Families with young children can celebrate Hanukkah and the season leading up to it at events across Chicago and the suburbs throughout November and December.
From Babyccino classes and toddler-friendly yoga to menorah-making and Latkefest dinners, we’ve rounded up 11 festive ways to connect with Jewish traditions and community this year.
Babyccino with Chabad of Lincoln Square
9:30-10:30 a.m. Sundays, Oct. 26-Nov. 30, 2025
Join local Jewish moms and tots for a cozy morning of music, movement and sensory play that explores core Jewish values. Each week features a new theme in a warm and welcoming setting. Registration is required.
- Address: Itsy-Bitsy Play Space, 4210 N. Western Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $15 per family per session or $60 for all six weeks
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: Babies and toddlers with caregivers
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Street parking available nearby
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; restrooms and ramps available
- Registration: Registration required at juf.org/youngfamilies
Baby Beginnings with Anshe Emet Synagogue
9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Nov. 7-Dec. 12, 2025
Meet other families with babies under 1 year old and enjoy music, movement and sensory play led by early childhood experts. Each Friday features a different guest partner, from yoga to live music. Registration is required.
- Address: Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago
- Cost: $12 per family per class
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: Babies under 1 year with caregivers
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Limited lot and nearby street parking
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; restrooms and ramps available
- Registration: Registration required at juf.org/youngfamilies
Baby & Me Yoga Class with Shir Hadash Synagogue
10-10:45 a.m. Sundays, Nov. 9, 2025-April 26, 2026
Enjoy a calming yoga session that helps parents bond with their babies through gentle movement and relaxation. Each class focuses on breathing, stretching and connection, with no prior yoga experience needed. Registration is required.
- Address: Shir Hadash Synagogue, 200 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling
- Cost: $5 per child
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: Babies and caregivers
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; restrooms and ramps available
- Registration: Advance registration required at juf.org/youngfamilies
Adult & Tot Make ‘n Take: Hanukkah Menorah and Handmade Card
9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Families can create a handmade menorah and Hanukkah card together in this hands-on session for young children. Kids will explore Jewish traditions through crafts, songs and stories. Registration is required.
- Address: Deerfield High School, 1959 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield
- Cost: Free for Kol Hadash members, $10 per class for nonmembers
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: Ages 3-6 with a grown-up
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free lot; enter through rear/east entrance
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and elevators available
- Registration: Registration required at KolHadash.com
Torah Tots Sunday Morning
9:15-10:15 a.m. Sundays, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14, 2025; Feb. 1 and April 19, 2026
Families with young children can enjoy a morning of crafts, play, songs and snacks while learning about Jewish traditions. Each session focuses on building community and celebrating upcoming holidays in a fun, hands-on way. Registration is required.
- Address: Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation, 4 Happ Road, Northfield
- Cost: $18 per family
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: Young children with their parents or caregivers
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps available; sensory accommodations not listed
- Registration: Registration required at juf.org/youngfamilies
jBaby & PJ Library: Coffee & Connections – Skokie
1:15-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Meet other parents for coffee, conversation, and community at this casual afternoon gathering hosted by JUF Young Families. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where babies are welcome and kosher options are available. Registration is encouraged.
- Address: Soul Good Coffee, 4022 Main St., Skokie
- Cost: Free
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: Parents with babies or young children
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Street and nearby lot parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; restrooms available
- Registration: Registration encouraged at juf.org/youngfamilies
“Zootopia” Shabbat
4:45-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Celebrate Shabbat with snacks, a family service, dinner and “Zootopia”-themed activities. Kids ages 0-3 and 4-7 get their own activity blocks while parents connect. Registration is required; registration closes at noon Tuesday, Nov. 18.
- Address: Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago
- Cost: Members $18 per adult/$15 per child; nonmembers $25 per adult/$20 per child
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: All ages; activities for ages 0-3 and 4-7
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Not listed on the event page; call ahead if you plan to bring a stroller
- Parking: Not listed on the event page; check neighborhood street and nearby lot options
- Accessibility: Not listed on the event page; contact the synagogue for accommodations
- Registration: Registration required; closes at noon Tuesday, Nov. 18 at ansheemet.org
PJ Library Family Taproom Meetup: Chanukah Connect & Craft
Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Enjoy a laid-back afternoon at Half Acre’s taproom with crafts for kids, appetizers and drinks for adults. Families can socialize, make new friends and celebrate the season in a warm, welcoming space. Registration is encouraged.
- Address: Half Acre Beer Co, 2050 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free; food included, drinks available for purchase
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: Families with young children
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Street parking available nearby
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; restrooms available
- Registration: Registration encouraged at juf.org/youngfamilies
Chicago Kids Chanukah Party
4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Celebrate Chanukah with music, games, art and snacks at this family-friendly event hosted by Bubbles Academy and jBaby. Kids can sing, dance, play dreidel and make holiday crafts while parents join in the fun. Registration is required.
- Address: Bubbles Academy, 1308 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $30 per child; adults and babies under 6 months attend free
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: Ages 0 months-6 years with adult participation
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free lot and nearby street parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and restrooms available
- Registration: Registration required at bubblesacademy.com
Hanukkah Family Celebration & Lunch
10:30 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Families are invited to celebrate Hanukkah with songs, crafts, dreidel games, and a festive lunch. Kids can make their own clay dreidels and enjoy activities while parents connect and join in the fun. Open to everyone; advance registration recommended.
- Address: Deerfield High School, 1959 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield
- Cost: Free admission; donations and unwrapped gifts accepted for children in need
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free lot; enter through rear/east entrance
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and restrooms available
- Registration: Open to everyone; advance registration recommended at KolHadash.com
Hanukkah Shabbat Service, Celebration & Latkefest
5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
Celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbat with food, music and community at Temple Beth-El. Families can enjoy a Latkefest taste test, candle lighting and festive dessert Oneg. Registration is required.
- Address: Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook
- Cost: $5 per person; register by Monday, Dec. 15
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and restrooms available
- Registration: Registration required at templebeth-el.org
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
