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 14-22.
Hanukkah Events in New Orleans
Latkes with a Twis
The 11th Annual Latkes with a Twist features a latke bar with all the toppings and more, plus live music and a complimentary open bar. Tickets are $54 and the event is on Sunday, Dec. 6 at Press Street Station at NOCCA (5 Homer Plessy Way).
Chanukah @ Riverwalk
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Riverwalk on Sunday, Dec. 14. From 4-6 pm., enjoy live music, kosher food, activities, and a Menorah lighting. This event is free and open to the public.
Tipitina’s Presents Melvin Funkenstein’s
Melvin Funkenstein’s 7th Annual Hanukkah Funkstravaganza also serves at a benefit for the Roots of Music. Enjoy the show on December 14 at Tipitina’s. Tickets are $27.98.
Chanukah Celebration @ JCC
This family-friendly event at the New Orleans JCC is open to the New Orleans community and will feature Yerachmiel Begun & The Miami Boys Choir. On December 15, guests will enjoy homemade latkes and traditional sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Enjoy hands-on activities and crafts for the kids. This event is free and open to the public.
Mobile Menorah Parade
Celebrate Hanukkah with the annual Mobile Menorah Parade on Saturday, Dec. 20. This car parade starts at 7:30 p.m. in Uptown New Orleans (Freret and Broadway). It goes down St. Charles Avenue 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. This event is free and open to the public.
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 three-course dinner offered from December 26 through January 2 (excluding December 31) at The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel. Beet Panzanella Salad is followed by Honey Lemon Roasted Chicken with Sufganiyot for dessert. Price is $80.
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.