Massive Chanukah Festival Planned In West Hartford This Weekend

Chabad of Greater Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — One of the area's largest Chanukah celebrations will take place this Sunday in West Hartford.

Chabad of Greater Hartford invites the entire community to this year’s "Chanukah Fire on Ice" celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14, in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot, 50 S. Main St.

The event begins at 3 p.m. and is free of charge.

Chanukah starts Sunday, Dec. 14, and continues to Dec. 22.

"Held annually during Chanukah, Fire on Ice continues to serve as a bold and uplifting display of Jewish pride, unity, and resilience," wrote event organizers in an announcement.

This year’s celebration will feature a high-energy live performance by Yoni Z, "one of the world’s most electrifying Jewish performers."

"Known for his dynamic stage presence, powerful vocals, and genre-blending musical style, Yoni Z brings a message of hope, joy, and Jewish pride that resonates deeply—especially this year," organizers wrote.

The centerpiece of the event remains the live carving of an 8-foot ice menorah, which will be illuminated in a grand menorah lighting ceremony.

"The menorah stands as a symbol of endurance, faith, and the triumph of light—expressed publicly and proudly in the heart of West Hartford," wrote event organizers.

The beloved Chanukah Gift Drop with the West Hartford Fire Department will once again thrill children as chocolate coins and treats rain down from the extended fire truck ladder.

Children were invited to participate in the “Be the Light” Art Contest, creating artwork that reflects the timeless message: “A little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness.”

Submissions — paintings, drawings, sculptures, or photographs — were already submitted and the winning entry will be announced live on stage.

The West Hartford Police Department will again work closely with event organizers to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for all attendees, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers present.

For more information and to register for the free celebration, click on this link.

Chabad of Greater Hartford offers Jewish education, community programming, and social services for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations. For more information about Chanukah or the event, contact Rabbi Shaya Gopin at 860-232-1116 or visit www.ChabadHartford.com. More Chanukah information is available at www.ChabadHartford.com/Hanukkah.