Raritan NJ
12-01-2025 1:57pm

Chabad of Greater Somerset County Wants to Celebrate with Somerset County

Basking Ridge, NJ — December 1st, 2025 
Chabad of Greater Somerset County is inviting the entire community to join a festive and inspiring county-wide celebration of Chanukah. This year’s holiday programming includes a dynamic series of events, highlighted by a grand Gelt Drop, lively community menorah lightings, a glowing Menorah Car Parade, and special holiday gatherings for families, teens, and seniors.

The season begins with the highly anticipated Grand Gelt Drop and Outdoor Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 14 at 4:30 PM at Chabad in Basking Ridge. Families will gather to watch chocolate gelt and gifts rain from above, lighting up the evening with excitement and joy. New this year, guests will enjoy a hot dog dinner in addition to fresh latkes, hot cider, donut decorating, Chanukah swag, and dancing alongside a towering nine-foot LED robot. This event is completely free and open to the entire community, offering a warm and inclusive space for all to celebrate.

On Tuesday, December 16, Chabad, together with the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, will host the 3rd Annual Menorah Car Parade, which brings the light of Chanukah to the streets of Basking Ridge, Warren, and Bridgewater. Participants will gather at Chabad at 5:30 PM to pick up their car menorahs and decorate their vehicles before setting off on a glowing procession from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The parade concludes with a menorah lighting celebration at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex at 7:00 PM. Community members are also encouraged to cheer the parade on from viewing spots at the SSBJCC and Bardy Farms. Those decorating their cars will have the chance to win a $100 prize, and due to limited space, advance registration is strongly encouraged at chabadcentral.org/menorahparade.

Throughout the week of Chanukah, Chabad will host community menorah lightings across Somerset County, including at the Bernardsville Shopping Center on December 15 at 5:30 PM, at Flag Plaza in Warren on December 17 at 5:30 PM, and at the Allen Street Gazebo in Basking Ridge on December 20 at 6:30 PM. Each lighting will feature traditional holiday treats, including latkes, hot drinks, gelt, and Chanukah gifts, along with music, warm community spirit, and activities for all ages. All events are free and open to the public.

Additional holiday programs include a Wisdom Circle Chanukah Brunch on December 17, the Zimmer Family Chanukah Pajamukah celebration on December 18, a Hebrew School Oily Treats Chanukah Fun on December 21, and the annual CTeen Chanukah Party, with details to be announced.

Chanukah is a time for light, warmth, and unity. We are excited to once again bring the joy of the holiday to families across Somerset County. These events create an atmosphere of togetherness and celebration that truly reflects the spirit of the season.

Community members who would like to sponsor a menorah lighting or support the festivities may contact Rabbi Mendel Shemtov at mshemtov@chabadcentral.org.

Join the Celebration!

For detailed information and event schedules, please visit our website at chabadcentral.org/menorah

Let's make this Chanukah a celebration to remember!

Chabad of Somerset County welcomes everyone to join us for a fun-filled and meaningful Chanukah experience. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Contact:

Stay Connected:

More News from Raritan
I'm interested
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive