Reading to celebrate 4th Annual Community Menorah Lighting on December 14

(2-minute read)

The Reading community is invited to come together in celebration of Hanukkah at the town’s 4th Annual Community Menorah Lighting, taking place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 5 pm on the Reading Town Common. This inclusive, family-friendly tradition provides neighbors with a meaningful and festive way to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

This year’s celebration begins earlier in the afternoon with a special Hanukkah Storytime hosted by Whitelam Books at 3:00 pm. Families are invited to enjoy readings of Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay, and Lost and Found Hanukkah by Joy Preble. This free event welcomes readers of all ages and will be held at Whitelam Books, located at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven and Main Street. Attendees can enjoy a warm literary experience before heading to the Town Common for the menorah lighting.

At 5:00 pm, the community will gather on the Common for the official lighting ceremony, featuring remarks from a local clergy member, a StoryWalk, and a festive performance by the Reading Community Singers. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Reading Food Pantry, helping spread generosity throughout the season.

If inclement weather arises, the event will move indoors to the downstairs hall of First Congregational Church, ensuring that the celebration can continue comfortably and safely.

Following the menorah lighting, all are invited to First Congregational Church for continued festivities, including children’s crafts, latkes, sufganiyot (donuts), hot cocoa, and Israeli folk dancing. These post-event activities provide a joyful opportunity for learning, connection, and celebration across all ages.

This annual community event is made possible through partnerships with numerous local organizations, including the Reading Community Singers, Reading Clergy Association, RCTV, Reading Residents for Inclusion, Whitelam Books, Reading Rotary, Honey Dew Donuts, First Congregational Church of Reading, Reading Cultural Council, The Office of Equity and Social Justice, Burbank YMCA, Presence&Co. CATO: The Coalition of Us, and others. The Mass Cultural Council provided additional support through the Reading Cultural Council.

For questions or accessibility needs, community members may contact Michele at ReadingMenorah@gmail.com or 617-957-7964.

All are welcome to participate in this celebration of light, community, story, and tradition.