner. Fun activities will include dreidels, gelt, party favors and Chanukah candles to take home. Please RSVP here in advance!
Latkes, labneh, and more
L’CHAIM LOUNGE
Saba will be bringing back its L’Chaim Lounge for all eight nights of Hanukkah inside Saba’s Lounge. Indulge in their signature Latke Board which comes with labneh, apple butter, latkes, pickled shallots, beet tahini, marinated parsley, whipped butter, and ikra. Sip on festive cocktails (loosely) named after Jewish pop-culture icons (think: Barbra Streisand, Jerry Seinfeld, and a non-alcoholic offering named Ruth Shaya). The room will be decked out with festive holiday balloons, decorations, and Hanukkah traditions, such as lighting the Menorah to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah Dinner at The Grill Room
Indulge in a four-course dinner offered every night of Hanukkah (excluding December 31) at The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel. Roasted cauliflower steak is followed by smoked salmon latkes. For the main, choose between fresh Atlantic salmon or butternut squash agnolotti. Dessert is apple cider cake. $80; book here.
Latke Daddy Pop-Up
Enjoy lots of latkes and seasonal treats via the Latke Daddy pop-up. The man himself (Adam Mayer) will be all around town selling his latke creations this holiday season, so be sure to follow his Instagram for the latest.
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience covers the geographical area of 13 southern states and 300 years of history. It features exhibits, collections, and programming focused on the history of Southern Jews. Interactive exhibits make for a wonderful experience to learn about the history of Judaism and how it is practiced today. Visit the museum during Hanukkah to learn more about Jewish history in the South.