Where to light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah around Portland

Published 5:00 am Friday, December 12, 2025

Rabbi Moshe Wilhelm lights the shamash, or “helper" candle on the public menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square on the first night of Hanukkah in 2023. From this candle the others will be lit daily. (Portland Tribune)

From twirling dreidels and latke-filled laughter to the glow of a giant public menorah in Pioneer Courthouse Square, Hanukkah season is returning to the City of Roses and beyond with a lineup of festive fun.

Here’s a look at events happening in Portland and the surrounding areas:

🕎Pioneer Square Menorah Lighting

What: Latka bar, live music, celebrities, gelt drop, Dreidelman
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square

The event is free, but registration is required. There will be additional lightings at various times.

To find a full schedule and to register, visit chanukah1800.com.

🍸Southwest Portland “Menorahs & Martinis”

What: Women’s menorah lighting, artisanal latke bar, salads, drinks, pressed-flower candle craft
When: Monday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.
Where: Private home in Southwest Portland. To get the exact address, RSVP for the event.

For more, visit jportland.com.

🦙Lewis & Clark “Llamakkah” Menorah Lighting

What: Therapy llamas, donuts and latkes, student celebration
When: Monday, Dec. 15
Times:
• 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for llama petting
• 5 p.m. for the menorah lighting
• 5:15 pm. for a party in Fowler
Where: Lawn in front of Gregg Pavilion

Be sure to RSVP for the event by texting 971-247-8898.

🍩Northeast Portland Chanukah Donut Factory

What: Donut making, decorating, dreidels, lighting, latkes
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 4635 N.E. Ninth Ave., Portland

For more, visit jewishnortheast.com.

🪗Lake Oswego Chanukah Concert & Lighting

What: Live concert with Aryeh Kunstler, latka bar, large celebration
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego

For more, visit jewishlo.com.

🏀Chanukah at the Trailblazers

What: Pregame menorah lighting for the 5th night
When: Sunday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m.
Where: In front of the Imperial Coliseum

Find tickets at blazersgroups.com.

🎶Gresham Menorah Lighting & Klezmer Concert

What: Hot latkes, chocolate coins, hot drinks, klezmer band The Carpathian-Pacific Express
When: Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m.
Where: Gresham Arts Plaza, 401 N.E. Second St., Gresham

🕯️Multnomah Village Community Lighting

What: Pottery painting at Butterfly Effect Art Space; Chanukah foods with klezmer music; eighth-night lighting
When: Sunday, Dec. 21, with pottery and activities starting at 2 p.m., and the menorah lighting at 4:15 p.m.
Where: Multnomah Village

To register, visit jportland.com.