Celebrating Chanukah With A New Tradition In The Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Although they are usually open to everyone, public menorah lighting events can be a little intimidating to those without a complete understanding of the observance — a relatively new tradition is helping to bring the celebration to the wider community in Hudson Valley towns and villages.

When the Village of Larchmont meets on Sunday for its inaugural Chanukah Village Walk, everyone in town will be a part of the festivities, because the excitement will take place all over town. The parade-like atmosphere also gives local merchants a better opportunity to be part of the community-wide event.

The mobile nature of this year's observance doesn't mean any of the expected trappings of Chanukah will be missing. The aroma of latkes, hot donuts and fresh apple cider will waft through the entire village. Crafts and activities for both grownups and kids will take place at stops along the Chanukah Village Walk route, giving the whole village a chance to experience the joy of the season.

The events will culminate with a gathering at Constitution Park for the crowd favorite gelt drop and the lighting of the grand menorah.

Organizers said that while other communities around the U.S. have celebrated Chanukah with village walks in the past, this will mark the first time the Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck has taken the festivities for a stroll, creating a brand new tradition to include the whole village.

Having more places to celebrate only increases the chances of involving neighbors who might not otherwise attend a grand menorah lighting. The new tradition was conceived to be an easily approachable way for even first-timers to experience the delight of Chanukah.

In Larchmont, the fun kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5. The official starting point of the Chanukah Village Walk will be 10538 Bicycles at 146 Larchmont Ave. Participants will receive a map of vendors as a guide to exploring the free festivities, some familiar from Chanukahs past, including the Judah Maccabee Photo Booth, live music and balloons for the kids. The walk will move to Constitution Park at 4:30 p.m. for the grand menorah lighting and gelt drop.

Local merchants participating in the walk include Foley Hardware+Home, One River, Alacantara's Nails, Village Mercantile, Larchmont Discount Wines, Jack's Barber Shop, Larchmont Public Library, Taaru, Majeure, Houlihan Lawrence, Lauren Tormenta, Electrolux, Decoration Day and Weichert Realtors.

The free event is open to anyone in the community. Participants may RSVP here, if they wish.