Hanukkah in Portland, Oregon

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated annually in the American city of Portland, Oregon.

Events and activities

Among annual events is the lighting of the public menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square, which has taken place since 1984.[1] Hundreds gathered in 2022[2] and approximately 900 people attended the lighting ceremony in 2023.[3] Approximately 500 people attended in 2025.[4][5] The ceremony is hosted by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life.[6] Public menorahs have also been displayed at Director Park[7][8] and at Jamison Square in the Pearl District.[9][10] Additionally, the annual ceremony for the lighting of the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree has acknowledged Hanukkah; for example, the 2017 event included a rendition of "I Have a Little Dreidel".[11]

In 2023, Congregation Neveh Shalom hosted the "Let It Glow Chanukah Festival", which featured cookie decorating, a dance party, games, handicraft, and other entertainment.[12] There was also a "S'mores and Hanukkah Sing-a-long" at Leikam Brewing and a "Hanukkah Night Market" at Eastside Jewish Commons.[13] On the last night of Hanukkah in 2023, Portland saw participation in a protest by shutting down the Burnside Bridge and lighting a 12-foot-tall menorah. The protest called for a ceasefire in Gaza. According to KPTV, the demonstration "was in coordination with Jewish Voice for Peace and other Jewish-led groups forming bridge blockades in several major cities across the United States".[14]

In 2024, approximately 100 people from the local Jewish community celebrated the holiday by playing pickleball at People's Courts.[15] In 2025, there was increased security for holiday events, following the Bondi Beach shooting.[16] KGW said the Portland Police Bureau "reached out to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland to collaborate on how to address concerns and ensure community safety. Police will increase patrols in and around Jewish places of worship, schools and community centers, as well as various events celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah."[17] A "Hanukkah Rave" was held at the Barrel Room, a bar in downtown Portland.[18] Other Hanukkah events in Portland in 2025 included the "Llamakkah" menorah lighting at Lewis & Clark College featuring donuts, latkes, and therapy llamas, a menorah lighting ceremony at Multnomah Village, and another lighting ceremony before a Portland Trail Blazers game.[19]

Multnomah Athletic Club has hosted Hanukkah celebrations.[20]

Food and drink

Some local restaurants and grocery stores have offered specials for the holiday.[21] Kachka hosts an annual Latke Party.[22] Elephants Delicatessen and Zupan's Markets have also offered special food options.[22] The defunct Sweet Lorraine's offered latkes and sufganiyot for the holiday.[23]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Hanukkah celebration at Pioneer Courthouse Square begins Dec. 14 with free public event". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2026-01-02. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  2. ^ "Hanukkah begins with crowds gathered for menorah lightings in Portland and Hillsboro". The Oregonian.
  3. ^ 2023:
  4. ^ Graves, Mark (2025-12-15). "Hundreds gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square for first night of Hanukkah menorah lighting". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  5. ^ "'Light is stronger than darkness': Oregon Jewish leaders up security at Hanukkah events after Australia attack". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on 2026-02-14. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  6. ^ Marks, Makenna (2025-12-15). "Police increase security at Portland's annual Hanukkah event". KPTV. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  7. ^ Arden, Amanda (November 28, 2021). "Cities light menorahs on first night of Hanukkah". KOIN.
  8. ^ "Portlanders Gather For 1st Night Of Hanukkah". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  9. ^ Davis, Matt. "The Grinch That Stole Hanukkah?". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  10. ^ "Menorah lighting at Jamison Square; $20 gift card at Henry's Tavern; restaurants open Christmas Day; last days of Green Frog Toys: Northwest Portland weekend news". The Oregonian.
  11. ^ Nakamura, Beth (2017-11-25). "Portland's annual tree-lighting ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square marks start of holiday season". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  12. ^ "Here's how to celebrate Hanukkah in the Portland metro area". KGW. 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  13. ^ Harris, Emily (2023-12-07). "Where to see menorah lightings and more in Portland this Hanukkah". Axios Portland. Archived from the original on 2024-06-16. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  14. ^ Kim, Soyoung (2023-12-14). "Protesters light menorah on Portland's Burnside Bridge, call for Gaza ceasefire". KPTV. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  15. ^ Armstrong, Mikhala (2024-12-27). "Portland Jewish Community find a new way to celebrate Hanukkah". KPTV. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  16. ^ 2025:
  17. ^ "Portland Jewish leaders condemn Sydney attack; police will increase patrols at local Jewish events". KGW.
  18. ^ "Hanukkah Rave lights up Portland ahead of the Jewish Festival of Lights". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  19. ^ Seibold, Hannah (2025-12-12). "Where to light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah around Portland". Portland Tribune. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  20. ^ "Holidays at MAC". The Winged M. Multnomah Athletic Club. November 2025. p. 54. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  21. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (2021-11-22). "Where to Find Hanukkah Fixings Across Portland in 2022". Eater Portland. Vox Media. Archived from the original on 2021-12-01. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  22. ^ a b "The Best Takeout, Dine-In, and Pop-Ups for Christmas and Hanukkah in Portland". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  23. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (2023-12-05). "Crispy, Golden Latkes Are Hidden Away Within This Southeast Portland Brewery". Eater Portland. Retrieved 2026-03-06.

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